Wageningen University and Research Centre has sown the first quinoa fields as part of its field test study in the Netherlands.

Several fields have been sown for nitrogen trials and research into cultivating different varieties of the Andean grain, which is indigenous to Bolivia and Peru and traditionally grown in South American countries.

A further five hectares have been sown for conventional cultivation.

Scientists are researching how quinoa varieties will grow in different types of soil and have planted the grain in clay soil in the Dutch central municipality of Lelystad and in sandy soil in the Dutch province of Vredepeel.

The field tests are part of an ongoing study to find ways to grow the grain in non-Andean zones and Wageningen UR has been investigating methods to cultivate in Northwestern Europe for several years. This is challenging because quinoa is usually grown at altitude near the equator and is therefore used to shorter days and less light.

This year, the researchers will look at the nematodes in the soil for the first time and by analyzing the soil before and after the trial, they will gain an initial impression of which harmful nematodes may increase in number when quinoa is grown.

Researchers also want to monitor which quinoa varieties ripen early.

"Quinoa is a crop that does not ripen until late in season, around mid-September. During rainy periods in the autumn it is difficult to harvest the crop in a dry state, as the days are getting shorter and the sun is getting weaker," says Ruud Timmer, crops expert at Wageningen UR.

"In the variety trial, we will be looking at which varieties ripen earliest. In addition, we will look at which variety gives the greatest yields."

The properties of the different varieties will also be monitored for pest and disease resistance.

"When growing quinoa the use of plant protection products is prohibited, even for conventional crops. With this research, we aim to discover which varieties are most resistant to diseases and pests."

Photo: Christian Guthier, via Wikimedia Creative Commons

www.freshfruitportal.com