b'the extensive use of marker technology and routine disease screening facilities makes lettuce breeding relatively expen-sive. The development of a new variety from scratch (that is, cultural value with all required disease and consumer traits) will take seven to nine years, including pre-commercial trialing. However, in mature programs, this goes faster as the larger pieces of the variety-puzzle are often already stitched together. SOURCES OF DIVERSITYAll the lettuce breeding firms report that genes found in wild lettuce species remain a source of potential pest and dis-ease resistance, especially for Bremia. At Maraldi and Meridiem, wild-type lettuces are also used for inheritance studies and introgression of new traits. However, Garca adds that the use of these wild materials is increasingly used for the development of abiotic stress tolerant varieties in relation to drought, salinityLettuce trial field. Source: Syngenta Seeds B.V.and nutrient deficiency conditions.Internalcompanylines,other modern cultivars and gene banks make up the remainder of sources of lettuce genetic diversity at this point. In terms of gene banks, Bejo Zaden and BASF both list the Centre for Genetic Resources at Wageningen University in the Netherlands as one of importance for lettuce. BASF also, on an as-needed basis, procures selective accessions from INRA France, IPK Germany and U.S. Department of Agriculture GRIN. Meridiems lettuce breeding program is mainly based on germplasm from the U.S., which provides Meridiem with genes related to rustic-ity, size and productivity; this material is crossed with genetics from Europe to strengthen resistance to mildew and other diseases. Garca explains that our main source of germplasm is derived from the generation of segregating populations obtained by using lines and varieties of commercial interest.As to whether access to new ger-mplasm has been made more difficult because of the new regulations on access and benefit sharing (ABS), no issues are reported by Syngenta, BASF or Maraldi. Veenstra at Bejo Zaden notes that while he and his colleagues cannot complain about access, the ABS regulations have required much more paperwork, time and money to stay compliant. Rijk Zwaans Haanstra agrees that the current amount of administrative work requires a lot moreBaby leaf lettuce. Source: Maraldi Sementitime and attention.EUROPEAN-SEED.COMIEUROPEAN SEED I 21'