Cytogenotoxic effects of nitrogen on hydroponic lettuce

Authors

  • Alcione da Silva Arruda Universidade Estadual de Goiás
  • Wesley Costa Silva Universidade Federal de Uberlândia
  • Roberta Camargos de Oliveira Universidade Federal de Uberlândia
  • Ernane Miranda Lemes Universidade Federal de Uberlândia
  • Gabriela da Silva Guimarães Universidade Federal de Uberlândia
  • Robson José de Oliveira Júnior Universidade Federal de Uberlândia
  • José Magno Queiroz Luz Universidade Federal de Uberlândia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14393/BJ-v36n0a2020-53643

Keywords:

Cytotoxicity, Genotoxicity, Lactuca sativa, Nitrogen, Toxicity

Abstract

Nitrogen accumulation in hydroponically-grown lettuce may pose a health risk to consumers. Thus, the objective of this study was to analyze different concentrations of nitrogen applications in hydroponic lettuce cultivation and their effect on toxicity, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity. A nutrient film technique (NFT) hydroponic system was used to grow the lettuce variety “Vanda.” The treatments consisted of different concentrations of nitrogen (in the form of calcium nitrate) in Furlani solution (75, 100, 125 and 150%), a negative and a positive control. The following commercial characteristics were measured: plant fresh weight (PFW), root fresh weight (RFW), shoot fresh weight (SFW), shoot diameter (SD), root dry weight (RDW), shoot dry weight (SDW) and leaf nitrogen (LN). Cytogenotoxicity was indicated by toxicity, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity, which were in turn determined by root length, the mitotic index, chromosomal aberrations and the presence of micronuclei.  The nitrogen concentrations used in this experiment did not cause phenotypic toxicity or cytotoxicity in lettuce roots. The most severe genotoxicity was observed at the 125% nitrogen concentration, which nevertheless did not affect commercial characteristics. Although nitrogen fertilization provides great benefits to agriculture, such as greater yields, indiscriminate use should be avoided since concentrations above recommended rates may induce genotoxicity.

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Published

2020-12-30

How to Cite

ARRUDA, A. da S.., SILVA, W.C.., OLIVEIRA, R.C. de ., LEMES, E.M.., GUIMARÃES, G. da S.., OLIVEIRA JÚNIOR, R.J. de and LUZ, J.M.Q., 2020. Cytogenotoxic effects of nitrogen on hydroponic lettuce . Bioscience Journal [online], vol. 36, pp. 217–227. [Accessed23 November 2024]. DOI 10.14393/BJ-v36n0a2020-53643. Available from: https://seer.ufu.br/index.php/biosciencejournal/article/view/53643.

Issue

Section

Agronomy