RESPONSE OF AMARANTH GENOTYPES TO PLANT DENSITIES

Abstract

In this work seed yield, above-ground biomass, lodging and ‘regreening’ were evaluated for two amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus L) cultivars (‘Tulyehualco’, late and tall, ‘Frondosa’, early and intermediate in height), under two plant densities (62 500 and 375 000 plants/ha). The work was done in Tulyehualco by direct seeding. Irrigation was applied when the crop was started; fertilization consisted of cow manure (50 kg N ha^-1). The ‘Tulyehualco’ cv with 199 d to harvest showed higher seed yield (4 t ha^-1 at 375 000 plants/ha) than ‘Frondosa’ (2.2 ha^-1). Under low plant density, ‘Frondosa’ with 116 d to harvest, produced 600 kg ha^-1, and 1200 kg ha^-1 under high density. These seed yields are similar to those obtained in Tulyehualco under transplanting in because in addition to amaranth production. ‘Frondosa’ represents an alternative cultivar because in addition to its good seed yield, it had lower lodging than ‘Tulyehualco’.