Sowing dates and density evaluation of amaranth (cv. Koniz) as a new crop

Author: M. Yarnia ^1*, M. B. Khorshidi Benam ² and E. Farajzadeh Memari Tabrizi ³

Received 19 January 2010, accepted 8 April 2010.

Abstract

For evaluation the possibility of amaranth cultivation as a new crop with high value nutrient and high production potential in Tabriz region, an experiment was conducted on randomized complete block design in 3 replicates using two factors as planting density (10, 20, 30 and 40 plants per m² ) and sowing date (20-Apr, 5-May, 20-May, 3-Jun and 18-Jun) in 2008-2009 crop season. The results showed that delay in sowing reduced plant height at least 13.02 up to 33.17%, the number of inflorescences per plant from 23.35 to 56.69%, number of seeds per plant from 22.75 to 71.44%, grain yield per plant from 27.41 to 79.88% and plant biomass from 39.34 to 79.91%. This shows the importance of sowing date determination of this crop in the region. Increasing plant density led to increase in the number of inflorescences per plant up to 56.69% and reduced the number of seeds per plant to 63.74% but the yield per area unit increased in low density and decreased in very high density (40 plant m²). Interaction between sowing delay and increasing plant density decreased leaf area at least 19.63 up to 97.15%, oil in seeds from 22.20 up to 98.26%, oil in shoots from 34.38 to 93.81%, seed protein content from 2.99 to 92.23% and shoot protein content from 3.74% up to 65.81%. Therefore, early sowing dates with low density increased growth period, reduced competition and increased production potential of amaranth.

Key words: Amaranth, crop production, density, sowing date, Tabriz.