A Sustainable Intercropping System for Organically Produced Lettuce and Green Onion with the Use of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Inocula

Abstract

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are efficient for improving crop production and quality in organic farming systems. Our objective was to examine the effects of two AMF inocula, Rhizophagus intraradices and Diversispora spp., against a non-inoculated control on lettuce and green onion grown organically in an intercropping cropping system. At time of harvest, colonization levels were very low, and not different compared to the control that was colonized by the native mycorrhizal community. The yield of inoculated lettuce and green onion was unchanged, as also observed in the root system architecture analysis parameters. In both crops, color was not affected, limiting the possibility for consumers to reject the product. Nitrate accumulation was well below the limits set by European Commission in all treatments. Sugar, chlorophyll, K, Na and P contents were also quantified, showing no particular variations. In AMF-treated lettuce, important phytochemical characteristics, such as phenol content and ascorbic acid, showed a tendency for reduced values, while antioxidant capacity was significantly reduced by both AMF treatments. The study provides a description about the effect of AMF on two important co-cultivated crops. Research should be continued in order to determine best matches between plant material and AMF inocula that could result in enhanced production and nutritional quality.

Response of Yield, Quality, and Bioactive Constituents of Green Onion to Foliar Spraying with Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract and Yeast Extract

“…A high intake of nitrates is linked to an elevated risk of carcinogenic nitrosamine formation in the stomach (Kyriacou et al, 2019). The buildup of nitrates in plants is affected by many factors, such as fertilizer type, elevated levels of fertilizers, plant maturity, nitrate concentration in the soil, stress conditions, and the growing season (Ahmed, 2009;Kapoulas et al, 2017;Papoui et al, 2022;Mostafa et al, 2024). Nitrate content was sensibly reduced in green onion plants sprayed with MLE and YE (Table 3).…”

“…The Allium genus, belonging to the family Alliaceae, encompasses a diverse array of species primarily cultivated for their bulbous structures. Some species, however, are cultivated for their fresh aboveground portions, such as green onions (A. cepa L. and A. fistulosum L.), since they have excellent nutritional value and are a popular seasoning around the world (Gao et al, 2021;Papoui et al, 2022). Green onion (A. cepa), also known as bunching onion and spring onion, is a short-lived vegetable crop that is very popular in Egypt, Greece, Iraq, Turkey, the USA and is commercially grown for immediate consumption in spring (Kapoulas et al, 2017;Seymen et al, 2023).…”

“…The leaves, pseudo-stems (which consist of leaf sheaths and young leaves), and immature bulbs of green onions are commonly consumed due to their significant nutraceutical composition. Additionally, their distinct flavor profile and capacity to enhance the taste of various dishes contribute to their popularity (Papoui et al, 2022;Qiao et al, 2024).…”

Response of Ammodendron bifolium Seedlings Inoculated with AMF to Drought Stress

“…Previous research has established the positive impacts of AMF inoculation on numerous economically vital crops, including improving growth and nutrient uptake in maize and wheat [37], enhancing antioxidant capacity in lettuce [38], and promoting photosynthetic capacity in tomato [31]. Despite this, it is yet to be determined whether these outcomes are also applicable to drought-tolerant plants growing within specialized environments, such as deserts.…”

Impact of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria Inoculation on the Physiological Response and Productivity Traits of Field-Grown Tomatoes in Hungary

“…Additionally, other authors [34] noticed that certain PGPR products also increased the soluble dry matter (Brix • ) and vitamin C content of tomato berries. Despite the fact that microbes have been successfully used in a number of plant species [35][36][37], to our knowledge, no bio-fertilizer provides a full range of nutrients or is suitable for all plant species under changing climatic conditions [38]. There is still a large gap between the potential of PGPR and its practical use as an organic fertilizer in plant production [39] as far as the assembly, composition, and structure of rhizospheric microbes; and plant-microbe interactions occurring under drought stress conditions remain mostly unknown [40].…”