Fertilization of Pot-Grown Cichorium spinosum L.: How It Can Affect Plant Growth, Chemical Profile, and Bioactivities of Edible Parts?

Cichorium spinosum L. is a perennial wild edible plant that usually found near the coasts of Mediterranean basin. In present study, we evaluated effect fertilization regime on growth and chemical profile pot-grown C. plants, as well extraction protocol (aqueous hydroethanolic extracts bioactive properties). For this purpose, plants were fertilized via nutrient solution differed in amounts (mg/L) N:P:K, e.g., 100:100:100 (C111), 200:100:100 (C211), 200:200:200 (C222), 300:100:100 (C311), 300:200:200 (C322), 300:300:300 (C333) mg/L control treatment with no fertilizer added (C0). The had beneficial parameters spiny chicory, while it improved its nutritional value, indicated by polyunsaturated (PUFA)/saturated (SFA) ratio being higher than 0.45 omega-6 (n-6)/omega-3 (n-3) lower 4.0. Seven phenolic compounds detected, including two acids five flavonoids, varied composition was recorded depending protocol. regards to studied parameters, antioxidant activity significantly affected applied fertilizers protocol, there significant cytotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, anti-inflammatory activity. antimicrobial properties showed varying trends bacterial strain, regime, whereas extracts’ weak antifungal against fungi. conclusion, even though effects bioactivities leaves also recorded, indicating application tailor-made regimes combined most suitable method for achievement high-quality final products.