Effect of Ozonated Nutrient Solution on the Growth and Root Antioxidant Capacity of Substrate and Hydroponically Cultivated Lettuce (lactuca Sativa)

ABSTRACT

Ozone is one of the potential high-effective oxidants for the disinfection of nutrient solution. However, ozone residue in aqueous state in the nutrient solution could be a stress factor for the crops cultivated. In order to address the effects of dissolved ozone concentration (DOC) on the growth and antioxidant profile of lettuce, nutrient solution with DOC of 2.0 and 4.0 mg L⁻¹ was applied to the two soilless cultivation methods (substrate and hydroponic cultivation). Based on our results, we conclude that the nutrient solution with DOC up to 4.0 mg L⁻¹ resulted in no negative impact on the development and root antioxidant of the lettuce, which suggest ozonation of the nutrient solution is applicable as an alternative disinfection method with the purpose of reducing the waste of water resources and chemical residual of traditional disinfectants.

KEYWORDS:

• Ozone
• antioxidant enzyme
• malondialdehyde
• dissolved ozone concentration
• ozonated nutrient solution
• Lactuca sativa

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Earmarked Fund for Modern Agro-industry Technology Research System (CARS-23-C02).