Evaluation of Lettuce Genotypes for Yield and Quality under Protected Conditions of Northwestern Himalayas

Abstract

Lettuce is a popular salad vegetable in European countries. In India its demand is also increasing. It is not possible to grow salad vegetables under open environmental conditions due to vagaries of weather. The state government in Himachal Pradesh (India) is promoting polyhouse cultivation in a very big way. But the lack of suitable cultivars under polyhouse conditions is the biggest challenge to the growers of the hilly state. Therefore, in the present study seven genotypes of lettuce viz. Red Butter Head (G₁), Ice-berg (G₂), Revolution (G₃), Dublin (G₄), Garishma (G₅), Bergamo (G₆) and Green Romaine (G₇) were evaluated in a 36 x 6 m modified naturally ventilated polyhouse having fan pad system. Maximum gross weight (826.6 g/plant) was recorded in G₂ which was statistically at par with G₄ (791.6 g/plant). Minimum gross weight per plant was found in G₇ (18836 g). Maximum net weight/plant was recorded in G₇ (631.3 g) which was statistically at par with G₂ (578.3 g), G₄ (583.6 g), G₅ (458.6 g) and G₆ (480.3 g). Lettuce genotypes also varied in quality parameters viz. chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll, starch, reducing, non-reducing and total sugars and sodium content.