Lettuce rejoice

The USDA ARS has released info on two new iceberg varieties that offer resistance to big vein virus and lettuce mosaic virus.

In 2004, the plants became the first publicly available iceberg lettuces to boast resistance to both diseases. That's why lettuce breeders and seed companies in California and elsewhere were quick to request samples of the tiny black seeds.
Dual-resistance enhances survival because a lettuce field can easily be besieged by both viruses at once.

TK: This is good news. What would be even better if plant scientists could build in resistance to E. coli.