Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) improved growth and nutritional quality of greenhouse-grown lettuce

J Agric Food Chem. 2011 May 25;59(10):5504-15. doi: 10.1021/jf200501c. Epub 2011 Apr 29.

Abstract

Lettuce can be associated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). This symbiosis involves a molecular dialogue between fungus and plant that includes the activation of antioxidant, phenylpropanoid, or carotenoid pathways. The objective of this study was to test if the association of lettuce with AMF benefited plant growth and increased the contents of compounds potentially beneficial for human health. Results showed that AMF improved growth of lettuce, thus producing a dilution effect on the concentrations of some mineral nutrients (e.g., Ca and Mn). However, Cu, Fe, anthocyanins, carotenoids, and, to a lesser extent, phenolics appeared in higher concentrations (on a wet basis) in mycorrhizal than in nonmycorrhizal plants.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anthocyanins / analysis
  • Carotenoids / analysis
  • Dietary Proteins / analysis
  • Lactuca / chemistry
  • Lactuca / growth & development*
  • Lactuca / microbiology*
  • Minerals / analysis
  • Mycorrhizae / physiology*
  • Nutritive Value*
  • Phenols / analysis
  • Symbiosis

Substances

  • Anthocyanins
  • Dietary Proteins
  • Minerals
  • Phenols
  • Carotenoids