The influence of molibdenum dosages was evaluated on yield and quality of crisphead lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). Three trials were carried out in Nazareno, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, from December/2001 to February/2002. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with four replications, being evaluated five molibdenum dosages (0; 90; 180; 240 and 360 g ha-1) and three application times of foliar-spraying (14; 21 and 28 days after transplanting). The total fresh matter presented quadratic effect where the dosage of 235 g ha-1 of molybdenum provided the highest yield. Significant differences between treatments were not observed for application times. The commercial fresh matter evidenced quadratic effect when molybdenum dosages were incremented, in function of the application dates. The doses of 236; 212 and 229 g ha-1 of molybdenum resulted in higher commercial production. The application of molibdenum 21 days after transplanting date showed the best results. Doses of 220 g ha-1 of molybdenum promoted bigger head circumference, when applied 14 and 21 days after transplanting date. There was no significant difference between treatments for stem length.
Lactuca sativa; total and commercial fresh matter; stem length; head circumference
