# Effects of Mulch and Fertilization on the Quantity and Quality of Perennial Wall–Rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia)

## TL;DR

This study examines how mulch and fertilization affect the growth and quality of perennial wall-rocket in northeastern Romania.

## Contribution

The study identifies the synergistic effects of white polyethylene mulch and organic fertilization on improving physiological performance and phytochemical composition.

## Key findings

- White polyethylene mulch increased CO2 assimilation and leaf area index but did not significantly affect agro-morphological traits.
- Organic fertilization improved CO2 assimilation and reduced antioxidant activity compared to chemical and unfertilized regimes.
- The combination of white polyethylene mulch and organic fertilization enhanced photosynthetic efficiency and reduced oxidative stress.

## Abstract

Diplotaxis tenuifolia, a species with high nutritional value, was recently introduced in Romania, making in-depth research necessary to develop an efficient cultivation technology to increase agronomic and economic potential. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the influence of three mulch treatments—white polyethylene film (WLDPE), black polyethylene film (BLDPE), and nonmulched (NM)—along with three fertilization regimes—organic (OF), chemical (ChF), and nonfertilized (NF)—on the yield and quality of the Bologna cultivar of perennial wall–rocket under the climatic conditions of northeastern Romania. The results showed that mulching with white polyethylene films significantly increased the CO2 assimilation rate, although it did not lead to substantial differences in agro-morphological traits compared to the non-mulched variant. However, plants grown under WLDPE exhibited a significantly higher leaf area index and yield than those under BLDPE mulch. In contrast, BLDPE mulch had a positive effect on dry matter accumulation and β-carotene content. The variations in fertilization regime had no significant impact on most traits analyzed. Significant differences were noted in the CO2 assimilation rate and DPPH antioxidant activity, with organic fertilization increasing CO2 assimilation and decreasing DPPH activity compared to chemical and unfertilized regimes. Furthermore, the interaction between mulching practices and fertilization regimes revealed significant influences on the physiological performance and phytochemical composition of perennial wall–rocket. The highest CO2 assimilation rate and lowest antioxidant activity were recorded in the WLDPE × OF combination, suggesting improved photosynthetic efficiency and a reduced oxidative response resulting from the synergistic effects of reflective mulching and organic fertilization. In contrast, the Bologna cultivar experienced the greatest oxidative stress under the unfertilized regime, with the most pronounced effects observed under no mulching.