Effect of Agricultural Medium on the Qualitative Characteristics of Two Hybrids of Lettuce (Lactuca Sativa L.) in Hydroponics System

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the most effective agricultural medium used in the growth and yield of lettuce in a hydroponics system under plastic house protected structure. Specifically, the study aimed to know the effect of using different agricultural medium such as peat moss, perlite and peat moss + perlite on growth and yield of two hybrids of lettuce. The experiment was conducted from 16 November 2020 to 21 January 2021 at Nursery of the Directorate of Agriculture Kirkuk/Kirkuk governate. The research used two factors, first factor is different of agricultural medium viz., peat moss, perlite and peat moss + perlite. Second factor is Two hybrids of lettuce viz, Fajer and Nader. The experiment was laid out according to the Randomized Complete Blocking Design (RCBD) with split plot arrangement in three replicates. The Duncan Multiple Range test at 5% level of probability was used for the comparison among means. Results showed that the lettuce planted in peat moss had the greatest content of the middle and internal leaves of chlorophyll. And the proportion of phosphorous, potassium, iron, nitrate and pigment Beta-carotene, percentage and density and refractive index of oil in the leaves. The data collected revealed that the Fajer hybrid recorded significant increment in all studied characteristics except content of the external leaves of chlorophyll and the percentage of nitrogen, protein and sugars in the leaves. Fajer hybrid planted in peat moss obtained maximum values in all studied characteristics compared to other treatments. On contrast, Nader hybrid planted in peat moss + perlite obtained minimum values in these characteristics.