Yield and quality enhancement of lettuce plants using mycorrhizal fungi and phosphorus nanofertilizer

Abstract Lettuce ( Lactuca sativa ) is a widely consumed leafy vegetable with high nutritional value. Enhancing its yield and quality through sustainable practices is crucial. This study aimed to investigate the combined effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and phosphorus nanofertilizer (PNPs) on lettuce growth, productivity, and nutritional traits. A total of eight treatment combinations were established and replicated three times under greenhouse conditions, including the control (no AMF, no PNPs), AMF inoculation at 20 g plant −1 , foliar application of PNPs at 250, 500, and 750 mg L −1 , and their respective combinations with AMF, using a randomized complete block design. Results indicated that both AMF and PNPs, particularly when combined at 500 mg L −1 , significantly enhanced plant growth (plant height and root dry weight), folded leaf number, plant weight (fresh weight), and total biomass (root and shoot system), nutritional value (ascorbic acid, chlorophyll a and b , carotenoids, and total phenolic content), and mineral content (phosphorus and potassium) compared to the control, the individual applications, and the other combination treatments. The next most effective treatments were AMF with 750 mg L −1 PNPs and 500 mg L −1 PNPs alone. This combined approach enhanced physiological performance and increased the levels of bioactive compounds. These results suggest that combining bio‐ and nano‐fertilizers can synergistically improve lettuce productivity and nutrition, providing a promising method for sustainable crop production. Future studies should explore the long‐term and field‐scale impacts of these treatments.