MD. SHAHINUL ISLAM1* and MD. RAFIQUL ISLAM2
1Project Director, 2Credit Management Specialist, Safe Horticultural Crop Production and Postharvest Technology Transfer Project, Department of Agricultural Extension, Khamarbari, Dhaka-1215, Bangladesh.
*Corresponding author’s email: pdshptpdae@gmail.com.
ABSTRACT
The study was conducted at the research Farm and Laboratories of Horticulture Department, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University (BSMRAU), Salna, Gazipur, Bangladesh during October 2011 to May 2012. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is one of the major leafy and salad vegetables. Identification and assessment of the genetic potential of lettuce genotypes is crucial for a breeding programme. Analyses of variance revealed with a statistically significant variation (p<0.01 or p<0.05) among the genotypesfor their morphology, seed production and nutritive traits. Genotype LS003 was sensitive to bolting and flowering. The highest leaf yield 20.70 t/ha and seed yield 365 kg/ha was obtained from the genotypes LS003. Besides, the highest amount of ascorbic acid (21.53 mg), β-carotene (1.43 mg), calcium (61.5 mg) and iron (1.68 mg) was also measured from LS003. On the basis of leaf quality, leaf and seed yield and nutritive value the genotype LS003 was found to be promising under Bangladesh conditions. Therefore, the genotype LS003 may be recommended for leaf and seed production in Bangladesh. In addition, other genotypes with desirable characters can be used to improve traits for a breeding programme.
Keywords: Breeding, Lactuca sativa, Qualitative and Quantitative trait.