Effect of Nitrogen on Growth and Yield of Quinoa Accessions

Abstract

     This study evaluated growth and yield of two quinoa genotypes in winter-spring and spring-summer growing seasons under different levels of nitrogen fertilizer applied to determine growing season and dressing dose for quinoa production in the Red River Delta, Vietnam. The field experiment was a split-plot design with three replications. The main factor consisted of four nitrogen levels: N1- 0kg N; N2- 30kg N; N3- 60kg N và N4- 90kg N/ha ( winter – spring season) and N1- 30kg N; N2- 60kg N; N3- 90kg N và N4- 120kg N/ha (spring - summer season). The sub-factor consisted of two quinoa genotypes of Chilean origin, Green and Red quinoa. Data were collected for growth duration, plant height, stem diameter, dry matter accumulation, chlorophyll index (SPAD meter), lodging tolerance, pests and diseases, number of panicles/plant, number of grains/panicle, 1000 grain weight and grain yield. Increased nitrogen levels prolonged crop duration in spring - summer season only but increased dry matter accumulation, number of grains/panicle, 1000 grain weight and grain yield of both quinoa varieties in both growing seasons. Application of 90kg N/ha appeared as optimal dose for growth, development and yield of quinoa varieties in both growing seasons. The results showed that winter - spring season was favorable for growth and grain yield in the Red River Delta.