Crop Production Guidelines |
||
|
![]() |
|
By: Hector Valenzuela, Bernard Kratky and John Cho
Associate Extension Vegetable Specialist, Horticulturalist, and
Plant Pathologist, CTAHR, University of Hawaii.
INTRODUCTION
Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is the most popular amongst the salad
vegetable crops. This crop, a member of the Sunflower or
Compositae Family, is a native of the Mediterranean Basin. Leafy
types have been cultivated for over 2,500 years, it was grown by
the ancient Greeks, and different types were later developed by
the Moors. Local production currently accounts for about 18% of
the total volume consumed in Hawaii. Major areas for production
in Hawaii include Mt. View and Waianae for leafy and semi-heads,
and Kula and Kamuela for iceberg types. However, small pockets of
production are found throughout the state, and lettuce is also
grown year-round in most home and community gardens. Local
production decreased by >35% over the past few years due to
the tomato spotted wilt virus, a devastating thrips-transmitted
disease. More recently, silverleaf whitefly, Bemisia
argentifolii, outbreaks have also affected lettuce production
throughout the state. Hydroponic, greenhouse, "mixed,"
and specialty lettuce production has recently gained popularity
in the state. Benefits of hydroponic production are improved
water and fertilizer use efficiency, pest control, product
quality, and sanitation practices. Lettuce is low in nutrients
and energy content. A pound of lettuce contains 95% water, 56
calories, 3.9 g protein, 0.3 g fat, 86 mg calcium, 2.2 mg iron,
1,420 mg vitamin A, and 54 mg ascorbic acid. "Mixed
lettuce" production includes green leaf, red leaf, butter,
and romaine types. These crops are often planted alongside
endive, escarole, oriental vegetables, herbs, and other leafies.
Smaller operations focus on high quality produce and cater to
farmer's markets, or to hotels, restaurants, and other high-end
food service companies, but the volume of high quality specialty
products is also increasing in main-stream retail stores.
Plant Growth
Several lettuce types are available commercially, including head
(crisphead or iceberg), butterhead (bibb, Boston), leaf, cos or
romaine, and stem lettuce. Heads of crisphead types are > 6
inches in diameter and weigh 1-2 lbs each. The 'Great Lakes'
group of head lettuce, based on the original 1941 release, has
traditionally been planted in Hawaii. Although most lettuce is
green, specialty types may be red or red and green. The plant is
an annual herb with a milky latex in the leaves and stems.
Lettuce has a shallow root system with a 1 foot deep (30 cm)
effective bulk root mass.
Climatic Requirements
Both leafy and head types are adapted to growth at high
elevations in Hawaii due to the cooler temperatures. Head types
do well at low elevations only during the cooler parts of the
year. Heading types require rather exacting temperatures between
50-70F (10-20C). Optimum growth occurs between 60-70F (15-20C).
Heading is prevented and sled stalks form between 70-80F
(20-27C). Cool nights are necessary for good quality. With high
night temperatures, lettuce becomes bitter. Tip burning also
occurs at high temperatures. Lettuce cultivars can be selected
for their tolerance to the different environmental conditions
found throughout the year in Hawaii. Leafy and semi-head lettuces
may be grown year-round at many lower elevation sites.
Cultivars
Cultivar selection is one of the most important decisions made
during the crop production process. Selection of cultivars with
disease resistance that are adapted to local growing conditions
are significant production factors which deserve careful planning
and consideration. Cultivars recommended for Hawaii are listed in
Tables 1 and 2. Other promising cultivars based on trials
conducted in Molokai include Mesa 659, Romulus, Empire MF, Green
and Bronze, Red Sail (a leafy type), and Mignonette (semi-head).
Semi-head cultivars used for hydroponic production in Kauai and
Hawaii include Ostinata, Salina, and Green Mignonette. Leafy
types used in hydroponics include Red Sails and Green Ice.
Important quality characteristics for lettuce are size,
compactness, sweetness, and succulence. These traits are often
correlated with earliness to harvest. Plants which have a delayed
harvest due to poor fertility, disease, or environmental factors,
often show several disorders such as tipburn or bitterness.
Table 1. Head Lettuce Cultivars Recommended for Hawaii1.
Nov.-Feb. | at 500-1,500 ft. elevation: Fulton, Minetto. at 1,000-1,500 ft: Mesa 659, Ithaca, Salinas, Calmar, Great Lakes 659, Mesa 659 |
Apr.-Sep. | at 1,500-3,000 ft elevation: Mesa 659 at 2,000-3,000 ft: Mesa 659, Ithaca, Salinas, Calmar, Great Lakes 659, Mesa 659 at >3000 ft: Great Lakes 118, VanMax |
Sep.-Mar. | at 1,500-3,000 ft. elevation: Salinas at 2,000-3,000 ft: Salinas, Empire, Great Lakes R-200 at >3,000 ft: Vanmax, Vanguard |
1 Lettuce growth will vary depending on slope, soil type, wind
and rainfall patterns, and many other micro-environmental
conditions which may extend the adaptability of some cultivars
outside of the altitude and seasonal boundaries described in this
table. Growers are encouraged to continually test new varieties
on small plots in their farms.
Table 2. Semi-Head, Romaine, and Leafy Lettuce Cultivars
Recommended for Hawaii1.
Semi-head year-round at 0-3000 ft. elevation: Manoa (Green
Mignonette), Anuenue Romaine
Year-round at 1000-3000 ft.: Parris Island Cos, Green Tower, and
Valmaine Romaine
Nov.-Mar. at 500-1000 ft.: Parris Island Cos, Green Tower, and
Valmaine Romaine
Apr.-Oct. at >3,500 ft.: Parris Island Cos, Green Tower and
Valmaine Green leaf
Oct.-Mar. at 0-2000 ft.: Black Seeded Simpson, Grand Rapids,
Salad Bowl,Royal Oak Leaf
Year-round at 0-3000 ft.: Red leaf
Oct.-Mar. at 0-2000 ft.: Red Sails, Super Prize, Royal Red M.I.
Endive (Escarole)
Year-round at 1,500-3,000 ft: Salad King, Broad-leaved Batavian.
1 Lettuce growth will vary depending on slope, soil type, wind
and rainfall patterns, and many other micro-environmental
conditions which may extend the adaptability of some cultivars
outside of the altitude and seasonal boundaries described in this
table. Growers are encouraged to continually test new varieties
on small plots in their farms. When available, purchased seed
packages should indicate MTO (mosaic tested, zero in 30,000),
which indicates lettuce seed that is mosaic virus tested.
FERTILIZER RECOMMENDATIONS
Soil type
Lettuce does best in well drained, slightly acid to neutral, high
organic matter content soils. A study of lettuce growing on 13
different soil types in England determined that phosphorus soil
availability accounted for the single largest variation in yield
among the different soil types. Yields were reduced when the P in
the soil solution was below 1 ppm. The optimum pH is 6-6.5.
Nutrient Rates and Fertilizer Placement
Fertilizer applications should be based on crop nutrient demands
and stage of crop growth. Tissue and soil analysis will help to
determine how much fertilizer to apply to complement the nutrient
levels already available in the soil. Soil samples should be
taken and appropriate fertilizers added as recommended by
University of Hawaii soil scientists for the particular soil
type. Excessive fertilizer application beyond crop needs may
result in soluble salt buildup, phytotoxic effects on plant
growth, groundwater contamination, and capital losses due to
purchase of unneeded fertilizer. Lettuce has a moderately low
salt tolerance. Soluble salt injury results in poor germination
and reduced head size. Yield losses can occur when the electrical
conductivity of the soil solution exceeds 1.3 dS/m. Nutrients
removed in a 16,000 lbs/Acre crop are (in lbs/Acre): N, 70; P,
15; K, 110; and Ca, 15. Approximately 70-80% of the total NPK
nutrient uptake occurs during the last three weeks of growth in
head lettuce. Lettuce responds favorably to high P and chicken
manure preplant applications. Recommended fertilizer rates are
500-900 pounds of 10-30-10 preplant and 350 lbs ammonium sulfate
sidedressed 3-4 weeks later. Another side-dress treatment
alternative is 100 lbs of urea or 200 lbs ammonium sulfate 5-6
weeks after seeding for semi-head and 6-8 weeks after seeding for
head lettuce or romaine. Band the preplant fertilizers 2-3 inches
to each side and below the level of the seed, or alternatively
broadcast in the planting bed or broadcast and incorporate in the
seed bed.
Phosphorus deficient soils may result in increased bacterial
infection rates in lettuce, and in some cases in a delay of
harvest by several weeks compared to well fertilized plants.
Lettuce deficient in P, does not show the typical reddish
pigmentation and leaf "feathering" observed in other
vegetables. The only symptom of P deficiency in lettuce is
stunted growth. Adequate N levels are also associated with
"sizing," solid heads, and earliness of maturity in
lettuce. N deficient fields often result in delayed harvests,
need for repeated harvests, or in failure of heads to achieve
marketable size and quality. Lettuce with N deficiency appears
lighter green. Corrective N applications on visually N-deficient
plants are effective in the early vegetative stages but a 3-10
day delayed harvest will occur. However corrective N applications
on N-deficient plants during the head-formation stage will not
prove helpful in increasing head size and final yields.
Nitrapyrin banded at 1 qt/Acre may help to improve normal plant
nitrogen use efficency. Fertilizer injection through the
irrigation system and increased frequency of applications may
also help to improve plant nitrogen use efficiency and reduce
leaching.
In soils with high soluble salt levels an alternative placement
scheme is to broadcast K in the bed and to band the N and P.
Phosphorus uptake by the plant is improved when banded together
with an ammonium-N fertilizer source. Because of degree of
nutrient uptake, and fertilizer use efficiency, higher fertilizer
rates are required during winter than on the warmer summer
months. Well decomposed farmyard cattle manure, free of weed
seeds is a good fertilizer source for lettuce production. Common
rates between 3-15 MT/Acre are broadcasted and plowed or disked
in the field prior to planting. Additional N side-dressings are
recommended when using manure as the primary fertilizer source.
The added organic material into the soil from animal or green
manure provides several benefits to lettuce production including
improved soil physical condition, and greater nutrient and
moisture availability to the crop. Cover crops, as annual or
short-fallows (13 weeks) with lettuce, can also effectively
improve soil structure and fertility, improve nutrient cycling,
and reduce leaching of nitrates. Effective lettuce cover crops
tested in Salinas, California were oilseed radish (Raphanus
sativus), white senf mustard (Brassica
hirta), white mustard (Brassica alba), rye (Secale cereale), and
annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum).
Tip burning may occur under high temperature and low moisture
conditions. Losses may be minimized with 2-4 weekly calcium
chloride sprays at 5-10 lb/Acre or calcium nitrate sprays at
10-15 lbs/100 gal/Acre. Calcium sprays are most effective on
leafy types but may be effective on head-types if applied prior
to heading. Correct slight magnesium deficiencies with 2-4 weekly
sprays of Epsom salts at 5-10 lbs/100 gal/Acre. Seedlings may be
injured by high levels of ammoniacal-N fertilizers; symptoms
include early season root burn and leaf yellowing. Fertilizer
injury late in the season causes outer leaf wilting and a reddish
discoloration of the roots (see Fertilizer injury in the Disease
Section).
Commercial fertilizer mixes are available for nutrition of
hydroponically grown lettuce. Typical nutrient concentrations for
hydroponic lettuce nutrient solutions are, in ppm: N, 150; P, 50;
K, 200; S, 45; Cl, 35; Ca, 175; Mg, 45; Mn, 0.5; Cu, 0.1; Zn,
0.3; B, 0.5; Mo, 0.1; and Fe, 3; at a solution conductivity of
about 2 dS/m.
Nutrient Tissue Analysis
Periodic nutrient analysis of foliage tissue (Table 3) provides
an estimate of a crop's nutritional status and serves as a record
of crop performance. The tissue analysis should be on-farm
calibrated with soil fertility, according to soil samples taken
prior to tissue sampling. For tissue analysis, collect a young
mature whole wrapper leaf. A representative tissue sample from a
planting block will consist of 25 to 100 collected leaves free of
insects or disease. Leaf yellowing associated with N deficiency
became noticeable in Arizona when NO3-N mid-rib levels went below
5000 ppm. Adequate recommended levels were > 8000 ppm. Tissue
sampling dates at the early vegetative stage or at the end of
head formation, were highly correlated with final yields in the
Arizona trials. Calcium tissue levels are lower in the heart
leaves (0.50%) than in the basal leaves (1-2%).
Table 3. Recommended nutrient ranges for lettuce1.
Nutrient | Range | Target level | ||
N | 2.5-4.0% | 3.5% | ||
P | 0.4-0.6% | 0.45% | ||
K | 4.0-7.5% | 5% | ||
Ca | 0.9-2.0% | 1.0% | ||
Mg | 0.3-0.7% | 0.35% | ||
S | 0.1-0.3 | 0.1% | ||
Fe | 50-150 ppm | 130 ppm | ||
Zn | 25-50 ppm | 40 ppm | ||
Mn | 30-55 ppm | 50 ppm | ||
Cu | 5-10 ppm | 8 | ||
B | 15-30 ppm | 20 | ||
Mo | NA | .03 |
1. Young mature wrapper leaf sampled prior to heading. Higher N
(4-5%) concentrations will be found if young matured leaves are
sampled in the early growing stages (6-8 leaf stage).
CULTURE AND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
In Hawaii lettuce is most commonly grown on bare-ground culture
and under sprinkler irrigation. Lettuce can also be grown under
plastic and organic mulch culture which may result in improved
fertilizer and water use efficiency and in improved weed control.
Drip irrigation is also effective for lettuce production
especially at high elevations or during the winter months.
Time to Plant
In Hawaii, head lettuce grows well year-round at high elevations,
and during the winter also at lower elevations. The leafy and
semi-heads can be grown at lower elevations year-round,
especially if over-head irrigated. Tables 1 and 2 list the
recommended planting dates for lettuce in Hawaii.
Field Preparation
The soil should be deep plowed wherever practicable. If cattle
manure is used, plow 3 to 15 tons per acre 6-8 inches deep. If
direct-seeded, work the soil to a fine texture to insure good
seed germination. Make beds 4 to 8 inches high and about 2 to 5
feet wide depending on lettuce type and number of rows (1-3) per
bed. Generally, transplanted plantings have narrower beds. In
non-irrigated areas that experience droughts, flat culture is
recommended to minimize the effects of limited water supply on
the crop.
Propagation
Lettuce is normally transplanted in Hawaii, at 2-4 weeks after
sowing, to assure proper stand establishment. Lettuce seeds
germinate best at 60-70F (15-20C), and will fail to germinate at
> 81F (27C). Direct-seeded lettuce is often primed to overcome
thermodormancy when planting during hot weather. Several
companies offer primed lettuce seed. Pelleted seed is also
available commercially and greatly facilitates planting by hand
or with precision planters. The amount of seed required for
transplanting head lettuce is 3-6 oz but 1 lb/Acre is normally
needed for direct seeding. For leafy types, 2-5 oz of seed
required is required for transplanting and 2-3 lbs for
direct-seeding. Open-pollinated seed requires a dry storage
period prior to sowing. High quality seed germinates in 2 days at
75F (24C) and emerges 3-4 days after sowing. Typical spacings for
Hawaii are listed in Table 3. Lettuce seed quickly loses
viability when exposed to high temperatures and humidity. It
should be refrigerated at all times except when it is being
planted.
Table 3. Planting Distances for Lettuce in Hawaii1.
Lettuce type | Between Rows (inches) | Between Plants (inches) |
Head | 15 - 18 | 12 - 15 |
Romaine | 15 - 18 | 12 - 15 |
Semi-head | 8 - 12 | 8 - 12 |
Leaf | 15 - 18 | 10 - 12 |
Endive (Escarole) | 15 - 18 | 8 - 12 |
1 Lettuce is normally planted on 2 to 3 rows per bed, with 2
to 3 feet alleys between the beds. Hydroponic lettuces are
frequently spaced at 2 plants per square foot in the growing
bench.
Transplanting
Advantages of transplanting lettuce compared to direct seeding
include less seed required, less bird damage, easier weed
control, and higher water, land, and fertilizer use efficiency
because the plants are in the field for a shorter period of time.
Lettuce seedlings are started by sowing in flats that have
various set spacings of "cell-type" cavities. The seeds
are dropped into each cavity by hand where a cut envelope or
creased sheet of paper and a pencil are used to singulate seeds.
Vacuum seeders or double sheet sliding plexiglass seeders greatly
facilitate seeding. The trays are lightly misted with water at
least twice daily. Seedlings should emerge within 3-4 days. Four
or five days after seeding, each cavity is thinned to one plant.
Usually these trays are suspended on pipe or T-bar racks which
allows for each cavity's roots to be air-pruned. Air-pruned roots
will have an immediate start in establishing a transplanted
seedling.
Transplanting into the field is normally done manually or
semi-manually. Semi-manual transplanting includes planters riding
on platforms close to the ground that cut furrows in the soil and
seedling blocks are set in these furrows or dropped in a timely
fashion to establish proper plant spacing.
Transplanted lettuce is dependent on a healthy root mass to
absorb moisture and nutrients. Proper seedling fertilization will
have an effect on salable yields. The optimum "starter
fertilizer" of seedlings prior to transplanting is 6 grams
of an 8-32-8 homogeneous fertilizer per liter of growing media
plus 200 ppm of a 13-24-24 plus micronutrients foliar fertilizer
applied in the irrigation misting water. Excessive fertilization
results in soft seedlings and too little fertilizer will result
in anemic seedling growth.
Irrigation
Almost all of the local lettuce is sprinkler irrigated. For
optimum growth, a lettuce crop requires a constant and relatively
abundant supply of moisture throughout the growing period.
Fluctuations in soil moisture, especially during the later stages
of development, are detrimental to optimal growth and head
formation. Too much water during this period along with high
temperatures may result in loose, puffy heads in heading types of
lettuce. Dry conditions during this period, on the other hand,
may induce premature bolting. Lettuce is preferably sprinkle
irrigated in the early morning. Head and leafy lettuce types
require about 1 inches of water (27,225 gallons) per week per
acre. Windy areas may require more water. Evaporation pans can be
used to estimate evapotranspiration losses and to schedule timing
of irrigation. Water use by a transplanted drip-irrigated lettuce
crop yielding 29 MT/Acre (including rainfall) was determined to
be 209 mm (8 inches) in Kamuela based on Summer, Fall and Spring
experiments conducted over 5 years. Average daily consumptive use
rate for lettuce in Kamuela is about 0.15 inch per day or about 1
inch per week.
Hydroponic Lettuce Production
Hydroponic lettuce production involves intensive growing
practices and results in high quality and high value lettuce.
These growing operations are conducted in greenhouses. Leafy and
semi-head cultivars are grown and are usually planted at a
density of 2 plants per square foot. One to three week-old
seedlings are transplanted and the time from transplanting to
harvest ranges from 4 to 7 weeks. Highly technological systems
exist wherein the nutrient solution is aerated or circulated and
where there is precise control of the nutrient solution.
Recently, the University of Hawaii has developed simpler and less
expensive, non-circulating hydroponic growing systems for
lettuce.
Pots or recycled aluminum cans. Four-inch pots or 12 oz recycled
aluminum beverage cans are filled with growing media and are
placed through openings in a plastic topcover and supported by
the bottom of a 4 inch high tank which is half-filled with
nutrient solution. Extra holes are placed in the pots and cans to
facilitate natural root aeration. The nutrient solution is not
aerated nor circulated. Additional nutrient solution must be
added to replace the amount consumed, but each increment of added
nutrient solution should not exceed 1 inch or else crop injury
results.
Forestry tubes. Tapered, plastic forestry tubes (1.5 inch
diameter by 8 inches long) filled with growing medium are
supported by the topcover of an 8 inch high tank filled with 3 to
4 inches of nutrient solution which is not aerated nor
circulated. Initially, the growing medium is wet by direct
contact with the nutrient solution and movement through the tubes
is by capillary action. Later, as the nutrient solution level
drops below the bottom of the tubes, roots emerge from the tubes
and continue to take up adequate water and nutrients to sustain
growth. No additional fertilization, watering, or monitoring is
required from transplanting until harvest.
PESTS
Lettuce yields may be reduced by many insect and disease pests.
Integrated pest management (IPM) is a systems approach to reduce
pest damage to tolerable levels using a variety of techniques
such as natural enemies, genetically resistant plants, sound
cultural practices, and, when appropriate, chemical pesticides.
The IPM approach is based on proper pest identification, periodic
scouting, and the application of pest management practices during
the precise stage of the crop's development when no control
action would result in significant economic losses. Two
additional strategies of an integrated management approach are
(1) taking pest control actions during the most vulnerable stage
in the pest's life cycle to maximize results with the least
possible effort, and (2) using synthetic pesticide spray
applications for pest suppression only after all other pest
control alternatives have been considered and exhausted. The main
objectives of using alternative pest controls are to reduce the
high capital costs incurred with frequent pesticide applications
and to maximize the abundance of beneficial organisms. These
actions will also protect the consumer and the environment.
Insects
Important insect pests of lettuce include caterpillars, aphids,
leafminers, leafhoppers, mites, thrips, and whiteflies.
Silverleaf and greenhouse whiteflies outbreaks are currently a
major problem for lettuce production in Hawaii. Apply
insecticides only when necessary and, when possible, rotate
pesticide families to delay development of insect resistance to
the pesticides. Insects with exploding population rates such as
thrips, whiteflies, mites, leafminers, and aphids, are especially
prone to develop pesticide resistance when exposed to frequent
applications of the same insecticide family. Pest controls should
be conducted while disturbing populations of beneficials as
little as possible, or when possible to enhance their numbers.
For example, research in Salinas, California, identified sweet
alyssum (Alyssum maritimum) border-rows as attractants of natural
enemies in lettuce fields.
Aphids (Potato Aphid, Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Thomas), and Green
Peach Aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer))
Aphids feed on plant sap, which may reduce plant vigor. Aphids
may also act as vectors of lettuce mosaic virus, introduce toxins
into the plan which results in localized tissue death, and their
feeding contaminates the foliage with honey dew. The green peach
aphid has over 250 different host species including lettuce,
celery, carrot, potato, tomato, and many weeds. Growers should
use timely insecticide applications as needed based on close
monitoring of aphids and their natural enemies. Aphid natural
enemies include lady beetle and lacewing larvae predators, tiny
wasp parasitoids, and diseases. Soaps and oils can be mixed with
insecticides to improve kill efficiency and to help reduce
resistance buildup. Aim to achieve control prior to lettuce
heading.
Beet armyworm (Spodoptera exigua (Hübner))
These are caterpillars that feed on the green portion of the
foliage, leaving a transparent cuticle on the leaves. Small
larvae are found singly or in groups. Older larvae, 1-1.25 inches
long, have a dark brown dorsal surface and a light green stripe
on each side, which separates the lower lighter surface. Larvae
move from plant to plant in the field in search of fresh foliage.
Serious damage often occurs early in the planting season in which
entire plants may be affected. Controls should be implemented
when eggs and young larvae are detected in the field. Beet
armyworms are difficult to control with Bts (Bacillus
thuringensis based biopesticide, a bacteria specially formulated
for insect control, is commercially available under several trade
names, and is referred to as Bt).
Black Cutworm (Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel))
Cutworms can devastate young lettuce plants by chewing through
the stems at the soil line, and may also infest lettuce
throughout the growing season. Later generations may also enter
the head. Cutworms are active at night. Eggs are laid in groups
of 5-12 under the leaves. Larvae hatch in 3-6 days, remain under
clods or plant debris during the day and feed at night. Larvae
are greyish brown to greenish, with a few dark markings, and are
1.5-1.75 inches long. Later, instars burrow 2-4 inches deep into
the soil to pupate. Control is warranted when high populations
are present in the field before planting. Baits containing
Bacillus thuringiensis are available for cutworm control.
Cabbage Looper (Trichoplusia ni (Hübner))
Caterpillar loopers are recognized by their looping movement.
Adult moths lay eggs on the leaf underside. Larvae emerge in
about one week and develop into light-green caterpillars,
1.25-1.5 in long. Young larvae are found on outer leaves and are
relatively easy to control. Looper infestations occur from
lettuce emergence until harvest. Older larvae that move into the
head are more difficult to control. Under high pressure levels,
initiate spray treatments when eggs are first detected and
continue until the end of the season. Loopers are difficult to
control with Bts. A nuclear polyhedrosis virus was shown to
effectively control cabbage looper in lettuce, but this potential
biocontrol agent is not currently available as a commercial
product. Moths can be effectively screened out in greenhouse
lettuce production.
Corn Earworm (Heliothis zea (Boddie))
Attacks by the corn earworm are sporadic but can be quite
destructive on lettuce. Eggs are laid singly on the leaf
underside. Emerged larvae penetrate the lettuce heads which makes
it difficult to monitor its populations in the field. Larvae are
about 1 inch long, with various colors and stripes along the
lateral surface. Controls are most effective when eggs and young
larvae are first detected in the field, and before larvae have
penetrated the head.
Leafminers (Liriomiza spp.)
Leafminers are normally a secondary pest that is kept in check by
natural enemies. Leafminers are small yellow maggots that form
trails beneath the leaf epidermis as they feed. When fully grown,
the larvae drop to the soil to pupate. Because contact
insecticides won't reach the larvae inside the leaf, systemics
are recommended.
Nematodes
Nematodes that attack lettuce include sting, stubby-root, awl,
and root knot (Meloidogynespp). Root-knot nematodes are
microscopic roundworms that feed on the roots of plants. Symptoms
on the foliage caused by the affected root systems include
stunting, wilting, leaf yellowing, and delayed maturity. Infested
roots develop gall-like swellings. Adult stages of the nematode
live inside these swellings in the roots. Before planting,
lettuce fields are often chemically fumigated for nematode
control. Several grasses, that are nonhosts to the rootknot
nematode, such as oats, barley, and wheat, may also be grown
prior to planting lettuce, to reduce soil nematode populations.
Soils may be tested to estimate the population of parasitic
nematodes. A combination of chicken compost and solarization were
effective in controlling root knot nematodes in the San Joaquin
Valley of California.
Mites (Vegetable mite, Tetranychus neocalidonicus Andre, and
Carmine spider mite, Tetranychus cinnabarinus (Boisduval).
Mite outbreaks may occur during hot, dry weather. The presence of
mites is indicated by the bronze, greasy appearance of the stems
and leaves. The carmine spider mite completes its life cycle in
about a week. Lettuce leaves may become stripped with
light-colored dots when the mites feed. Leaves may later turn
yellow and drop. Silk webbing may be present when infestation is
heavy. Wettable sulfur and other miticides are effective against
mites.
Thrips
In Hawaii, three thrip species: western flower thrips,
(Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), F. schultzei (Trybom),
and Thrips tabaci (Lindemann) , are predominant vectors of TSWV.
Thrips reduce plant vigor when feeding on lettuce in large
numbers, and their feeding leave scars in the foliage. The minute
feeding scars are silvery in appearance but turn into larger
necrotic lesions during shipping and storage. Preliminary work
indicated that 4.5 ft high barriers were not effective in
preventing thrips movement between planting plots. Further
exploratory work is required in this area. White was the most
effective color for traps, out of 14 colors tested in Kula, Maui,
to effectively monitor thrip populations in the field. Thrips'
natural enemies are lady beetles, lacewing larvae, parasitoids,
and fungal diseases. However, rainfall provides the most
effective "natural" control of thrips. After a period
of rainfall, monitor thrips populations before re-starting
insecticide treatments.
Whiteflies (Silverleaf whitefly, Bemisia argentifolii and
Greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood)
Recent silverleaf whitefly outbreaks have caused considerable
losses in lettuce fields statewide. The main symptom is a stunted
growth and delayed maturity. Full canopy coverage with registered
insecticide sprays is necessary to reach the eggs and adults on
the leaf underside. Area-wide control strategies may be necessary
in places where whitefly numbers are abnormally high. During the
1981 outbreaks in Arizona and California, B. argentifolii became
an important vector for lettuce infectious yellows which produced
stunting, interveinal yellowing of affected leaves, and resulted
in 50-75% yield reductions. No work has been conducted to date in
Hawaii to determine if B. argentifolii is a vector of lettuce
viral diseases.
The greenhouse whitefly is also common in Hawaii. Parasitic wasps
and predators help to keep the greenhouse whitefly below damaging
levels. In contrast to the silverleaf whitefly, lettuce can
sustain greater population levels of the greenhouse whitefly
without yield reductions. Control strategies will therefore vary
depending on the specific whitefly species in the field. Before
conducting any pest control measures, identify the whitefly
species that is actually present in the field.
Diseases
Bacterial Leaf Spots
Pseudomonas, Xanthomonas, and Erwinia species are responsible for
five bacterial spot and rots of lettuce. Soft rot (discussed
below) is caused by Erwinia, and leafspot and slime are caused by
a combination of Erwinia, Pseudomonas, and Xanthomonas. All three
diseases penetrate the plant through stomata or through wounds
created by mechanical means or by previous pest injury. Cool and
moist conditions favor disease development as the plant reaches
maturity. A 6-8 hr period of surface moisture in the leaf, is
required for infection to occur. Diagnosis in the field is
difficult because secondary organisms often attack plants
affected by bacterial diseases. Symptoms observed in plants from
which bacterial organisms are isolated are often associated with
physiological disorders including russet spots caused by ethylene
damage, brown stain and pink rib caused by CO2 damage, and rib
discoloration and tip burn caused by localized calcium
deficiency. Symptoms associated with bacterial attack include
varnish spot, vein browning, brown spot, slimy rot, wilt, core
rot and plant decay. Lettuce symptoms from bacterial attack occur
on older leaves and on the basal section of the head while tip
burn affected plants show symptoms in the inner head section.
Bacterial leaf spot and slime symptoms first are small
watersoaked internodal leafspots close to the leaf tips. The
leafspots can often be observed early in the plant growth. The
watersoaked spots develop into brown lesions with necrotic areas
in the lesion centers. The leafspots then expand throughout the
external and internal leaves leading into decay of the entire
head. Several other plant species, including several alternate
weedy hosts, are affected by these bacteria (Table 4).
Destruction of alternate weedy hosts and protective copper based
bactericide applications are recommended for leaf spot control.
Effective control may also be obtained when applications are made
as soon as symptoms are observed in the field. The critical
period for control is during heading up to maturity. Use a
spreader-sticker with the spray treatment, especially during
rainy weather.
Table 4. Host Ranges of Pseudomonas, Xanthomonas, and Erwinia in
Hawaii.1
Pathogen | P. cichorii | P. marginata | P. viridiflava | X. vitians | E. carotovor |
Host crop | |||||
Lettuce | x | x | x | x | x |
Chicory | x | x | x | x | x |
Endive | x | x | x | x | x |
Chrysanthem | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | x |
Burdock | x | x | x | 0 | x |
Eggplant | x | x | 0 | x | x |
Tomato | x | x | x | 0 | x |
Pepper, bell | x | 0 | 0 | 0 | x |
Cucumber | x | x | x | 0 | x |
Ch. cabbage | x | x | x | x | x |
Radish | x | 0 | 0 | 0 | x |
Cabbage | x | 0 | x | 0 | x |
Barley | x | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Oats | x | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Characteristic symptoms are for P. chichorii= clear edge dark
green; P. marginata= purple lesion; P. viridiflava= long spindle
lesion, clear edge; X. vitians= marginal V-shaped lesion; E.
carotovora= soft rot.
1Table from Alvarez (1981).
Beet Western Yellows
This viral disease was not identified in Hawaii until the 1970s.
Its appearance in the field is sporadic and more likely affects
cos lettuce types. The virus causes typical yellows symptoms
which include irregular chlorosis of older leaves, interveinal
chlorosis, and leaf brittleness, rolling and thickness. Aphids,
the vectors for this disease, remain infective for over 25 days
after feeding on a diseased plant. Other hosts of this disease
include sugar beet, radish, cauliflower, turnip, cabbage,
watermelon, pea, clover, geranium, petunia and weeds such as
cheese weed, jimson weed, sowthistle, pigweed, and apple of peru.
Controls, as with other viral diseases, include field sanitation
and aphid control.
Bolting (Physiological)
Lettuce tends to flower or bolt when exposed to high temperatures
and dry conditions. Cultivars vary in their tendency to bolt.
Bottom rot (Rhizoctonia solani)
Initial symptoms for this fungi are slimy rotting of the lower
leaves in contact with the soil and rust-colored, sunken spots on
petioles and mid-ribs. As the disease spreads, the lesions
expand, spread, become darker and result in decay of the entire
plant. Control is difficult. Keep the foliage dry and the
fertilizer level low so that foliage growth is not overly
succulent. The disease is more severe under moist and warm
conditions, such as those experienced during summer months.
Planting on raised beds improves drainage and is a good control
method. Once established, the disease can survive in the soil for
several years. The disease is not controlled effectively with
flooding. Other control methods include to avoid successive
lettuce plantings on the same field; improved drainage; deep
plowing; and fungicide applications directed to the base of the
plants at heading. Avoid disturbing the soil after application of
protectant fungicides for bottom rot management. Rotate with
crops such as sweet corn and onion.
Brown stain (postharvest disorder)
A few minute superficial tan spots first appear on the leaf
surface near the lower part of the midrib or on the midrib. As
the disease progresses, the lesions enlarge and coalesce over
much of the leaf, and often occur on the inner leaves of the
head. Brown stain is caused by excess carbon dioxide (>2.5%)
in storage and is thought to be related to metabolism of
phenolics. Some cultivars seem to be more susceptible than
others.
Brown Rib or Rib Blight (postharvest disorder)
Brown rib occurs on the outer head leaves, causing yellowing or
tan discoloration. The cause is not known, but the disorder seems
to occur most often at high temperatures.
Crown and Head Rot (Botrytis cinerea)
Crown and Head Rot or Gray Mold occurs during cool and moist
Winter and Spring months, and symptoms are observed in the plant
as it approaches maturity. The fungus produces a slimy brown
decay on the leaf underside. A characteristic feature that helps
identification is the presence of abundant dense gray spores. The
fungus requires free standing water on the foliage for infection
to occur. This disease remains in the soil for many years, so
short-term rotations will be ineffective in heavily infested
locations. To reduce spread in the field irrigate early in the
morning to allow the leaves to dry rapidly and apply protectant
fungicides. For effective fungicidal control thoroughly cover the
lower leaves, stems, and the bed surface.
Damping-off (Rhizoctonia solani, Pythium spp.).
R. solani is the primary organism associated with damping off.
Pythium spp. is associated with damping-off but more often causes
root-rot (plants affected by root rot show stunting and yellowing
but not the typical damping-off symptoms). Pythium enters the
plant through the roots while Rhizoctonia penetrates through the
cortical tissues of the stem at the root-crown level. Damping-off
may occur at both pre- and post-emergence, however the latter is
the most serious problem in lettuce production. Affected plants
coalesce soon after emergence. Severe damage may occur prior to
transplanting. This disease is promoted by cool and wet field
conditions. To prevent damping-off, use high quality seed ,
treated seed, rotations, and plant on raised beds. The biocontrol
organisms, Trichoderma harzianum, Gliocladium virens, and the
bacteria Enterobacter cloacae were shown to control Pythium
damping-off of lettuce, but this has not been tested in
commercial operations.
Downy Mildew (Bremia lactucae Regel)
This fungus is a serious disease, in the greenhouse and in the
field, under high moisture (> 88 RH) and low temperatures _
55F (13C). Seven to eight races of this disease have been
identified. It easily mutates and quickly overcomes cultivar
resistance and fungicide efficacy. The disease can infest lettuce
at any stage of its growth. Symptoms are first observed on outer
leaves. Initial symptoms are sharply angled light green
discolorations, located within the veins, on the leaf underside.
On these lesions, a white fungal growth develops when
environmental conditions are favorable. The affected tissue
eventually turns necrotic and the entire leaf is destroyed.
Extensive damage can occur in short periods of time. While
seedlings can be killed, older plants are normally only stunted
and suffer cosmetic defects which render the product
unmarketable. The fungal spores are wind-borne and can also be
spread by splashing rain. Free standing water provided by rain,
fog or dew, is required at night for spore germination. Ideal
conditions for infection are 5-7 hours of free water and 50-70F
(10-20C). The disease survives in the soil on decomposing plant
debris, and may also be found on weedy hosts. Most damage is due
to yield losses, and to product deterioration during postharvest
handling. Disease epidemics are sporadic from year to year. It is
managed by using resistant cultivars, with fungicide applications
(which provide inconsistent results), crop rotation, and
sanitation. Spatial separation of sequential plantings is
recommended but this is often not possible in commercial
operations. Fungicide treatments begin early in the season and
continue at 7-14 day intervals.
Drop (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) Mass.)
Lettuce drop, caused by soil fungi, is common during cool and
moist Winter and Spring months. Symptoms on the lower leaves are
first observed as the plant approaches maturity. Initially, the
lower leaves in contact with the soil show wilting and collapse.
The lower, outer leaves and stems then develop slimy rotting
followed by whole plant collapse. High moisture and cool
temperatures are essential for disease development. The fungus
requires free standing water on the foliage for infection to
occur. Characteristic features of drop include the white,
cottony, mycelial growth during moist weather, and the black
sclerotial bodies on the leaf underside. The sclerotial bodies
form 1/2 inch irregular shapes. Drop survives in the soil for 2-3
years. Most infections occur through hyphae and sclerotia present
in the soil. Control is difficult, but it helps to keep the
foliage dry and the fertilizer level low so that growth is not
overly succulent. Other possible controls include rotatation with
non susceptible crops such as sweet corn, onion, spinach, or
small grains; plowing at a 6 inch depth during field preparation;
field flooding for 6 weeks; and fungicide treatments. Other crops
affected by Sclerotinia include bean, carrot, celery, cole,
cucurbit, and solanaceous crops. For effective fungicidal
control, provide thorough coverage of lower leaves, stems, and of
the bed surface.
Lettuce Mosaic Virus
Lettuce Mosaic is an important viral disease worldwide. It is
seed born in lettuce but not in endive. It is transmitted by
aphids in a non-persistent manner, aphids remain infective after
feeding on a diseased plant, only for a short period of time.
Infection of seedlings may result in 50% yield reductions.
Seedlings with seedborne virus have misshapen cotyledons, the
first true leaf is misshapen and has a dark green mottling
appearance. These plants remain stunted, yellowish and fail to
form heads. Field-borne symptoms, which appear 10-15 days after
infective aphids have fed on lettuce, include vein clearing,
mosaic, mottling, yellowing, stunting, distortion, internal
necrosis in some heading cultivars, and delay or failure to head.
Affected leaves often fall backward and margins may show
serration. Boston and Bibb types show stunting and yellowing.
Romaine types may also show leaf surface blisters. Symptoms on
endive often are chlorotic dots on the green leaf. Primary source
of the virus is infected seed. Spread in the field is primarily
due to aphid transmission because seed-borne infectivity is only
1-4%. In the past mosaic virus contributed to significant losses
ranging from 20% in the spring to 100% in the summer. Hosts of
lettuce mosaic cover over 12 plant families and include groundsel
(Senecio vulgaris L.), prickly sowthistle (Sonchus sp.), pea,
zinnia
(Zinnia elegans Jacq.), marigold (Tagetes sp.), globe amaranth,
cineraria, aster (Aster spp.), cheeseweed, lambsquarter,
escarole, spinach, and endive. Controls include use of mosaic
virus-free or MTO certified seed (Mosaic Tested Zero, 0:30,000),
removal of alternate weedy hosts, and aphid control in the field.
The use of certified seed in Hawaii has essentially eliminated
this problem in the field. Plow and incorporate remaining lettuce
foliage soon after harvest. Also, try to prevent growing lettuce
close to aphid-rearing crops such as radish, Chinese cabbage, and
carrot.
Pink Rib (Pseudomonas marginalis)
Pink Rib usually occurs on overmature heads, causing a diffuse
pink area at the midrib base. The symptoms intensify during
shipping and storage extending toward the leaf veins. The cause
of Pink Rib, previously believed to be a physiological disorder,
is now known to be caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas
marginalis. In research conducted in Florida, Pink Rib symptoms
were observed when lettuce was inoculated with the bacterium and
then placed in storage at 35 and 47F (2 and 8C). Brown
discolorations occurred when the inoculated lettuce was then held
at 60-72F (15-22C). It is most commonly seen on lettuce that has
been field packed for shipment and storage. The symptoms are
observed on bruised areas of the head.
Russet Spotting (postharvest disorder)
Symptoms of russet spotting are observed in mature heads as
numerous small olive brown spots on the lower midribs of the
outer leaves. Both leaf sides show symptoms but the inner leaf
side is mostly affected. Greater injury affects the entire head,
including interveinal areas. The symptoms develop beginning 4
days after exposure to excessive ethylene levels of 20-35 ppm at
35-60 F (2-15C). It may be more severe on overmature lettuce or
lettuce produced in hot, dry areas. To reduce incidence of this
disorder maintain storage temperatures just above freezing, and
ventilate properly. Sources of ethylene include ripening fruits
and gasoline engines.
Soft rot (Erwinia carotovora sub.sp. carotovora)
Bacterial soft rot is the major disease of head lettuce in
Hawaii. Yield losses may be 10-15% during Summer, and up to 75%
during cool-wet Winter and Spring months. The disease penetrates
the plant through wounds caused by mechanical means or by
previous pest attack. Soft rot spreads fast in the field under
warm weather. Disease control is difficult once it has
established in the field. Disease damage continues to increase
after harvest, during the handling, storage, and shipping stages.
Soft rot is normally observed in the field at or near maturity.
Initial symptoms include leaf wilting, and light brown to red
discoloration of the stem-end. The stem pith becomes
water-soaked, macerated, and develops a greenish color. Extensive
stem rotting results in wilting of the lettuce head. The plant
collapse symptoms are similar to those observed on plants
affected by lettuce drop. Several lettuce cultivars have been
shown to be tolerant to soft rot. These cultivars include Ithaca,
Minetto, Empire, Fulton, Vangard, Vanmey, and Salinas. Calmar is
very susceptible to this disease and Sa659 moderately
susceptible. Protective copper based bactericides are recommended
for soft rot control. The critical period for control is during
heading up to maturity. Use a spreader-sticker with the spray
treatment, especially during rainy weather.
Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus
The symptoms of spotted wilt are many tiny spots on the younger
leaves, and stunted plants which fail to head and then rot.
Symptoms also include bronzing, downward leaf curling, and
extensive tissue necrosis. It takes one to two weeks between the
time initial symptoms are detected, and final plant collapse.
First symptoms are often evident soon after transplanting, and up
to 100% of plants may succumb by harvest time. The virus is
transmitted by thrips in a persistent manner, that is, thrips
remain infective for long periods of time. Over six different
strains of this virus have been identified on over 46 plant
families and 200 plant species. Important alternate hosts of this
virus include solanaceous crops, jimson weed, physalis, petunia,
pigweed, bidens, purslane, nasturium, dahlia, floras paintbrush,
and many other ornamentals. Typical controls such as a regular
spray program and roguing were found not to be very effective for
spotted wilt control due to the high thrips populations in the
field (> 0.5 million/Acre). Alternative practices may include
planting in isolated fields and leaving the field fallow for at
least three weeks to allow for soil inhabiting thrips pupae to
hatch and disperse or die before planting a new crop. No
resistance to spotted wilt virus has yet been identified or bred
into commercial lettuce varieties.
Tipburn (Physiological)
Tipburn, a physiological disorder caused by localized calcium
deficiency in the foliage, develops under hot weather and fast
growing conditions. Greater incidence was found in Maui when
maximum monthly temperatures rose above 85F (29C) and when
monthly minimum temperatures rose above 55F (13C). The disease
normally develops as lettuce approaches market maturity. Initial
symptoms, which first develop on young inner leaves, are small
translucent spots close to the leaf margins. These lesions
darken, leaf margin tissues die, and affected tissues provide
openings for secondary bacterial pathogens. Tipburn can be
controlled by planting tolerant cultivars, increasing soil
calcium supply prior to planting, liming highly acid soils,
foliar calcium sprays on leafy-types, slowing growth through
lighter fertilizer application (particularly N), and by keeping
an ample and uniform supply of soil moisture. Tipburn symptoms
initiated in the field will progress during storage, but healthy
heads will not develop tipburn after harvest. Other vegetables
affected by tipburn include cabbage, brussel sprouts,
cauliflower, and endive. Head types are generally more
susceptible to tipburn than leafy lettuce. Initial work on
tipburn management identified chemicals that reduced lettuce
growth rates and also resulted in reduced tipburn incidence.
Calcium sprays are often ineffective, especially on head lettuce,
because calcium is inefficiently translocated to those leaf
tissues deficient in calcium. In hydroponic lettuce, reducing
water nutrient levels at night or circulating 100 ppm calcium
nitrate solutions at night reduced incidence of tipburn in
butterhead lettuce compared to plants receiving a constant
complete nutrient solution. Also, shading with up to 35% shade
cloth can reduce tipburn during hot summer months.
Weeds
An integrated approach can be used to manage weed competition in
lettuce production. The IPM program for weed control uses
identification, monitoring, sanitation, alternative cultural
practices and timely herbicide applications. A weed map for each
field helps in the design of weed control measures and is a
record of weed problems in the field. Cultural control practices
for weed control include shallow cultivation, plowing, disking,
hoeing, crop rotation, cover cropping, living mulches,
pre-irrigation and herbicide treatment prior to planting, organic
or plastic mulching, and herbicides. The benefits of proper field
preparation can not be overemphasized to improve lettuce growth
and minimize weed problems during the crop growth cycle.
Activated charcoal at a rate of 1 lb per 2,000 linear ft on a 2
inch wide band is recommended to reduce injurous damage on
seedlings from herbicides. This activated charcoal is applied as
a 1 to 5% slurry with water.
Young lettuce seedlings are poor competitors against weeds.
Therefore, properly prepare the planting beds before herbicide
application for adequate preemergence weed control. Two or three
weedings may be required for a crop of lettuce. Shallow
cultivations help in weed control plus this helps to prevent the
development of surface crusting when cultivating after a heavy
rain. Also, transplanting rather than direct seeding, greatly
facilitates weed control. Important weeds of lettuce in Hawaii
include: cheeseweed (Malva parviflora L.), purslane, (Portulaca
oleracea L.), galinsoga (Galinsoga parviflora Cav.), amaranth
(Amaranthus viridis L.), sowthistle (Sonchus oleraceus), annual
bluegrass (Poa annua L.), mustard (Cardamine spp.), and crabgrass
(Digitaria pruriens Buse).
HARVEST AND POSTHARVEST PRACTICES
Timing
Lettuce is harvested when heads have developed the appropriate
density and market size. Harvest should be conducted before heads
bolt, crack, yellow, or turn bitter. Time to harvest is 70-100
days if direct seeded and 45-65 days if transplanted for
head-types; 50-60 days for direct-seeded Manoa lettuce; 80-85 for
direct seeded, and 55-65 for direct seeded Romaines. Time to
harvest is at least 1 week longer in winter than in summer. Head
lettuce fields are harvested up to four times per year. Improved
cultivars and cultural practices have led to greater crop
uniformity in the field and up to 90% of the crop may be removed
in one harvest.
Production Yields
Average yields in Hawaii for the different lettuce types are:
head type, 19,000 ; romaine, 15,000; semi-head, 17,000; leaf,
12,000; and endive (escarole), 10,000 lbs/Acre/crop. Monthly
yields from sequential plantings are affected by rainfall (Fig.
1), as well as by losses from spotted wilt virus in the summer
(Fig. 2). Experimental yields of head lettuce grown in the Spring
in Kula were 25,000 lbs/Acre. Maximum experimental yields in the
Big Island for drip irrigated head lettuce were 49.7 MT/Ha, with
average per-head weight of 2.2 lbs (1.0 kg). Average head lettuce
commercial yields in Florida for 1989-1990 were 21,600 lbs/Acre.
Good head lettuce commercial yields in the U.S. are 30,000
lbs/Acre at plant populations of 31,000 plants/Acre, and per
head-weight of 1.9 lbs. Good yields for endive in the U.S. are
16,000 lbs/Acre at 31,000 plants/Acre and per head-weight of 0.5
lbs. The goal of hydroponic lettuce production is to produce 9
crops per year with an average yield of 300 grams/sq. ft./crop.
Figure 1. Mean monthly head lettuce yields as affected by
rainfall, in Volcano Experiment Station (4000 ft elevation). Data
based on 25 experiments conducted over 8 years (Hartmann et al.,
1981).
Fig. 2. Monthly state-wide commercial yields for head/semi-head
lettuce, and romain lettuce as reported by the Hawaii Department
of Agriculture, 1986-1992.
Harvesting Operation
Two common types of lettuce field harvest operations include the
"naked pack" system, in which lettuce is packed with
the wrapper leaves alone, and the "hand-cut, film-wrap
system." Heads are cut at the soil surface with a long
knife, leaving as many of the wrapper leaves uninjured as
possible. Four to five wrapper leaves are normally left on the
head. To minimize wrapper leaf damage, a crop should not be cut
when the heads are wet. Remove soiled and spoiled leaves on the
base of the head before packing. In operations where quality and
handling practices are carefully tuned, it is more cost-effective
to pick "firm" rather than "hard" heads,
resulting in savings of up 7-11 lbs per carton. In California,
picking crews are normally divided in "trios", which
consist of two cutters and one packer per "trio." The
members of the "trio" rotate jobs, and are paid by the
carton. Head lettuce is field packed in cardboard cartons having
two tiers of 12 heads, and weigh a minimum of 50 lbs/carton.
Heads in the bottom layer are placed butts-down, and in the top
layer butts-up to prevent latex dripping on the foliage.
Semi-head, leaf lettuce and endive are usually packed in
containers based on weight rather than count. For each additional
two wrapper leaves left on the head at harvest, about 5 pounds
are added to a 50 lb carton. Discard all heads showing traces of
disease infection. Labor accounts for the largest costs in
harvesting lettuce. Time to harvest per carton in California was
reduced from 12.7 minutes in the early 1960s to 3.6 minutes in
the early 1970s due to increased harvest, trimming, and packing
efficiency. Film wrapping lettuce heads however increased the
time to harvest a carton to 11.2 minutes, for a commercial field
harvesting crew operation. Leaf and bibb lettuces should be
harvested early in the morning or in the late afternoon or else
wilting will occur.
Handling Practices
Lettuce is a perishable commodity and should be handled
accordingly. The key to successful delivery of fresh lettuce to
market depends upon immediate removal of field heat and for the
product to be kept under proper temperature and humidity. Usually
growers on neighboring islands, away from the Honolulu markets,
vacuum cool harvested lettuce. Vacuum cool for 15-20 minutes.
This will result in about a 2.5% weight loss of the heads. If
foliage is dry, sprinkle it before vacuum cooling. Temperature is
brought down to about 32F (0C). Bibb lettuces are especially
fragile during handling and should not be directly exposed to ice
water for long periods of time.
Shipping and Storage
Recommended shipping and storage temperature for all lettuces and
endive is 32 F (0C) and 95 RH. Expected storage life for head
lettuce is 2 - 3 weeks, and for leafy types 1-2 weeks.
Permeability films have been developed to extend the shelf-life
and postharvest quality of the pre-packed chopped and shredded
lettuce, which are popular in restaurants, institutions, salad
bars, and home consumer packages. The gaseous concentrations of
film packages are important. Off-flavors may develop at O2 levels
below 1% and with CO2 levels above 10%. Target levels in modified
atmosphere packages are of 5% CO2 and 1-3% O2 at 41 F (5C).
Market Information
In 1992, the state imported about 3.8 million lbs of lettuce,
representing 90% of the head/semi-head lettuce, and 74% of the
romaine lettuce consumed in the state. The potential for the
industry is to produce 60-80% of local demands year-round. If the
industry produced 70% of local demand, the 1994 farm gate value
would be $9 million, based on average per pound price of 45 cents
for head lettuce and 40 cents for romaine.
California and Arizona produce >80% of the lettuce consumed in
the United States, and are thus the major competitors for
locally-grown lettuce. Costs of 1992 winter head and leaf lettuce
production in the Imperial Valley, California were >$3,200 per
Acre with harvest costs accounting for over 50% and pest control
about 10% of total costs. Costs of production in Monterey County,
California for 1992 head lettuce harvested from April to October
was about $4,200 per acre ($5.62 per carton), with contract
harvesting accounting for 62% of total production costs. Costs of
production in 1992 for head lettuce in South Florida were
>$3,500 with fixed costs (land rent, machinery, management,
and overhead) accounting for 20% of total costs.
A solid lettuce production program is based on sound and well
planned marketing. Prospective growers should understand annual
market trends (Figures 3-6), market competitors, consumer needs,
potential buyers, and market windows. To keep abreast of changing
markets and new business opportunities, keep close contact with
fellow industry representatives and with other business,
university, Cooperative Extension, and government organizations.
Essential to sound marketing is also a clear understanding of the
farm's financial situation at all times during the annual
production cycle. Updated farm financial records and the input of
financial data in budget generators will help the grower to cut
overhead and improve efficiency of production. Updated financial
information and well organized farm records are also helpful in
the loan application process, in assessment of crop losses by
unexpected pest outbreaks, and in making timely production and
financial decisions to take advantage of potential investment
opportunities or unexpected market windows.
Fig. 3. Average monthly price and volume for head and semi-head
lettuce in Hawaii, 1986-1992.
Fig. 4. Monthly retail price and volume of imports for lettuce in
the United States, 1992.
Fig. 5. Average monthly price and volume for romaine lettuce in
Hawaii, 1986-1992.
Fig. 6. Hawaii head and semi-head imports and local production,
1978-1992.
REFERENCES
Alvarez, A.M. 1981. Bacterial diseases of lettuce. pp. 46-52. In:
Proceedings: Hawaii Lettuce Conference. Univ. Hawaii Coop. Ext.
Serv. RES 19.
Alvarez, J. and C.A. Sanchez. 1991. Phosphorus application
constraints limit profitability of sweet corn and lettuce
production. HortScience. 26:307-309.
Anon. 1993. Controlling lettuce disease: How to stay on top of
bottom rot. Florida Grower and Rancher. Sept. pp. 17-18.
Baker, A.S. 1979. Evaluation of rates and methods of applying
nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers for head lettuce in Western
Washington. Wash. Coop. Ext. Serv. Bull. 883.
Cavanaugh, P. 1993. Lettuce pest management intense. Agribusiness
Fieldman. March 1993. Vol 22(3)pp. 1-3,7.
Cho, J. 1977. Control of bacterial soft rot of crisphead type
lettuce in Hawaii. Plant Dis. Rept. 61:783-787.
Cho, J. 1979. Evaluation of bacterial soft rot-tolerant crisphead
lettuce cultivars in Hawaii. Univ. Hawaii Coop. Ext. Serv. Tech.
Bull.102.
Cho, J. 1981. Disease control of soft rot and bottom rot of
lettuce. pp. 26-33. In: Proceedings: Hawaii Lettuce Conference.
Univ. Hawaii Coop. Ext. Serv. RES 19.
Cho, J. 1986. Winter diseases of lettuce. Univ. Hawaii Coop. Ext.
Serv. Comm. Fact Sheet LE-4(A).
Cho, J, R.F.L. Mau, T.L. German, R.W. Hartmann, L.S. Yudin, D.
Gonsalves, and R. Provvidenti. 1989. A multidisciplinary approach
to management of tomato spotted wilt virus in Hawaii. Plant Dis.
73:375-383.
Costigan, P.A. 1986. The effects of soil type on the early growth
of lettuce. J. Agric. Sci., Camb. 107:1-8.
Cresswell, G.C. 1991. Effect of lowering nutrient solution
concentration at night on leaf calcium levels and the incidence
of tipburn in lettuce. J. Plant Nutr. 14:913-924.
Datnoff, L.E. and R.T. Nagata. 1992. Relationship between corky
root disease and yield of crisphead lettuce. J. Am. Soc. Hort.
Sci. 117:54-58.
Duffus, J.E. and R.A. Flock. 1982. Whitefly-transmitted disease
complex of the desert southwest. Cal. Agric. 36(11/12):4-6.
Ellis, D.E. and R.S. Cox. 1951. The etiology and control of
lettuce damping-off. No. Carolina Coop. Ext. Serv. Tech. Bul. No.
93.
Fox, R.L. and H.R. Valenzuela. 1992. Vegetables grown under
tropical and subtropical conditions. pp. 293-338. In: W. Wichmann
(ed.) IFA World Fertilizer Use Manual. International Fertilizer
Industry Assoc. Germany.
Gamiel, A. and J.J. Stapleton. 1993. Effect of chicken compost or
ammonium phosphate and solarization on pathogen control,
rhizosphere microorganisms, and lettuce growth. Plant Dis.
77:886-891.
Gardner, B.R. and W.D. Pew. 1972. Response of fall grown head
lettuce to nitrogen fertilization. Univ. Arizona Coop. Ext. Serv.
Tech. Bul. 199.
Grafius, E. 1984. Lettuce and onion diseases. Mich. Coop. Ext.
Serv. E-972.
Grogan, R.G. and F.W. Zinc. 1956. Fertilizer injury to lettuce.
Cal. Agric. December. pp. 5,12,13.
Hall, C.B., R.E. Stall, and H.W. Burdine. 1971. Association of
Pseudomonas marginalis with pink rib of lettuce. Proc. Fl. St.
Hort. Soc. 84:163-165.
Hartmann, R. 1991. Breeding lettuce for resistance to tomato
spotted wilt virus in Hawaii. Univ. Hawaii Coop. Ext. Serv. RES
125.
Hartmann, R., Y. Nakagawa, and R. Sakuoka. 1978. Lettuce. HI.
Coop. Ext. Serv. HGVS No. 2.
Hartmann, R.W., R.J. Ito, K. Kubojiri, R.R. Romanowski, and B.A.
Kratky. 1981. Volcano head lettuce trials, 1963-1975. Univ.
Hawaii Coop. Ext. Serv. Res. Rep. 170.
Harvey, J.M., J.K. Stewart, E.A. Atrops, M.J. Ceponis, and P.G.
Chapogas. 1961. Field trimming of lettuce: Effects on package
weight and market quality. USDA Market. Res. Rep. 497.
Hassell, R. 1991. Plug quality starts with seed. Amer. Veg.
Grower. April. pg. 10.
Hochmuth, G.J. 1990. Fertilizer rates depend on bed spacing.
Amer. Veg. Grower. Nov. 38(11):36-38.
Ishii, M. 1981. Lettuces viruses and weed hosts. pp. 7-10. In:
Proceedings: Hawaii Lettuce Conference. Univ. Hawaii Coop. Ext.
Serv. RES 19.
Jackson, L.E., L.J. Wyland, L.J. Stivers. 1993. Winter cover
crops to minimize nitrate losses in intensive lettuce production.
J. Agric. Sci., Camb. 121:55-62.
Klassenm, P. 1993. One step beyond "keeping it cold."
American Veg. Grower. 41(6):14-16)
Kratky, B.A. 1975. Banding activated carbon to increase herbicide
selectivity on lettuce. HortScience 10:172-173.
Kratky, B.A. 1989. Non-circulating hydroponic systems: An
affordable alternative. Am. Veg. Grow. April, pp. 82,84.
Kratky, B.A. 1990. Design of a capillary sub-irrigation
hydroponic lettuce cultivation system for a remote area. Proc.
Nat. Agr. Plastics Conf. 22:141-146.
Kratky, B.A. 1993. A capillary, non-circulating hydroponic method
for leaf and semi-head lettuce. HortTechnology. 3:206-207.
Kratky, B.A. and R.T. Nakano. 1980. Protecting lettuce plants
from preemergence herbicide damage. Univ. Hawaii Coop. Ext. Serv.
RES 1.
Kratky, B.A. and H.Y. Mishima. 1981. Lettuce seedling and yield
response to preplant and foliar fertilization during transplant
production. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 106:3-7.
Lorenz, O.A. 1965. Lettuce requires heavy fertilization.
Agrichemical West. Sept. pp. 7,20,21.
Lynch, J.M., R.D. Lumsden, P.T. Atkey, and M.A. Ousley. 1991.
Prospects for control of Pythium damping-off of lettuce with
Trichoderma, Gliocladium, and Enterobacter spp. Biol. Fertil.
Soil 12:95-99.
Marlatt, R.B. 1974. Nonpathogenic diseases of lettuce: Their
identification and control. Univ. Florida Coop. Ext. Serv. Tech.
Bull. 721A.
Mayberry, K.S. and R.S. Rauschkolb. 1975. Nitrogen uptake in
midwinter lettuce. Cal. Agr. 29(3):6-7.
McDonald, R.E., L.A. Risse, and C.R. Barmore. 1990. Bagging
hopped lettuce in selected permeability films. HortScience
5:671-673.
Montelaro, James. 1977. Lettuce and Endive. Fl. Coop. Ext. Serv.
Circ. 123C.
Nagata, R.T., V.L. Guzman, L.E. Datnoff, and R.N. Raid. 1992.
'Florida Buttercrisp' corky root-resistant butterhead lettuce.
HortScience 27:934-935.
O'Brien, R.D. and A.H.C. van Bruggen. 1992. Accuracy, precision,
and correlation to yield loss of disease severity scales for
corky root of lettuce. Phytopath. 82:91-96.
Raid, R.N. and L.E. Datnoff. 1989. Efficacy of fosetyl-aluminum
foliar applications in controlling downy mildew of lettuce. Proc.
FL. St. Hort. Soc. 102:362-364.
Rosen, C.J. 1990. Leaf tipburn in cauliflower as affected by
cultivar, calcium sprays, and nitrogen nutrition. HortScience.
25:660-663.
Rubatzky, V.E. 1981. Lettuce nutrition. In: Proc.: Hawaii lettuce
conference. Feb. 20-21 1981. Univ. Hawaii Coop. Ext. Serv.,
Honolulu.
Sammis, T.W., B.A. Kratky, and I.P. Wu. 1988. Effects of limited
irrigation on lettuce and chinese cabbage yields. Irrig. Sci.
9:187-198.
Sanchez, C.A., H.W. Burdine, V.L. Guzman, and C.B. Hall. 1988.
Yield, quality, and leaf nutrient composition of crisphead
lettuce as affected by N, P, and K on histosols. Proc. Fla. State
Hort. Soc. 101:346-350.
Schoenemann, J.A., L.K. Binning, J.A. Wyman, L.G. Bundy, and W.R.
Stevenson. 1983. Commercial lettuce production. Univ. Wisconsin
Coop. Ext. Serv. Pub. No. A2340.
Smith, S.A. and T.G. Taylor. 1993. Production costs for selected
vegetables in Florida. Univ. Florida Coop. Ext. Serv. Circ. 1121.
Univ. California. 1987. IPM for cole crops and lettuce. Univ.
Cal. Coop. Ext. Serv. Pub. 3307.
Vail, P.V., R.E. Seay, and J. DeBolt. 1980. Microbial and
chemical control of the cabbage looper on fall lettuce. J. Econ.
Entomol. 73:72-75.
Van Bruggen, A.H.C. and V.E. Rubatzky. 1992. Use of transplants
instead of direct seeding to reduce corky root severity and
losses due to corky root in iceberg lettuce. Plant Dis.
76:703-708.
Welch, N.C., K.B. Tyler, D. Ririe, and F. Broadbent. 1983.
Lettuce efficiency in using fertilizer nitrogen. Cal. Agric.
37(11/12):18-19.
Whitaker, T.W., E.J. Ryder, V.E. Rubatzky, and P.V. Vail. 1974.
Lettuce production in the United States. USDA Agr. Handbook No.
221.
Yudin, L.S., W.C. Mitchell, and J.J. Cho. 1987. Color preference
of thrips with refence to aphids and leafminers in Hawaiian
lettuce farms. J. Econ. Entomol. 80:51-55.
Yudin, L.S., B.E. Tabashnik, W.C. Mitchell, and J.J. Cho. 1991.
Effects of mechanical barriers on distribution of thrips in
lettuce. J. Econ. Entomol. 84:136-139.
Zandstra, B.H., D.D. Warncke, and M.L. Lacy. 1983. Lettuce:
Commercial vegetable recommendations. Mich. Coop. Ext. Serv.
Bull. E-1746.
Zinc, F.W. and M. Yamaguchi. 1963. Head Lettuce: Growth and
nutrient absorption studies indicate need for re-evaluation of
fertilizer practices. Cal. Agric. June. pp. 13-14.
Zitter, T.A. 1976. Viruses affecting Florida vegetables: Lettuce
and endive, Description No. 2: Lettuce Mosaic Virus. Univ.
Florida Coop. Ext. Serv. Circ. S-239.