The Adaptability of Quinoa in Aba Prefecture of Sichuan Province

PurposeTo evaluate the agronomic and quality characteristics of quinoa in Aba Prefecture of Sichuan Province, and provide a theoretical basis for quinoa cultivation in this region.

MethodThe duration, plant height, main spike length, 1000-grain weight, yield per plant, yield, diseases and insect pests, protein, fat, resistant starch and total starch content of 9 quinoa accessions were investigated in Barkam.

ResultQuinoa accessions showed a certain diversity, and there were significant or extremely significant differences (P<0.05 or P<0.01) in 1000-grain weight, yield per plant, yield, protein content, fat content and resistant starch content among accessions. Growth durations was about 125 d in early-maturing accessions, and 159 d in late-maturing accessions. Plant height and inflorescence length was (149.6±12.2) cm and (52.5±6.8) cm, respectively. 1000-grain weight was (3.11±0.46) g. Single plant yield and yield was (62.5±33.2) g and (1172.9±785.6) kg/hm², respectively. Content of grain protein, fat, resistant starch and total starch were (15.6±1.3)%, (6.4±0.5)%, (0.15±0.02)%, and (55.9±1.9)%, correspondingly. There were slightly leaf miner, twill moth and leaf spot diseases been observed on quinoa accessions. NX-1 and CX-2 showed excellent performance among these accessions, which could be further cropped.

ConclusionQuinoa could be planted in Barkam and areas with similar ecological conditions. Attention should be paid on the selection of varieties, sowing date and observation of diseases and insect pests. Introduction and screening of suitable varieties and formation cultivation measures were the focuses in the further.