Performance Evaluation of Quinoa Genotypes for Agronomic Traits and Stress Resilience Under Arid Conditions in Rajasthan

Quinoa ( Chenopodium quinoa Willd.), a highly nutritious and climate-resilient pseudocereal native to the Andean region, has emerged as a promising crop for cultivation in marginal environments globally, including the hot arid zones of India. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of 24 quinoa genotypes under agroclimatic conditions in Nagaur, Rajasthan, during the Rabi season of 2022–2023. The agro-morphological traits, yield components, and biochemical characteristics, including total phenolic, moisture, and ash contents, were assessed. Significant variability in plant height, the number of primary branches, inflorescence length, and grain yield was detected among the genotypes. Cluster analysis divided the genotypes into two distinct groups, with Cluster 1 genotypes (e.g., EC896062 and EC896218) exhibiting superior agronomic and nutritional traits. Early and stable flowering behavior was noted in EC896237 and HIMSHAKTI, whereas high phenolic retention after processing was recorded in SHQ5 and EC896276. The study concluded that quinoa can be effectively cultivated under the saline and drought-prone conditions of Rajasthan when sown between November and April. Genotypes EC896062 and EC896218 were identified as the most promising lines, combining high yield potential and superior grain quality traits, and may serve as parental lines for future breeding programs aimed at enhancing quinoa adaptation and nutritional value in arid environments.