Seed quality of 22 quinoa materials (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) from the department of Boyacá

Abstract

ABSTRACT Chenopodium quinoa Willd. is a pseudocereal with seeds that are a rich source of vitamins and minerals. However, there are few studies on quinoa seed quality, especially for the Colombian germplasm. So, the objective of this research was to determine the quality of 22 quinoa materials from the Department of Boyacá by evaluating the physical (color, shape and diameter) and physiological (tetrazolium test) quality of the seeds. It was found that 36% of the materials had a white grain color, 80% cylindrical shape, 65% smooth edges and diameters smaller than 2mm, desirable characteristics for post-harvest processes. The evaluated physical characteristics presented high variability between the evaluated materials, which is desirable for elite breeding processes. The imbibition rate showed that germination was rapid (at 4 hours, the weight of the seeds doubled), that is, the materials were not dormant. Finally, it was determined that storage conditions, such as temperature and relative humidity, are essential for preventing deterioration in quinoa seeds; these factors can also affect germination and long-term vigor.

Keywords

• cereal
• germination
• vigor
• viability