Nutrient disorders of Lactuca sativa 'Salanova Red'

Nutrient disorders of red-leafed plant species often appear different from symptoms on green-leafed species. 'Salanova Red' lettuce (Lactuca sativa) plants were grown in silica sand culture to induce symptoms of several nutritional disorders. Plants were grown with a complete modified Hoagland's solution. Nutrient deficiencies were induced with a complete nutrient formula withholding a single element. Boron toxicity was also induced by increasing the element 10× higher than the complete nutrient formula. Plants were monitored daily to document and photograph symptoms as they developed. Several nutrient disorders led to a significant reduction in plant dry weight. Nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, and boron deficiencies all resulted in visually redder plants. Nutrient deficient lettuce had lower foliar nutrient concentrations than control plants.