The influence of doses of borax on yield and post harvest quality of crisp head lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) was evaluated. Three distinct trials were conducted in Tres Pontas, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, from June to August 2002. The randomized block design with five doses of borax (0.00; 0.75; 1.50; 2.25 and 3.00 kg.ha-1) and four replicates, applied foliarly at different times (14; 21 and 28 days after transplanting) was evaluated. The total fresh matter presented a quadratic effect, where the dose of 1.58 kg ha-1 of borax resulted in a greater yield. A range of 795 to 829 g plant-1 between different application times, with no statistical significant differences was observed. The application of 1.71 kg ha-1 of borax resulted in greater commercial fresh matter production. The best results (563 g plant-1) were obtained when the application was performed at 21 days. Applications at 21 days also resulted in greater head circumference (41.7 cm), being statistically superior to the applications at 28 days (40.6 cm). Stem length did not present any significant effects between treatments. The dose of 1.55 kg ha-1 of borax presented best lettuce conservation in cold-chamber (20 days).
Lactuca sativa L.; yield; borax; application methods; fertilization; post harvest conservation
