An experiment using pots under greenhouse conditions was carried out to evaluate the influence of nitrogen fertilization on the growth and nitrate accumulation of lettuce cultivars. The experimental design was of randomized blocks in a 5 x 5 factorial scheme, with four replicates. Treatments were five nitrogen rates: 0; 141,5; 283; 566 and 1132 mg/pot N as urea, and five lettuce cultivars: Lucy Brown, Tainá, Vera, Verônica and Elisa. Maximum growth was observed in the treatment using 283 mg of N/pot. The use of higher rates did not increase plant growth but raised nitrate accumulation in shoot organs. Lucy Brown and Tainá accumulated more nitrate than Vera, Verônica and Elisa cultivars.
Lactuca sativa; nitrogen; growth
