Inducing effect of a strawberry leaves extract (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) on the germination and growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)

Abstract

 The goal of this research was to determine the effects of a hydroalcoholic extract of strawberry leaves (Fragaria
x ananassa Duch.) on the germination and growth of lettuce seedlings (Lactuca sativa L.) var. crispa. Strawberry
hydroalcoholic extract (EHF) was obtained from leaves collected at the end of the crop cycle. The effects of four EHF
concentrations on germination and growth of lettuce seedlings under controlled and field conditions were evaluated.
The highest EHF concentration tested (100 mgPF/mL) had an inhibitory effect on the number of germinated seeds and
the length of the radicle, while the rest of the concentrations (10, 1 and 0.1 mgPF/mL) accelerated the germination and
elongation of the radicle with respect to the control treatment. The plants treated with the three lowest concentrations of
EHF showed higher mean values in fresh and dry weight, length of the aerial part and root with respect to the control
treatment. These results show that EHF generates a stimulus in lettuce that, depending on the concentration, inhibits or
stimulates growth, so it could be potentially used for different objectives within an organic production scheme.