Work

Boosting antioxidant compounds in Cannabis sativa L. By co-inoculation to the hydroponic system in vegetative stage

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Co-inoculation with beneficial microbiology has become important in different hydroponic crops. Cannabis sativa L. is a plant rich in products of secondary metabolism. Phenolic compounds and flavonoids act as anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and anti-cancer agents due to their antioxidant properties. However, the interactions between microbiota and their effect on the synthesis of antioxidant compounds during the vegetative stage have not been studied in depth. Therefore, this research focus to evaluate the impact of Pseudomonas fluorescens and Trichoderma spp. on the dynamics of the nutrient environment, physiological development and the production of antioxidant compounds. Five treatments were evaluated: without inoculation; 3.33 × 104; 6.67 × 104; 1.00 × 105; 1.33 × 105 CFU L−1 of P. fluorescens and Trichoderma spp. in a divided plot design under controlled conditions. The results showed that 6.67 × 104 CFU L−1 stimulated the best development in terms of height (51.24 cm), stem diameter (9.83 mm) and aboveground biomass, as well as increased production of antioxidant compounds, specifically quercetin (353.64 mg) and gallic acid (51.25 mg) in the plant. Finally, high densities of microorganisms in the rhizosphere inhibited vegetative growth. Co-inoculation in the hydroponic system is a biotechnological alternative for the production of antioxidant metabolites.

Source: Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science

DOI: 10.1080/03650340.2025.2569507