Open Access

ARTICLE

Mycorrhizal Fertilizer Enhances Lettuce Growth and Vitamin C in Semi-Arid Conditions

Ceren Ayşe Bayram^*

Department of Plant and Animal Production, Adıyaman University Kahta Vocational School, Adıyaman, 02400, Türkiye

* Corresponding Author: Ceren Ayşe Bayram. Email:

(This article belongs to the Special Issue: Advances in Plant Nutrition-Mechanisms, Regulation, and Sustainable Applications)

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany 2025, 94(10), 3283-3295. https://doi.org/10.32604/phyton.2025.073047

Received 09 September 2025; Accepted 22 October 2025; Issue published 29 October 2025

Abstract

In semi-arid regions where climatic limitations hinder open-field vegetable production, greenhouse-based lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) cultivation plays a vital role in ensuring off-season supply. In this study, the potential of sustainable input combinations was evaluated to enhance lettuce productivity, quality, and profitability under unheated greenhouse conditions in Southeastern Türkiye. Treatments included farmer practice and a mycorrhizal biofertilizer (ERS, a water-soluble arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus product) applied alone or in combination with organic-based biostimulants (IS and NM). Evaluated parameters were plant height, leaf pigmentation (a*, h°), SPAD values, vitamin C, nitrogen and phosphorus content, and gross margin. The ERS2+IS&NM treatment significantly enhanced plant height (32.5 cm), vitamin C content (28.63 mg 100 g⁻¹ FW), and gross margin ($616.09 da⁻¹), along with improved nutrient uptake and leaf coloration. These findings highlight the synergistic benefits of integrating mycorrhizal inoculants with organic-based biostimulants in greenhouse-grown lettuce systems. The results contribute to the development of eco-friendly, climate-resilient production strategies for protected cultivation in semi-arid environments.

---

Keywords

---