Peculiarities of the formation of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) varieties collection with reference characteristics

Peculiarities of the formation of the collection of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) varieties with reference characteristics are considered. Methodological requirements for the formation, grouping, maintenance, use and updating of the examples varieties collection for identifi cation of all lettuce varieties were scientifi cally grounded. Varieties with relevant morphological characteristics and notes of their expressions for vegetative and generative organs of lettuce plants were identifi ed. The use of formed examples varieties collection for the table of characteristics in the Guidelines for the conduct of tests for distinctness, uniformity and stability for lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) varieties was confi rmed.