Sowing dates and density evaluation of amaranth (cv. Koniz) as a new crop

For evaluation the possibility of amaranth cultivation as a new crop with high value nutrient and high production potential in Tabriz region, an experiment was conducted on randomized complete block design in 3 replicates using two factors as planting density (10, 20, 30 and 40 plants per m(2)) and sowing date (20-Apr, 5-May, 20-May, 3-Jun and 18-Jun) in 2008-2009 crop season. The results showed that delay in sowing reduced plant height at least 13.02 up to 33.17%, the number of inflorescences per plant from 23.35 to 56.69%, number of seeds per plant from 22.75 to 71.44%, grain yield per plant from 27.41 to 79.88% and plant biomass from 39.34 to 79.91%. This shows the importance of sowing date determination of this crop in the region. Increasing plant density led to increase in the number of inflorescences per plant up to 56.69% and reduced the number of seeds per plant to 63.74% but the yield per area unit increased in low density and decreased in very high density (40 plant m2). Interaction between sowing delay and increasing plant density decreased leaf area at least 19.63 up to 97.15%, oil in seeds from 22.20 up to 98.26%, oil in shoots from 34.38 to 93.81%, seed protein content from 2.99 to 92.23% and shoot protein content from 3.74% up to 65.81%. Therefore, early sowing dates with low density increased growth period, reduced competition and increased production potential of amaranth.