Application of PGPB Combined with Variable N Doses Affects Growth, Yield-Related Traits, N-Fertilizer Efficiency and Nutritional Status of Lettuce Grown under Controlled Condition
2022
Beppe Benedetto Consentino | Simona Aprile | Youssef Rouphael | Georgia Ntatsi | Claudio De Pasquale | Giovanni Iapichino | Pasquale Alibrandi | Leo Sabatino
Nitrogen (N) fertilization is a crucial agricultural practice for boosting production traits in vegetables. However, N synthetic fertilizers—commonly adopted by farmers—have several counterproductive effects on the environment and on humans. The research was performed to assess the combined influence of plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) (<i>Azospirillum brasilense</i> DSM 1690, <i>A. brasilense</i> DSM 2298 and <i>Pseudomonas</i> sp. DSM 25356) and various N fertilization doses (0, 30, 60 or 120 kg ha<sup>−1</sup>) on growth, yield, quality and nitrogen indices of lettuce in protected cultivation. Plant height, root collar diameter, number of leaves and fresh weight were enhanced by <i>A. brasilense</i> DSM 2298 inoculation and N at 30 or 60 kg ha<sup>−1</sup>. Overall, soluble solids content (SSC), ascorbic acid, total phenolics, carotenoids, total chlorophyll and total sugars were augmented by the combined effect of <i>A. brasilense</i> strains and 30, 60 or 120 kg N ha<sup>−1</sup>. Furthermore, PGBP inoculation improved potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg) concentrations in leaf tissues. PGPB inoculation increased N leaf concentration; however, it hastened N indices. These results suggest that the PGPB tested can be considered an eco-friendly tool to improve lettuce yield, particularly when combined with N at 30 or 60 kg ha<sup>−1</sup>.
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