Selection of lettuce hybrids to generate productive carotenoid-biofortified populations

ABSTRACT The search for new technologies capable of providing benefits to healthy eating is a global goal. The consumption of foods rich in carotenoids can prevent serious health problems. Thus, the availability of foods high in carotenoids that are accessible to the majority of the population is essential. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is a suitable species for biofortification research based on genetic improvements. In this study, we aimed to select and obtain hybrid lettuce populations with high agronomic potential and biofortified carotenoid content. Ten lettuce lines registered in the “BG α Biofort” software were selected for hybridization. The crosses used to obtain the hybrids involved two strains rich in at least one of the pigments (chlorophyll and carotenoids), and 24 experimental hybrids were obtained. A total of 37 genotypes (strains, hybrids, and commercial cultivars) were evaluated using a randomized block design for agronomic variables and chlorophyll and carotenoid content. Hybrids 12 (UFU-189#3#4#1 × UFU MC BIOFORT 2) and 25 (UFU66#4#2 × UFU-189#3#4#1) had the potential to produce dual-purpose populations (yield and carotenoid biofortification). Hybrid 27 (UFU66#4#2 × UFU MC BIOFORT1) exhibited the best pigment balance. Thus, F2 hybrids 12, 25, and 27 should be obtained to produce new cultivars of biofortified red and green lettuce for curly, american, mini, and romaine lettuce segments.