The effects of oxalic acid application on yield and quality in lettuce plant

In this study, the effects of different doses of oxalic acid applications on yield, quality and plant nutrients in lettuce cultivation were evaluated, Yedikule 5107 variety was used as plant material and lettuce leaves were treated with 4 different oxalic acid doses (0, 2, 4 ve 6 mM). Plant weight varied between 343.02-432.57 g/plant, plant height 28.0-30.35 cm, plant diameter 26.67-28.72 cm, leaf length 21.23-22.44 cm, root collar diameter 19.11-21.49 mm and number of leaves 47.57-55.63 per plant depending on oxalic acid doses, and the highest yield was obtained from 2 mM oxalic acid application. Chlorophyll SPAD value and total phenolic substance content varied between 37.47-39.31 SPAD and 67.35-103.98 mg/100g, respectively. While the highest chlorophyll SPAD value was obtained from 2 mM oxalic acid; the highest phenolic substance value was obtained from 4 mM oxalic acid application. It was determined that L*, a*, b* and C* values varied between 47.43-48.76, -17.55- -18.26, 27.89-28.68 and 32.95-34 depending on applications and the highest L* value was obtained from 2 mM oxalic acid application and the highest a*, b* and C* values were observed in 2 mM and 4 mM oxalic acid applications. The antiradical values in lettuce varied between 42.36-82.64%. Additionally P, K, Mg, Fe and Mn values ranged from 7.39-8.40 g/kg, 54.4-75.4 g/kg, 2.13-2.71 g/kg, 161-202 mg/kg and 38.3-48 mg/kg, respectively. At the end of the study, when all these parameters were considered, it was determined that oxalic acid applications significantly and positively affect the yield, quality and nutrient content of lettuce.