Abstract

GARCIA-TERRAZAS, MI; SANTILLAN-CARRILLO, IE; HOLGUIN-MINA, R  and  SARINANA-ALDACO, O. Impact of the nutritive solution electrical conductivity on lettuce biomass, photosynthetic pigments and nitrogen compounds. Biotecnia [online]. 2022, vol.24, n.3, pp.115-122.  Epub June 19, 2023. ISSN 1665-1456.  https://doi.org/10.18633/biotecnia.v24i3.1687.

The ion concentration in the nutrient solution in a soilless system has a direct impact on the yield and quality of the crops. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of the electrical conductivity of the nutrient solution on the biomass, pigments and nitrogenous compounds in lettuce. A randomized complete block experimental design was used with five treatments (1, 1.5, 2, 2.5 and 3 dS m-1) and nine repetitions. Total biomass (fresh and dry) and accumulation of chlorophylls, carotenoids, proteins, amino acids, reduced glutathione and hydrophilic antioxidant capacity by the ABTS method were determined. The results indicate that the electrical conductivity of the nutrient solution that improved biomass accumulation was 2.5 dS m-1. The conductivity of 2 dS m-1 increased proteins and amino acids, while the electrical conductivity of 3 dS m-1 improved the concentration of pigments, glutathione, and hydrophilic antioxidant capacity but decreased the yield. Proper management of the electrical conductivity of the nutrient solution is a very important factor for improving the yield and quality of crops in soilless systems.

Keywords : Plant nutrition; soilless cultivation; nutrient absorption; yield; crop quality.

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