Morphological characterisation and production of quinoa genotypes (Chenopodium quinoa Will.) in the Mediterranean environment.

Twenty five genotypes of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) were evaluated for its adaptation to Mediterranean environment as spring sowing. Accessions were morphologically described and classified. The field experiment was carried out in Central Italy (43° 18’ north; 11° 47’ est). The adopted experimental field was a 5 x 5 lattice with four replications. Analysis of the morphological and biometric data has confirmed the importance of certain characteristics like leaf morphology and plant height in the classification of the populations. The distribution obtained with the morphological variables was representative of the geographical distribution of the place of origin of the genetic material. In fact, varieties were divided into three groups that reflect their differences in morphology and place of origin. Their sensitivity to the photoperiod makes the original genotypes of the far northern areas of South America (those on a minor latitude), unsuitable for the introduction into the Mediterranean environments. This situation was verified for the following varieties: CICA 17, CICA 127, Narino, ECU-420, 03-21-079BB, Ingapirca, Huariponcho, Kankolla and 03-21-079RM). As these genotypes are unable to complete their cycle of development, they therefore cannot be considered for seed production, though they could be excellent producers of the biomass required for forage. Other genotypes (Illpa, Salcedo, Ratuqui, Sajama, Kamiri, Jujuy, Sayana, Real, Ollague) can only be introduced only with early spring sowing. Only seven genotypes reached physiological maturity. The highest grain producers were the E-DK-4 (2.3 t ha-1), while the lowest were the BAER II and the 02-Embrapa (respectively 0.6 e 0.8 t ha-1).