This characterisation trial took place at the UK Vegetable Genebank, Warwick Crop Centre, in the “Sheeps pens West Sector 1” in 2024. Planting details are provided below
Seeds were sown in P84 modular trays in Levintons F2s compost and covered with a thin layer of vermiculite on 04/06/2024. 11 lines (HRIGRU 1180, HRIGRU 1683, HRIGRU 1689, HRIGRU 2989, HRIGRU 3005, HRIGRU 4438, HRIGRU 4935, HRIGRU 8400, HRIGRU 8416, HRIGUR 8418 & HRIGRU 10550) showed poor germination and were resown into P84 trays on 02/07/2024. Plants were raised under glass and moved to a polytunnel to harden off 7-10 days before transplanting.
Plants were transplanted to the field on 18/07/2024 into 2 pre-formed beds, 55 m long. The planting design was 4 rows per bed, 35cm plant spacing. 12 plants per lettuce accession in a single block. Guard plants (Lobjoits Green Cos) were planted around the external edges. Lettuce were grown using standard (e.g. RB209) fertilizer regime. Pests and disease were controlled using appropriate means, and the trial was netted to avoid bird damage. Irrigation was provided to supplement rainfall to ensure a healthy crop.
Data collection took place between the 31-07-2024 and 03-10-2024.