This study aimed to evaluate six quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) genotypes under two contrasting agro-ecological conditions in Uzbekistan: Tashkent (favorable for crop production) and Chimbay (a saline agroecosystem). Assessments of the agronomic performance of quinoa genotypes ensued during the 2024–2025 growing seasons through vegetative growth and seed traits and grain yield to determine genotypes’ adaptability and environmental response. Genotypes significantly varied in grain yield across the locations, and genotypes New22 and New21 showed the highest productivity in Tashkent and Chimbay, respectively. The Check-1 genotype maintained a moderate yield and stable seed weight across both sites, confirming its reliability as a control. Seed yield per plant and 1000-seed weight revealed genotype-specific reproductive potential, with New42 and New21 outperforming the rest. Notably, New21 produced a higher grain yield in Chimbay than in Tashkent, with 2836.3 kg/ha and 2316.7 kg/ha, respectively, exhibiting salt-tolerant characteristics typical of a halophyte. However, New42 had the maximum yields in Tashkent (3488.9 kg/ha) and in Chimbay (2941.2 kg/ha). Check1 consistently exhibited the tallest stature and highest biomass, whereas New21 demonstrated considerable panicle development and adaptability. Genotype-by-environment interactions identified the genotypes New21 and New42 as promising candidates for cultivation under saline-prone and marginal environments. This study contributes to the potential of quinoa as a climate-resilient crop for sustainable agriculture in Central Asia.
Quinoa (C. quinoa Willd.), genotypes, arid condition, soil salinity, marginal environment, grain yield
The study highlighted the valuable agronomic and compositional data through genotype-by-environment interactions, supporting targeted breeding strategies for climate-resilient quinoa (C. quinoa Willd.) cultivars in harsh environments of Uzbekistan. Genotypes New21 and New42 demonstrated considerable adaptability and high yield under arid and saline conditions, recognizing them to be promising candidates for cultivation in marginal environments like the Aral Sea basin.