With the objective of evaluating iceberg lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) cultivars grown under autumn condition, an experience in Santana da Vargem, MG, Brazil, was carried out from March to June of 2002. The experimental design was in randomized complete blocks with thirteen treatments (cultivars Adal, 4553 R7, AEL 10, Iglo, Rocco RZ, Rubette, RX 66, RPT 3030, RPT 2020, Paloma, Sandy, Legacy e Raider) and three replicates. The cultivars 45-53R7, RPT 2020, Paloma, Raider and RPT 3030 showed statistically higher total fresh matter than the other cultivars, with the yield ranging 1,010.9; 1,029.4; 1,044.9; 1,075.2 and 1105.2 g plant-1, respectively. The cultivars 45-53R7, RPT 2020, Paloma, Raider, RPT 3030, AEL 10 and Rocco, with yield of commercial fresh matter ranging from 599.1 to 739.1 g plant-1 were statistically more productive than the other cultivars. The cultivar 45-53R7 with commercial head circumference of 49.2 cm stood out in relation to the other cultivars. In relation to the stem length, they did not show statistically significant difference. For commercial head symmetry, "RPT 2020", "Raider" and "RPT 3030", with notes of 4.6; 5.0 and 5.0; respectively, were more symmetric to the other cultivars.
Lactuca sativa; yield; cultivars competition