Yield evaluation of lettuce grown in three modified NFT systems in pandemic times

Due to the pandemic caused by COVID-19 worldwide, it is necessary to rethink the way of producing vegetables taking advantage of free spaces at homes, since a large majority of the world's population has lost their jobs, and they need to generate income for their families. One way to grow plants at homes is through hydroponics or soilless culture. For this purpose, a trial was carried out to evaluate the growth and yield of a variety of crisp type lettuce in a modified NFT system. Three modified NFT systems were evaluated: 1) horizontal with eight growing channels, 2) pyramidal with 10 channels, and 3) pyramidal with 13 channels. Significant differences were found in the number of leaves, root length, dry and fresh weight of the plant and yield in kg/m2 and kg/NFT system. The highest fresh plant weight and yield were achieved in plants grown with the pyramidal NFT system with 10 growing channels. SPAD units and photosynthetic photon flux density were evaluated, but no significant differences were found. The yield (fresh weight, kg/m2, kg/system) and the utility achieved with the modified NFT system of ten growing channels were higher.