Effects of short-term treatment with various light intensities and hydroponic solutions on nitrate concentration of lettuce

Abstract

A glasshouse experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of five days' treatment before harvest with various light intensities and seven hydroponic solutions on nitrate reduction in lettuce. The results showed that SPAD of new and expanded leaves were elevated by most of the hydroponic solutions under shading compared with the full nutrient solution, while no effect was demonstrated under non-shading. Additionally, lettuces under non-shading presented slightly higher leaf SPAD than those under shading. Nitrate concentrations of lettuce new leaves, expanded leaves and petiole were lowered significantly by all hydroponic solutions under shading and non-shading conditions compared with the full nutrient solution. Under non-shading, the efficiencies of seven hydroponic solutions varied largely, but no efficiency differences were showed under shading. N-free solution, 0.75 mM potassium sulphate solution and 5×10 -5 mM ammonium molybdate solution functioned more efficiently in reducing nitrate concentration both in expanded leaves and petiole of lettuce before harvest. In conclusion, proper light intensity is a key important factor that determines the efficiencies of nitrogen-free hydroponic solution treatments in lowering nitrate concentrations in leaf blades and petioles of lettuce before harvest. © 2012 Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.