Evaluation of Promising Lines of Vegetable Amaranth (Amaranthus viridis L.) Suitable for Cultivation in North Eastern India

Sixteen accessions of vegetable amaranth (Amaranthus viridis L.) were collected from different locations of the state of Assam and North East. The accessions were tested for leaf and plant yield and component characters under different breeding trials. They were evaluated consecutively for three years in the Deptt. of Horticulture, AAU, Jorhat in station trials. The accessions viz., Am-1, Am-2, Am-3, Am-4, Am-5, Am-6, Am-7, Am-8, Am-9, Am-10, Am-11, Am-12, Am-13 (Boga Morisa), Am-14 (Ranga Morisa), Am-15 and Am-16 were tested in zonal trials covering UBVZ (Upper Brahmaputra valley zone), NBPZ (North Bank Plains zone) and LBVZ(Lower Brahmaputra valley zone) also. In these trials, among all genotypes JorAm-1(Shyamali) and JorAm-2 (Rodali) were found to be the best for leaf and plant yield and other component characters.The AICRP(VC) trials conducted throughout the country exhibited average plant yield of 137q/ha inJorAm-1 and 133.18 q/ha in JorAm-2 with 25 – 30% yield increase over the best check variety. Shyamaliwas a green leaf variety whereas Rodali was a purplish variety. The edible leaves were getting ready for plucking at 30 – 35 days after sowing. Both of them were found to be tolerant with 5% infection to leaf spot and aphids. They have been recommended in the Zonal Research Committee Meeting (ZREAC)andAnnual Technical Committee Meeting (ATCM) held at Assam Agricultural University (AAU), Jorhatfor release in the state of Assam. In view of the consumer preference and taste, the varieties are spreading very fast and getting popularity throughout entire NE states.Considering yield performance and other desirable characteristics, extensive cultivation of these varieties may be done in better performing states also.