The prevalence of zinc deficiency in the world is a public health problem, mainly in developing countries; the biofortification of crops using zinc nanoparticles could be an effective method to reduce nutritional deficiencies in the deficient population, in addition to increasing yield, improving the phytochemical and commercial quality of crops. In this sense, this work aimed to evaluate the foliar application of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) on the concentration of Zn, phytochemical compounds, and biomass accumulation in hydroponically produced lettuce. Six treatments (0, 1.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.5, 6.0, and 7.5 mg L⁻¹ ZnONPs) were evaluated with five repetitions and three applications under a completely randomized experimental design. Morphometric variables and plant biomass accumulation were measured (plant height, crown diameter, fresh and dry weight of roots and leaves, root volume and length), as well as phytochemical quality variables such as phenols, flavonoids, capacity antioxidant, vitamin C, chlorophyll, carotenoids, and leaf zinc content. The dimensions of the morphometric variables, biomass accumulation, and zinc concentration increased proportionally with the increase in the concentration of ZnONPs applied. This increase was reflected in the greater size, weight, and quality of the treated lettuces compared to the untreated ones. It was also observed that a higher concentration of ZnONPs applied greater the increase in antioxidant capacity and vitamin C.

Fortis‑Hernández M., Sánchez‑Estrada A., Hernández‑Cruz D., Lagunes‑Fortiz E., Betancourd‑Galindo R., Fortiz‑Hernández J. (en prensa). La biofortificación con nanopartículas de óxido de zinc vía foliar aumenta la acumulación de biomasa y calidad fitoquímica de la lechuga. ITEA‑Información Técnica Económica Agraria. Vol. xx: YY-YY. https://doi.org/10.12706/itea.2024.009