Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) Improved Growth and Nutritional Quality of Greenhouse-Grown Lettuce

• DOI: 10.1021/jf200501c
• Publication Date: 2011-04-19T16:39:39Z
• Authors: Marouane Baslam; Idoia Garmendia; Nieves Goicoechea
• Keywords: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi; Phenylpropanoid; Arbuscular mycorrhiza

Lettuce can be associated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). This symbiosis involves a molecular dialogue between fungus and plant that includes the activation of antioxidant, phenylpropanoid, or carotenoid pathways. The objective this study was to test if association lettuce AMF benefited growth increased contents compounds potentially beneficial for human health. Results showed improved lettuce, thus producing dilution effect on concentrations some mineral nutrients (e.g., Ca Mn). However, Cu, Fe, anthocyanins, carotenoids, and, lesser extent, phenolics appeared in higher (on wet basis) than nonmycorrhizal plants.