Effect of different planting techniques and sowing density rates on the development of quinoa

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a crop of increasing interest due to its agro-ecological adaptability and high nutritional properties. Few information is available on the adaptability of quinoa in the Sahel region, and on genotype’s phenological, morphological and agronomical responses to different planting methods and sowing density rates. To test the effect of planting and sowing methods, two separate experiments were carried out in Burkina Faso to examine the performance of different genotypes (Titicaca, Puno, Pasankalla and Negra Collana) to multiple planting methods (ridges, dibbling, broadcasting, transplanting, traditional-pits and flat sowing) and sowing density rates (from 80,000 to 200,000 plants ha-1). The results showed significant differences among genotypes in terms of growth attributes, with higher yields when sown in ridges (10.7, 8.4 and 5.7 g plant-1 Puno, Pasankalla and Titicaca, respectively). In addition, higher yields were observed under low density rates, with plant spacing being compensated by changes in branch system. However, higher yields were reported per unit area (Titicaca with 98.8 g m-2) under high density treatments (200,000 plants ha-1). As a conclusion, the use of short cycle varieties (Titicaca and Puno) sown in ridges at high density rates was recommended. Key words: Africa, agricultural management, genotypes, phenology, physiology.