Gujarat Amaranth 6 (SKNA 401): Development, multi-environment evaluation and characterization of a grain amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus L.) variety

Abstract

Grain amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) is a nutritionally important pseudo cereal with considerable potential for enhancing food and nutritional security. The present study reports the development, multi-environment evaluation and biochemical characterization of SKNA 401, subsequently identified as Gujarat Amaranth 6 (GA 6). The genotype was developed through pure-line selection and evaluated over a ten year period (2008-09 to 2017-18) under state varietal trials and the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Potential Crops. Across state level evaluations, SKNA 401 recorded an overall mean grain yield of 1884 kg/ha, representing yield advantages of 10.37% and 10.82% over the local check GA 3 and the national check GA 2, respectively. Under Gujarat agroecological conditions in AICRP trials, the genotype outperformed the national checks GA 2, Suvarna, BGA-2 and RMA-7. SKNA 401 exhibited desirable agronomic characteristics, including early maturity, reduced plant height and an erect mono stem growth habit. The genotype also recorded higher protein (11.52%) and lysine (8.58 g/100 g protein) contents than the check varieties, along with satisfactory field tolerance to the major diseases and insect pests encountered during the evaluation period. The results demonstrate that SKNA 401 is a high-yielding and nutritionally superior grain amaranth variety suitable for cultivation under the agro-climatic conditions of Gujarat.