*2.4. Plant Growth Parameters Analyses*

Four plants per each treatment were destructively harvested 30 days after emergence. The number of leaves (>1 cm) per plant was counted, and total leaf area was measured using a leaf area meter LI-3000A (LI-COR Biosciences, NE, USA). Shoot fresh weight was measured using an electronic balance. Subsequently, shoots were oven-dried to a constant weight at 70 ◦C for dry weight determination. Specific leaf weight (SLW) was calculated by dividing leaf weight by leaf area (dry weight per unit leaf area).
