Evaluation and identification of stable and high yielding genotypes for varietal development in amaranthus (Amaranthus hypochondriacus L.) under dryland conditions of Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh

The present investigation was carried out during kharif and rabi seasons of the year 2018-19 and 2019-20 under State Plan Project, Dryland Agriculture Research Project , Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya (RVSKVV), Gwalior and College of Agriculture, Indore under dryland condition to evaluate the mean performance of the amaranthus accessions under different seasonal conditions, providing insights into their adaptability and yield potential for grain production. The present study material consisted of 51 indigenous Amaranthusspp. germplasm collections, including 3 released varieties and 20 accessions from the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), New Delhi. Under dryland conditions, farmyard manure (FYM) was applied at a rate of 10 t/ha, along with a basal dose of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium (NPK) fertilisers (30 kg N, 20 kg P, 10 kg K/ha.). These fertilisers were applied using urea, single superphosphate and muriate of potash respectively, for grain amaranthus in both seasons. Irrigation scheduling was not required in the kharif season, but in the rabi season, irrigation was applied immediately after sowing, with a minimum of 2 irrigations at 15 days intervals thereafter. Observations were recorded on various yields and their related traits. In grain amaranthus, overall, Betul AMA 17-18-121 was among the best-performing genotypes in terms of growth, vigour and yield in both seasons.