Research Concerning the Variability of the Main Characteristics of Lettuce from V.R.D.S. Buzau Germplasm Collection

Abstract

Lettuce ( Lactuca sativa L.) is the most important crop in the group of leafy vegetables. Lately, the nutritionists recommend more often lettuce consumption because of its high content in vitamins, mineral salts, nutrient substances and low content in carbohydrates. Research made at V.R.D.S. Buzau respond to two major problems: biodiversity conservation and creating new vegetable varieties adapted to nowadays climatic conditions. Since 2011 started the collection of biological material at this species from Buzau vegetable area. In this sense, the lettuce collection from V.R.D.S. Buzau contains over 30 accessions. This study presents the main characteristics of 10 accessions cultivated in open field in 2013 – 2014 periods. In what it concerns accession 14, in 2013 there were registered the highest values concerning plant characteristics (height – 26 cm, diameter – 36 cm, weight – 504.33 g) and eatable part weight (319.33 g), and in 2014 the values of this accession reached or surpassed the mean value of the experience. All accessions presented, had made a head at the consumption maturity, except accession 18. Most variants had green leafs, only 3 accessions (8, 15  and 18) had anthocyanin coloration.