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Crop Research

Foliar application of carbon dots improves the growth and yield of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)  


DOI: 10.31830/2454-1761.2025.CR-1075    | Article Id: CR-1075 | Page : 415-420
Citation :- Foliar application of carbon dots improves the growth and yield of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) . Crop Res. 60: 415-420
D. K. TRAN, T. X. P. TRAN AND D. H. TRAN tdanghoa@hueuni.edu.vn
Address : University of Agriculture and Forestry, Hue University, 102 Phung Hung Street, Phu Xuan Ward, Hue City, Vietnam
Submitted Date : 23-09-2025
Accepted Date : 4-11-2025
Online Published:

Abstract

Carbon dots (CDs), discovered in 2004, are an emerging member of the carbon nanomaterial family. With their promising properties, CDs have found numerous applications across a wide range of fields. In recent years, their use in agriculture has attracted increasing attention; however, studies on their effects on plant yield and quality remain limited. To address this gap, a field experiment was conducted during the winter season (September–November 2024) at an organic farm in Huong An commune, Hue City, Vietnam (N16°28′21.81″; E107°31′36.996″). The experiment evaluated the effects of CDs applied at seven concentrations (10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 ppm) on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) growth, yield traits, and soil physicochemical properties. The findings demonstrated that CD application had a positive effect on lettuce growth and yield, with the highest yield (23.73 t/ha) observed at 60 ppm. Furthermore, CD application at 60 ppm increased soil organic matter by 0.13% and improved both the physical and chemical properties of the soil, resulting in increases in pH (KCl), total nitrogen, total phosphorus and total potassium by 0.45, 0.055, 0.026 and 0.033%, respectively, compared with the treatment without CD application. These results suggest that the foliar application of carbon dots can provide multiple benefits for lettuce production while simultaneously improving soil quality.

Keywords

Carbon dots carbon nano materials Lactuca sativa lettuce soil fertility 

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