Organic seed production of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) in Turkey

Organic seed production needs intensive knowledge on both seed production and organic management system. This study was carried out to deliver organic lettuce seed production knowledge for seed companies and farmers. The experiments were performed during the spring and autumn seasons in an organic field at Ataturk Central Horticultural Research Institute (Yalova, Turkey) with ('Grise Maraichère') lettuce cultivar in 2013-2014. Yield, weight of 1000 seeds, number of seed g^-1 and germination rates were determined. The performance of the autumn growing season was better in terms of organic seed yield (185 kg ha^-1) than the spring seed yield (115 kg ha^-1). The results showed that 1000 seed weighed 1.02 g, and there were 1001 seeds in 1 g in autumn season. These properties were found as 0.91 g and 1048 seed, respectively in the spring season. The germination rate was found high in both seasons (90-100%). The major problems appeared as the fungal diseases. The main limitation was due to grey mould (Botrytis cinerea Pers.) for organic lettuce seed production in Yalova because of its rainy and highly humid climate condition.