This study was carried out from March to July, 2002 at Três Pontas, Brazil, to evaluate the influence of tray types and transplanting age of seedlings over the development of crisphead lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). Three types of tray (128; 200, and 288 cells) and five transplanting ages (22; 26; 30; 34 and 38 days after the sowing) were evaluated in a randomized complete block experimental design (3 x 5 factorial), with three replications. The 128 cells tray and the transplantation at 38 days after sowing date showed the highest fresh mass, driest weight, highest leaf number and highest plant height. The highest commercial yield was obtained with 128 cells tray, followed by the one with 200 cells. The lowest yield was obtained with the 288 cells tray. The transplanting age varied from 22 to 38 days after sowing date depending on the use of the 128 or 200 cells tray, with preference for the smaller periods (22 to 30 days). Using the tray with 288 cells, the seedlings should be transplanted at 38 days after sowing date.
Lactuca sativa L.; recipients type; growth
