The Hastings Agricultural Extension Center adopted the lettuce variety trials in 2018 for the demonstration of alternative row crops. Within the Tri-County Agricultural Area (TCAA), the term "alternative" refers to any crops outside of the traditional rotations - potatoes and cabbage. While these crops are the staple of the community, the acreage has been reduced due to tight profit margins and competitiveness for chipping contracts. Lettuce, along with artichokes and pumpkins, have been one of the newly adopted commodities for North Florida. What initially began as field trials expanded into the controlled systems of protected agricultural and hydroponics. Three seasons of germplasm trials with 14 newly developed lines in the hydroponic towers were conducted in Hastings to evaluate their soilless potential. Under 20% shade, lettuce was grown in the Verti-Gro system with 40% perlite, 30% coconut coir and 30% peat moss. These trials were also home to many field tours for the community, and opportunities for local growers to witness and observe their growth habits. Data evaluations included marketability, timing (if observed) of bolting, tip burn, and head weights. Weights ranged from 0.10 - 0.85 kg, with Botrytis and Sclerotinia being the most common disease pest identified. Since the trials began, our lettuce acreage has increased from 15 to 100 in the county, including two organic growers and one conventional, and with opportunities for more research to benefit these diversified growers.
