Adaptation of Quinoa in Bhutanese Cropping Systems

Tirtha Bdr. Katwal, Namgay Wangdi & Padam Lal Giri

ABSTRACT

Quinoa, a new Andean crop, was introduced to Bhutan in 2015. Rapid evaluation of quinoa was carried out in 2015 and 2016 to assess its adaptability and to generate cultivation and crop management information under the Bhutanese low external input subsistence mountain farming systems. Ten different varieties were evaluated at six different locations across the country from which four varieties have been released by the national Variety Release Committee (VRC) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests (MoAF). Crop maturity and grain yield of different varieties from two years of trials and demonstrations under different agro-ecological zones and cropping systems indicated good adaptability of Quinoa for cultivation as an alternative crop. Varieties Amarilla Marangani (Ashi Heychum – AM) and Amarilla Saccaca (Ashi Heychum – AS) produced an average grain yield of 2.31 and 2.24 t ha-1 in 2015. In 2016, of the 10 varieties evaluated in six locations, mean yield ranged from 1.22 to 2.57 t ha-1which was statistically not significant. There was, however, significant difference in days to maturity among the test varieties. The information generated is used to rapidly promote this new protein rich cereal under existing cropping systems to enhance household food and nutritional security. Based on the on-station and on-farm observation trials, varieties and crop management practices have been recommended for different cropping systems and agro-ecology.

Keywords: Cropping system, Quinoa varieties, Maturity, Yield, Sowing time

 

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