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Bioencapsulation as a Sustainable Targeted Agricultural Delivery of Bioactive Agents in the Hydroponic Cultivation of Lactuca sativa L.

The simultaneous encapsulation of bioactive agents such as fungi and agrochemicals is a useful way of nutrient delivery for an ecological and sustainable plant production. The benefits of encapsulation of bioactive agents are slow and controlled release, more efficient use of agrochemicals with better safety and environmental protection. Trichoderma viride (STP) has the ability to increase plant growth and productivity. The dual roles of antagonistic activity against plant pathogens and promotion of soil fertility make Trichoderma species as a promising alternative to standard plant protection and nutrition technologies. Recently, microparticles containing both biological and chemical agents were investigated in terms of physicochemical properties, microparticle morphology, and release kinetics. Microparticles containing different combinations of Ca2+or Cu2+ ions, T. viride, alginate and chitosan were applied near the root of the lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) in the hydroponic cultivation. Obtained extracts were analyzed in terms of biological activity and cations content. Results revealed significant differences when comparing the treated lettuce against the control with regards to almost all of the measured parameters, i.e. the obtained biomass yield, rosette diameter, and height as well as the content of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity. Bioencapsulation alongside the presence of chemical agents revealed a sustainable, environmentally friendly, rapid, convenient, economical and efficient delivery of biological and chemical agents for plant nutrition.

Encapsulation ; hydroponics ; biocontrol agent ; Trichoderma viride ; microspheres

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