Thursday 5 May 2011

LETTUCE

Characteristics: Lettuce is a low calorie food and is a source of vitamin A and folic acid. Lactucarium (or “Lettuce Opium”) is a mild opiate-like substance that is contained in all types of lettuce.
It is eaten either raw, notably in salads, sandwiches, hamburgers, tacos, and many other dishes, or cooked.
The lettuce plant has a short stem initially (a rosette growth habit), but when it gradually blooms, the stem and branches lengthen and produce many flower heads that look like those of dandelions, but smaller
Specific cares: Mulch plants in early summer to keep the soil cool. Water plants during the summer if rainfall is less than 1 inch per week. Insects and diseases are rare in home lettuce plantings.
Plagues: Small Insects found on new stems and the underside of the leaf. Usually green. They suck fluids from the plant leaving a honey dew substance behind. Leaves turn pale yellow.
Measures: Insecticidal soaps or spray with a strong stream of water to wash off. Ladybug beetles are natural predators. * Can use Rotenone in early growth. * Pesticide use and recommendations for various areas are constantly changing.
Price: 1 TL, 50p
Date of plantation and harvesting: April – June -July

No comments:

Post a Comment

Ecological Farming and Nutrition Copyright © 2009 Designed by Ipietoon Blogger Template for Bie Blogger Template Vector by DaPino