Appraisal of Biodegradable Mulching Films and Vegetal-Derived Biostimulant Application as Eco-Sustainable Practices for Enhancing Lettuce Crop Performance and Nutritive Value

• DOI: 10.3390/agronomy10030427
• Publication Date: 2020-03-20T15:42:11Z
• Authors: Eugenio Cozzolino; Maria Giordano; Nunzio Fiorentino; Christophe El-Nakhel; Antonio Pannico; Ida Di Mola; Mauro Mori; Marios Kyriacou; Giuseppe Colla; Youssef Rouphael
• Keywords: Biofertilizer; Biodegradable plastic

Scientists, extensions specialists, and growers are seeking sustainable agricultural practices that able to cope with these objectives in order ensure global food security minimize environmental damage. The use of mulching films plant biostimulants agriculture seems be a valid solution for tackling rising concerns. A greenhouse experiment was conducted elucidate the morpho-physiological nutritive characteristics lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) response foliar application tropical extract (PE) biostimulant plastic mulches. Two biodegradable mulch treatments (Mater-Bi® 1 Mater-Bi® 2) were compared black polyethylene (LDPE) bare soil. Biodegradable film produced comparable marketable fresh yield commercial standard (LDPE), whereas 2 exhibited highest crop productivity. When averaged over application, plants grown superior quality traits terms K, Ca, total ascorbic acid, carotenoids content. combination (LDPE, or positive significant synergistic effect (+30%) on yield. PE-biostimulant induced higher values SPAD index chlorophyll content when untreated lettuce. mineral leaf tissues greater by 10% 17% (for P respectively) (no PE application). Nitrate significantly reduced 23% receiving as control. acid has also been highlighted combined where major amplification (+168%) recorded comparison Overall, our work can assist leafy vegetables adopting good practices, such mulches vegetal-derived biostimulants, improve sustainability production.