PubMed · 2026-04-22
Reusing nutrient water in hydroponic lettuce systems changes which bacteria live around the roots and triggers the plant's own immune responses. This study found that recycled nutrient solutions alter the root microbiome and may prime lettuce to defend itself against disease.
Continuously recirculating nutrient solutions significantly shifted the composition of bacterial communities in the lettuce root zone (rhizosphere).
Reused nutrient solutions were associated with changes in root rot incidence, linking microbial community shifts to plant disease outcomes.
Recirculated solutions induced expression of plant-defense genes in lettuce, suggesting the plants activated immune responses in response to the altered microbial environment.
