The aim of this study was to evaluate the adaptation of different genotypes of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) to organic farming systems. Eighteen accesses belonging to the Germoplasm Bank (BGH - UFV) were evaluated and compared with two commercial cultivars, Regina de Verão and Crespa Grand Rapids. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse with three replications. The accesses were compared on substrates made of soil with either mineral or organic fertilizers. Plants were grown in 3 dm³ polystyrene pots filled with 2.5 dm³of soil. The substrate with mineral fertilizer was prepared with conventionally cultivated soil and mineral fertilizer, according to lettuce crop recommendations, based on soil analyses. The substrate with organic fertilizer was prepared with organically managed soil and fertilized with 50 t.ha-1 of organic compost. At harvest, plant morphological characteristics and leaf fresh and dry weights were evaluated. A great variability of forms, sizes and colors were observed among the genotypes. Accesses BGH 2625, BGH 118 and the cultivar Regina de Verão showed the greatest adaptation to organic environment. The genotypes showed good qualitative characteristics and yield and, therefore, were selected as possible sources of adaptation to this environment.
Germoplasm bank; pot cultivation; greenhouse; organic fertilization
