Chitosan Nanoparticles as Biostimulant in Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) Plants

Abstract

Biodegradable nanoparticles such as chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) are used in sustainable agriculture since they avoid damage to the environment; CSNPs have positive effects such as the accumulation of bioactive compounds and increased productivity in plants. This study aimed to investigate the impact of applying CSNPs on lettuce, specifically focusing on enzymatic activity, bioactive compounds, and yield. The trial was conducted using a completely randomized design, incorporating CSNPs: 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.8 mg mL−1. The doses of 0.4 mg mL−1 improve yields up to 24.6% increases and 0.1 mg mL−1 of CSNPs increases total phenols by 31.2% and antioxidant capacity by 34.6%. In addition, when low concentrations of CSNPs (0.05 and 0.1 mg L−1) were applied, an increase in catalase was determined. The CSNPs represent a good alternative to be used as a biostimulant in sustainable agriculture because they improve the yield and quality of lettuce by increasing the bioactive compounds.