TY  - EJOU
AU  - Bayram, Ceren Ayşe 

TI  - Mycorrhizal Fertilizer Enhances Lettuce Growth and Vitamin C in Semi-Arid Conditions
T2  - Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany

PY  - 2025
VL  - 94
IS  - 10
SN  - 1851-5657

AB  - In semi-arid regions where climatic limitations hinder open-field vegetable production, greenhouse-based lettuce (<i>Lactuca sativa</i> 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<sup>−1</sup> FW), and gross margin ($616.09 da<sup>−1</sup>), 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.
KW  - <i>Lactuca sativa</i>; biostimulant; arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi; greenhouse production; sustainable horticulture; gross margin

DO  - 10.32604/phyton.2025.073047