Effect of plant biostimulants on red and green romaine lettuce (Lactuca sativa) growth in indoor farming

Abstract

By controlling environmental conditions, indoor farming can increase plant growth, productivity, and harvest quality. An additional element that can enhance lettuce yield is the utilization of plant biostimulants. These substances can boost nutrient absorption efficiency, enhance resistance to environmental stresses, and foster positive impacts on plant growth and maturation. This study examined the impact of red and green romaine lettuce with different plant biostimulants (Viva®, Megafol®, Radifarm®) added to AB mix on lettuce growth under white LED lighting on 30 days of cultivation. The MANOVA tests showed that different varieties of romaine lettuce and plant biostimulants substantially affected chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, leaf number, leaf area, leaf weight, and root weight. A polynomial growth model was also obtained from height data collected during 30 days of planting, with an optimal R2, RMSE, MAE, and MAPE reaching the optimal value of 0.9926; 0.50; 0.46; 1.72, respectively, for red lettuce with Viva®, and 0.9930; 0.11; 0.29; 2.37, respectively, for green lettuce with Viva®. In addition, Pearson Correlation analysis between each treatment indicated a positive and substantial correlation in various growth indices, up to 0.901.