Characterization of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) grown with biopesticides and deltamethrin

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physico-chemical characteristics and the post-harvest loss of mass of curly lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) cv. Verônica that was grown in a protective environment with applications of biopesticides. The curly lettuce was treated by spraying with neem oil, cassava flour wastewater (manipueira), biofertiliser or the control treatment of deltamethrin. We determined the weight, circumference, dry matter, ash, crude protein, total phenols and minerals profile for the heads of lettuce. After harvesting, the lettuce was packed into opened plastic bags and kept at 5 °C for 5 days to evaluate its weight loss. No differences were observed among the treatments for the physico-chemical parameters. The lettuce that was sprayed with manipueira or biofertiliser had the greatest weight loss during storage. The achievement of similar yields with cheaper products suggests a benefit of using organic bioinsecticides.

► Organic and conventional products were sprayed on lettuce.
► The yield and composition, besides the weight loss during the storage were studied.
► The yield of lettuce was the same for conventional and organic products.
► There was no improvement on nutritional aspects.
► A greater weight loss occurred in lettuce sprayed with organic products.