Introduction and adaptation of quinoa (<i>Chenopodium quinoa</i> Willd.) cultivars in Krasnodar region of Russia

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a cultivated plant of the Amaranthaceae family of Peruvian origin with high nutritional value. The Krasnodar region of Russia is a region with favorable climatic conditions for growing quinoa. The studies were carried out on the basis of Quinoa Center LLC, located in the Novokubansky district of the Krasnodar Territory. Four quinoa varieties were used as research material: Blanca de Juli, White Peru, Salcedo, the local variety Seva (included in the State Register of the Russian Federation in 2017) served as the standard. Various morphological parameters of plants were assessed and phenological observations were carried out.The results showed statistically significant differences between varieties in plant productivity. The White Peru variety responded positively to the new conditions and was introduced without irrigation. The productivity of the panicle was on average 100 g, for the standard variety Seva - 70 g. In the dynamics of the ontogenetic development cycle of four quinoa varieties, it was established that the optimal sowing time in the conditions of the Krasnodar Territory is May. The tested varieties were also assessed for grain quality. In the conditions of the Krasnodar region they showed good results, thanks to selection for white grain and panicle uniformity. However, not all of them can be adapted, since they need constant watering and for late-ripening varieties autumn rains negatively affect their yield. The local early ripening variety Seva is of interest to Peru. In Peru, the main problem reducing production is low yield caused by frost in the Puno Peru region. The Seva variety reaches phenological phases: the beginning of panicle formation (R6), panicle formation (R7), flowering (R8) and full panicle ripening, physiological maturity (R12) and due to its early ripening it avoids frost. Therefore, the Seva variety can be recommended for sowing in the Puno-Peru region, since it has a gene pool that provides cold resistance but this requires detailed study. In general, to optimize the introduction of quinoa in Russia further research on adaptability in the Krasnodar region is necessary.