Evaluation of two new lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) varieties at the production level on a hydroponic substrate system

Abstract

Hydroponics is a way of cultivating various crops without the use of soil. It has been a technique that has been used since ancient times and has seen a big rise in popularity in the last 50 years. Hydroponics uses the advanced greenhouse technology and a nutrient solution to provide the plants with better growing conditions while at the same time benefit the environment. Hydroponics is seen as one of the best solutions to overpopulation and other environmental problems. This paper will provide the reader with some general knowledge on the history of hydroponics and on the most popular hydroponic systems. One of the most popular hydroponic crops is Lettuce and it will be the main focus of the paper. Lettuce excels in certain hydroponic systems like NFT and it is able to have a much larger production on it, compared to soil based cultivation of lettuce. The objective of this assignment is the evaluation of two new lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) varieties at the production level on a hydroponic substrate system. That is why an in-depth look into the lettuce market on Europe and Greece will be provided in the paper so the final evaluation of the varieties is more precise.