Production Methodology of Lettuce

Prepared by

Md J Meagy

Lettuce - Introduction

S/N - Lectuca sativa L.

Family - Asteraceae

Temperate annual plant

Mostly use as leaf vegetables

Lettuce – Health benefits

Low in Saturated Fat & Na

Very low in Cholesterol

Good source of Vit B6, Ca & Mg

Very good source of Fiber, Vit A, Vit C, Fe, K & Mn

Reduces risk of cancer, and heart disease

Source: Nutrient data provided by USDA SR-21

1. Butterhead- e.g. Buttercrunch

2. Loose leaf- eg. Salad Bowl

3. Cos or Romaine- eg. Red Rosie

4. Crisphead- eg. Great Lakes

5. Stem or asparagus lettuce- eg. Celtuce

Lettuce - Cultivars

Lettuce - Production

Soil - Loamy sands/sandy loams & well drained

Temperature - In summer average 87oF, In winter average 55oF

Fertilization - N: 60 to 100 lbs, P2O5: 80 to 120 lbs, & K2O: 60 to 170 lbs per acre. Generalized rate (lbs/A): 70-80-120.

Irrigation - 38 to 50 inches of water per acre

Lettuce - Production

Temperature:

Seed Germination – Optimum 70 to 75oF

Growth & Development – Optimum 55 to 60oF

pH: 6.0 to 7.6

Amount of seed/acre - 16 to 20 oz.

Lettuce - Production

Planting depth of seed - 1/4 to 3/8˝

Row width - 60˝

In-row spacing - 12˝ in double rows

Days required to grow - 40 to 60 days

Plants/acre - 20,000 to 46,000 plants

Lettuce – Insects Management

Aphids

Armyworms

Cutworm

Management - Crop rotation, destruction of crops residues, & IPM

Loopers

Leaf miners

Lettuce – Diseases Management

Bottom rot

Mildews

Lettuce mosaic

Grey mold

Damping-off

Leaf dropManagement:-Use resistant varieties & well drained soil

Lettuce - Harvest

Hand Harvest - 40 to 60 DAP

Containers - Field cartons 18 - 30 heads each

Grades - Graded based on defects & head firmness

Average yields - 22,500 lbs/A (400 to 500 24-head cartons)

Packaging/Handling - 40 - 45 lb fiberboard boxes; immediate cooling (preferably vacuum type)

Storage temp & RH – 32oF & 95% (2-3 wks)

Transit temp & RH– 32oF & 98%

Lettuce - Post harvest

Acknowledgement

Usha R Palaniswamy

Prof. Allen Barker

Prof. Lyle CrakerMd J Meagy