Climate change has intensified drought and soil salinity constraints in arid and semi-arid regions, necessitating the identification of stress-tolerant crop genotypes for marginal environments. This study evaluated 12 amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) genotypes under arid and salt-affected field conditions in Chimboy District, Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan, during the 2023–2024 growing seasons. The experimental arrangement was in a single-factor design with three replications, and genotype assessment included biometric traits, germination, vegetation period, Fusarium wilt incidence, and yield components. According to analysis of variance, significant (p < 0.05) differences were evident among the amaranth genotypes for agronomic traits and yield performance. The genotype RRC-1027 (oqamarant) consistently showed superior performance, combining the highest vegetative growth (175.9 cm plant height; 190.8 leaves plant⁻¹), panicle weight (216.9 g), and improved productivity under saline conditions, with biomass yield (18.85 Mg ha⁻¹) and grain yield (4.45 Mg ha⁻¹). Genotype RRC-1027 also exhibited low Fusarium wilt incidence (6.8%) and the shortest vegetation period (113 days), indicating favorable adaptation under stress-prone environments. Overall, the results highlighted identifying RRC-1027 as a promising genotype for cultivation and further evaluation under arid and salt-affected agroecosystems.
Amaranthus spp., climate resilience, salinity tolerance, yield stability, Fusarium wilt resistance, marginal agroecosystems, grain yield
Genotype selection relied on agronomic data, facilitating targeted breeding approaches for developing climate-resilient and nutrient-rich amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) genotypes suited to challenging agroecological zones of Uzbekistan. The amaranth genotype RRC-1027 (oqamarant) exhibited considerable adaptability and the highest productivity under arid and saline conditions, attaining recognition as a promising genotype for cultivation in marginal areas such as the Aral Sea basin.