Can Trichoderma harzianum be used to enhance the yield and nutrient uptake of Lactuca sativa cv “Lollo Rosso” in floating systems?

An experiment was performed to evaluate the effect of Trichoderma harzianumMVT801 combined with different ratios of nutrient solution (NR) (25%, 50%, and100%) on the growth and physiological traits of Lactuca sativa “Lollo Rosso” plantscultivated in floating systems. Inoculation of lettuce plants with T. harzianum MVT801(T1 ) in a floating system improves biometric properties, photosynthetic parameters,and nutrient uptake compared with uninoculated treatment (T 0 ). The results clearlyshowed that in T1 , despite a 50% reduction in the ratio of nutrient solution, no signifi-cant difference was observed in the growth and photosynthesis characteristics andnutrient uptake in L. sativa “Lollo Rosso” leaves compared with a complete nutrientsolution treatment (100%), which is one of the notable results of this study. In this re-gard, the highest yield was observed in T1NR 50 (inoculated with fungi and 50% of thenutrient solution) and T1NR100 (inoculated with fungi and complete nutrient solution)treatments. Also, the highest concentrations of phosphorus and potassium in “LolloRosso” leaves were observed in T1NR 50 and T1NR100 treatments. Accordingly, the useof T. harzianum in floating lettuce cultivation could be recommended to increase cropproductivity and reduce the use of chemical fertilizers.