Effects of sowing dates and irrigation levels on morphological traits and yield of Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) in Khuzestan

To investigate the effects of different sowing dates and irrigation regimes on agronomic traits and yield of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoaWilld.) as a new plant, a field experiment was conducted at Haftkel, North East of Ahvaz, Iran. The experiment was conducted as split plot based on a randomized complete block design with four replications. Four sowing dates (31 October, 15 and 30 November and 15 December) considered as main plots and five irrigation levels (full-irrigation, once irrigation at sowing time, two irrigations at sowing and flowering stages and no irrigation conditions) were subplots. Results showed that period between flowering and maturity was shortened with the shortening of the growing season due to the late sowing dates. Dry matter accumulation increased in plant with an increasing the growing season or increased irrigation water. Water could increase plant height, stem diameter, number of ears per plant, number of grains per panicle, grain weight and grain yield and biological yield. The highest grain and biological yield of quinoa was found in sowing date of October 31. Quinoa planted at December 15 had the lowest plant high, the number of ears per plant, number of grain per panicle, seed weight and yield, compared to the other sowing dates.