Production Methodology of Lettuce
Prepared by
Md J Meagy
Lettuce - Introduction
S/N - Lectuca sativa L.Family - Asteraceae
Temperate annual plantMostly 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 & MnReduces 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 75oFGrowth & 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 - HarvestHand 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
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