Effect of sowing densities on phenology and yield of quinoa in Cauca, Colombia

Abstract

Introduction. Sowing density is a key agronomic practice for regulating plant competition and optimizing the phenological and productive expression of quinoa in high-Andean environments. Objective. To evaluate the effect of sowing density and its interaction with genotype on phenology, plant architecture, and grain yield of commercial checks and improved quinoa families under high-Andean conditions in the municipality of Silvia, Cauca, Colombia. Materials and methods. The study was conducted during the second semester of 2024 in Silvia, Cauca, Colombia, at 2570 m a.s.l. Five quinoa genotypes were evaluated: two commercial checks, Blanca de Jericó and Aurora, and three improved families, Fel56, FelSJ, and Fel86. A randomized complete block design with a 3 × 5 factorial arrangement and three replications was used. Three sowing arrangements were evaluated: spacings of 0.80 × 0.50 m and 0.70 × 0.10 m, and continuous row sowing with 0.70 m between rows . Morpho-agronomic, phenological, and productive variables were recorded, and data were analyzed using analysis of variance and Tukey’s test (α = 0.05). Results. Sowing arrangement genotype, and their interaction affected most of the evaluated variables. The widest spacing favored vegetative growth and prolonged the phenological cycle, whereas continuous row sowing accelerated development and reduced productive performance. The intermediate spacing resulted in the highest yields in FelSJ and Fel56. Conclusions. The sowing arrangement × genotype interaction explained differences in plant architecture, phenological duration, and productive efficiency. The improved families showed a greater response to the intermediate spatial arrangement, providing criteria to guide agronomic management and the selection of quinoa materials in high-Andean environments.