ARS | Publication request: LETTUCE

Submitted to: Handbook of Plant Breeding
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: May 25, 2006
Publication Date: January 1, 2008
Citation: Mou, B. 2008. Lettuce. Handbook of Plant Breeding, Vol. I, Vegetables I, Asteraceae, Brassicaceae, Chenopodicaceae, and Cucurbitaceae, J. Prohens and F. Nuez, ed., Springer, New York, p. 75-116.

Technical Abstract: Lettuce is the most important fresh-market vegetable in the U.S. in terms of area, production, and value. It is also a leading vegetable in many countries around the world. Plant breeding has played a critical role in the improvement of yield and quality of lettuce. This book chapter summarizes the basic principles and practices of lettuce breeding as well as new advances in the field. It covers the origin and domestication, major horticultural types, genetic resources, major breeding achievements, current goals of breeding, breeding methods and techniques, integration of new biotechnologies in breeding programs, and seed production. It is suitable for breeders, researchers, educators, and students in horticulture to use as a reference or resource.