Selenium nanoparticles and selenite in lettuce seedling production
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29312/remexca.v17i2.4068Keywords:
beneficial elements, nanotechnology, plant stimulation, vegetablesAbstract
The production of quality seedlings in horticultural crops is a fundamental step for their success; to this end, fertilization plays a crucial role. Selenium (Se) has been evaluated for its beneficial effects on plant physiology. Nevertheless, studies at the seedling stage are scarce. Therefore, the present study was conducted at the Autonomous University of San Luis Potosí, Mexico, in 2025 with the aim of evaluating the foliar application of two selenium sources: sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) and Se nanoparticles (SeNPs), for the production of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) seedlings. The treatments were: 1) absolute control, 0 ppm Se (water spraying); 2) 1.5 ppm SeNPs; 3) 3 ppm SeNPs; 4) 4.5 ppm SeNPs; 5) 1.5 ppm Na2SeO3; 6) 3 ppm Na2SeO3; and 7) 4.5 ppm Na2SeO3. After 30 days of germination, dry weight, fresh weight, height, leaf area, shoot/root index, leaf area ratio, chlorophyll index, nitrogen balance index and flavonoid index were determined. The results indicated that foliar application of 3 and 4.5 ppm SeNPs improved the quality of lettuce seedlings, as they generated a better shoot/root balance, higher root dry weight, and a good nitrogen balance. These indicators suggest that seedlings may have more prolonged post-transplant survival and continuous growth, as they can have a greater capacity to absorb water and nutrients. No phytotoxic effects were found on seedling growth.
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