Lettuce Best Practice - Department of Primary Industries

LNYVFarm Services Victoria 46Virus minimisation strategyPre-plantNurseryTransplant through tovegetative growthRotations out of lettuce will help reduce big vein disease incidence.It is essential to control weeds in and around production areas.Collectively, the viruses infecting lettuce have a very wide range of potential hosts so a thorough weedmanagement program is recommended, rather than selecting individual species which may be common hosts.Purchase seed and seedlings from reliable suppliers and ensure that it has been tested for Lettuce mosaic virus(LMV) freedom.Consider LBVD tolerant varieties when growing during cool weather in areas with a history of the disease.If aphid-transmitted viruses are an ongoing issue (CMV, LMV and TuMV) consider the use of permanent wind rowsand strategic planting to maximise the distance between lettuce crops.Ensure nursery area is free of weeds.Control insect vectors-thrips, aphids.Where possible locate nursery in a district remote from production areas.Maintain weed control in and around production areas, especially of virus host plants.Monitor for and maintain good management of insect vectors.Avoid planting new crops near old crops, particularly where virus and other diseases have been prevalent.Remove any virus affected plants from the crop area to minimise virus spread.It is important to control the insect vectors (see control methods for insect vectors) before virus is observed in thefield.