Summary
This controlled experiment evaluated how arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi inoculum and aqueous Landoltia punctata (duckweed) extract, alone or in combination, influenced the growth and biochemical composition of lettuce cultivar 'Dubáček'. Although biostimulant applications did not increase above-ground biomass, the L. punctata extract treatments significantly enhanced chlorophyll pigments (15.9–16.0% for chlorophyll a; 42.8–55.5% for chlorophyll b), raised total phenolic content (peak 254.28 mg/kg with combined treatment), and substantially reduced leaf nitrate accumulation (33.6–35.1% reduction). Amino acid analysis revealed the extract is rich in γ-aminobutyric acid, valine, phenylalanine, and tryptophan, which may explain its biostimulant action.
Regional applicability
The findings are relevant to United Kingdom horticulture, particularly protected cropping systems and indoor growing of leafy vegetables where biostimulant enhancement of crop quality—without increased biomass—and reduction of nitrate content could support market differentiation and food safety. Transferability to field conditions in the UK would require further investigation, as this study was conducted indoors.
Key measures
Above-ground biomass, chlorophyll a and b content (% change), total phenolic content (mg/kg), leaf nitrate content (% reduction), mycorrhizal root colonisation (%), amino acid composition of Landoltia extract
Outcomes reported
The study measured growth (above-ground biomass), photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a and b), phenolic content, nitrate accumulation, amino acid profiles, and root colonisation by mycorrhizal fungi in lettuce plants subjected to four treatment variants.
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