LAUSR

ABSTRACT Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is in short supply and expensive in southern Nigeria because environmental conditions do not favor year-round cultivation. Cultivar adaptability and modification of growing systems are possible ways of producing lettuce for a consistent market supply regardless of weather. Two experiments were conducted in a plastic tunnel from Nov. 2013 to Jan. 2014 and from Mar. to Jun. 2014 to evaluate growth, yield, and nutrient quality of the lettuce cvs. Eden and Blonde de Paris which received poultry manure at rates equivalent to 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 t ha−1 with a control which received no manure. “Eden” had better growth and yield than “Blonde de Paris.” Overall, lettuce yield in 2013 was lower than in 2014. “Eden” grown in 2014 with treatments of 5 or 10 t ha−1 of poultry manure produced more leaves, larger leaf area, and higher total and marketable yield than “Blonde de Paris.” “Eden” at 5 t ha−1 enhanced foliar P and K while at 10 t ha−1 had higher foliar Ca but not N, K, and Mg than 2.5 t ha−1 and no manure. “Eden” is more suitable for protected cultivation than “Blonde de Paris” and application of 5 t ha−1 poultry manure substantially enhanced growth, yield, and quality of the crop thus is likely best for protected cultivation of lettuce in this and similar regions.