Yield of Vegetable Amaranth in Diverse Tanzanian Production Environments

Abstract

<jats:p>Amaranth (<jats:italic>Amaranthus</jats:italic> sp.) is an important leafy vegetable in Africa where most farmers grow unimproved landraces. Information about amaranth genetic diversity and its adaptation to different environments will help breeders develop improved commercial varieties that meet market requirements. The objectives of this study were to investigate the performances of amaranth entries for vegetable yield across locations and seasons, assess the relative contributions of genetic vs. environmental sources of variation to yield, and cluster locations into mega-environments (MEs) to suggest future test sites. Twenty-six diverse entries were evaluated for vegetable yields in replicated trials at five locations in wet-cool and hot-dry seasons in Tanzania. Season explained the highest proportion (52.1%) of the total sum of squares followed by entries (24.9%) and locations (23.0%). Mean yield across the hot-dry season trials (27.7 t·ha<jats:sup>−1</jats:sup>) was 47.3% greater than the mean yield across wet-cool season trials (18.8 t·ha<jats:sup>−1</jats:sup>). Differences among entries in vegetable yield were higher in the hot-dry season than in the wet-cool season, indicating that gain from selection is likely to be greater in the hot-dry season. Most entries performed well in either wet-cool or hot-dry season but a few entries were adapted to both seasons. Two MEs were identified, one characterized by lower altitudes, higher temperatures, and less fertile soils, and a second ME associated with higher altitudes, lower temperatures, and more fertile soils. Each ME may serve as an initial selection site for their respective target environment. Targeting a specific season may give a better chance of finding high-yielding varieties.</jats:p>

Interspecific variation in leaf traits, photosynthetic light response, and whole-plant productivity in amaranths (Amaranthus spp. L.)

“…cruentus , respectively [ 59 ]. The four amaranth species were chosen because of their genetic diversity (variation), contrasting plant architecture (morphology), and since they are taxonomically well characterised and commercially important in East Africa [ 52 , 53 , 57 , 60 – 63 ].…”

Gender-disaggregated Farmers Participatory Variety Selection in Amaranth Multilocation Trials in Kenya and Tanzania

“…Urea (46N-0P-0K) was applied as sidedressing 3 weeks after transplanting at the rate of 120 kg•ha À1 . At Chambezi and Malolo (the coastal zone sandy soil trial locations), decomposed cow dung was applied during plot preparation immediately before transplanting at the rate of 2.75 kg•m À2 according to local practice because these soils are low in total soil nitrogen, organic carbon, and clay contents (Dinssa et al, 2019). DATA COLLECTION.…”

“…Gender-disaggregated participatory maize (Zea mays) variety trials conducted in Benin, Nigeria, and Mali identified gender-shared and distinct varietal traits (Tegbaru et al, 2020). Dinssa et al (2019) reported high differential performance of amaranth lines across Tanzanian environments differing in mean temperatures, rainfall, soil types, and other factors and identified two mega-environments: relatively high-altitude cool environments and coastal and low-altitude environments characterized by high temperatures. This indicated the need to select varieties adapted to each of the two contrasting mega-environments identified as target selection areas in Tanzania.…”

Scoping study on fruits and vegetables; results from Tanzania : an assessment of investment opportunities for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation opportunities for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

“…Amaranth, known in Tanzania by various local names such as 'Mchicha', is a popular traditional African leafy vegetable with a long cultural tradition in East Africa and other regions on the continent. The leaves are a source of fiber, vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin B, vitamin C, potassium, calcium, zinc and iron, some of which are deficient in local diets (Dinssa et al, 2019).…”