Preliminary Evaluation of Quinoa Genotypes Introduced in the Saharan Zone of Algeria, Case of Ouargla

Searching for alternative crops in marginal environments represents a key challenge for adapting agriculture to the effects of climate change. Salinization is increasing on a global scale, decreasing average yields for most major crop plants. Investigations into salt resistance have been mainly focused on conventional crops, with few studies available on halophytes. Despite the large interest in the use of Chenopodium crops on extreme habitats, very little is known about growth response and seed yield under saline conditions. Quinoa was first introduced in Algeria in 2014. Our research objective is to assess the performance of five quinoa genotypes in Ouargla (Algeria): three varieties (Amarilla Sacaca, Blanca de Junin, Kancolla) and two cultivars (Santa Maria, Giza1). The trial was carried out in open fields with application of controlled irrigation. The experimental plan was a complete randomized block design with four replications. Agro-morphological descriptors were used to characterize the plants during the different phases of their development. Results showed a significant difference in seed yield per plant from 12.69 g/plant (Santa Maria) to 4.03 g/plant (Kancolla). The average height of the plants presented high variability from 55.66 cm to 27.12 cm, respectively, for Amarilla Sacaca and Kancolla. The shortest average cycle was for Blanca de Junin (136 days) followed by Giza1 (140.5 days), while Amarilla Sacaca presented the longest cycle duration with an average of 162.25 days. The first results are very promising but an analysis of genotypes’ tolerance to salinity is needed for exploring future areas of cultivation.