Effect of spacing and foliar spray on the yield of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd)

Abstract

A field experiment was carried out during the rabi season at Himalayan University, Jullang, Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh) to evaluate the effect of different plant spacings and foliar sprays on the growth and yield of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.). The study was laid out in a randomized block design with seven treatment combinations involving three spacing levels (20 cm × 10 cm, 25 cm × 15 cm, and 30 cm × 10 cm) and two foliar applications 3% moringa leaf extract and jeevamrut applied alone and in combination. Among all treatments, T₂ (20 cm × 10 cm + 3% moringa leaf extract) produced the highest panicle length(19.89 cm), test weight (2.54 g), grain yield (2.28 t/ha), stover yield (3.85 t/ha), and harvest index (38.06%). Additionally, it recorded the highest protein content (9.30%), gross returns (85,400 INR/ha), net returns (55,200 INR/ha), and benefit-cost ratio (2:82). All these improvements were statistically significant at the 5% level based on F- test values compared the control (T₁: Broadcast sowing, without any foliar spray), which showed the lowest values across parameters. These findings suggest that the use of 3% moringa leaf extract in combination with 20 cm × 10 cm spacing can significantly improve quinoa productivity and profitability in this region.