Evaluation of intra-row spacing on growth, yield, grain quality and economic performance of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) genotypes under semi-arid conditions of Pakistan

Hanif, Muhammad Kashif , Afzal, Irfan

2026-12-31 ARCHIVES OF AGRONOMY AND SOIL SCIENCE 2026   72(卷), 1(期), (1-18页)

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Intra-row spacing is a critical agronomic factor influencing quinoa productivity. This study evaluated effects of intra-row spacing on growth, yield, quality and economic performance of quinoa genotypes under semi-arid conditions of Pakistan. It was hypothesized that variations in intra-row spacing significantly affect yield, quality, economic returns and that quinoa genotypes differ in their response to spacing. A two-year field experiment was conducted using split-plot arrangement within randomized complete block design, with three intra-row spacings (10, 20, and 30 cm) assigned to main plots and three quinoa genotypes (UAF-Q7, Line-105, and Line-22) to sub-plots. Intermediate spacing (20 cm) produced highest grain yield, resulting in 15.1% and 9.5% higher yields than 10 cm and 24.5% and 19.4% higher yields than 30 cm during 2021-22 and 2022-23 respectively. Among genotypes, Line-105 outperformed others by 9-19% across both seasons. Grain yield was positively associated with carbohydrate content but negatively correlated with protein content. Highest benefit - cost ratio (BCR) was recorded at 20 cm spacing with Line-105 (BCR 5.44 in 2021-22; BCR 5.31 in 2022-23), whereas lowest BCR occurred at 30 cm spacing with UAF-Q7. Overall, 20 cm spacing combined with Line-105 was optimum spacing - genotype combination for maximizing yield and profitability.