ISHS Acta Horticulturae 618: XXVI International Horticultural Congress: Environmental Stress and Horticulture Crops
PERFORMANCE OF GRAIN AMARANTH VARIETIES UNDER DROUGHT STRESSED CONDITIONS IN TWO CONTRASTING AGRO-ECOLOGICAL AREAS IN MALAWI |
| Authors: | S.A. Mng'omba, M.B. Kwapata, J.M. Bokosi |
| Keywords: | Amaranthus hypochondriacus x Amaranthus hybridus, irrigation regime, grain maturity, yield components, temperature, mid season stress, altitude |
| Abstract:
Understanding yield performance of any crop under various agro-ecological areas is vital for variety selection and improvement strategies. Yield trials of ten introduced grain amaranth varieties (Amaranthus species) were carried out in two contrasting agro-ecological sites in Malawi under a range of water stress conditions during the dry season of 1999. Grain yield and drought susceptibility index (S) were used to assess performance of varieties. There were significant differences (P>0.05) in mean grain yield between varieties. Grain yield and its components were severely reduced by terminal water stress. Two dwarf varieties exhibited low drought susceptibility (mean S = -1.23 at a warm and wet site) indicating tolerance to water stress and had short growth cycles despite the low yield potential (measured in irrigated treatments in the same field). The dwarf varieties can be selected for grain production in areas with drought stress. However, they are not superior under favourable conditions due to low yield potential. | |
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