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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Salinas, California » Crop Improvement and Protection Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #389131
Research Project: Genetics and Breeding of Lettuce, Spinach, Melon, and Related Species to Improve Production and Consumer-related Traits

Location: Crop Improvement and Protection Research

Title: Lettuce breeding and genetics (USDA)

Author
item Richardson, Kelley
item Simko, Ivan
item Mou, Beiquan

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/13/2021
Publication Date: 10/13/2021
Citation: Richardson, K.L., Simko, I., Mou, B. 2021. Lettuce breeding and genetics (USDA). California Leafy Greens Research Program Mid-Year Meeting, October 13, 2021 (virtual).

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The lettuce industry of California requires continued development of improved, adapted cultivars to meet new disease and insect problems, changes in the market, and changes in growing practices. The USDA-ARS lettuce breeding and genetics project aims to incorporate valuable traits into romaine, crisphead, mixed lettuce, and spring mix cultivars and breeding lines that are adapted to coastal California and low desert production conditions. In parallel, we develop information and tools to increase the utility of our germplasm. For the 2021-2022 funding year, we will emphasize characterization of and germplasm development with resistance to Verticillium wilt, lettuce drop, Fusarium wilt, dieback, corky root, downy mildew, bacterial leaf spot, leafminer, Pythium wilt, and Impatiens necrotic spot virus, with low incidence of tipburn, and improved nutrition and shelf-life of processed lettuce. In all areas, horticultural traits and adaptation are considered essential.