Production Requirements
Soil Types: Sandy and loam soils. Soils prone to crusting may drastically reduce germination
Soil pH: 4.8–8.5
Recommended Rotational Crops: Corn, cereal crops
Minimum Soil Temperature: 5°C–10°C
Optimum Air Temperature: Prefers a temperate to semi-arid climate. Temperatures above 35°C may cause plant dormancy or pollen sterility
Earliest Planting Date: Plant early, similar to spring cereals
Required Growing Season: 90–120 days
Quinoa is typically used as a cooked whole grain, traditionally in South American cuisine, and is also less commonly used as a milled grain for four.
Planting
Quinoa is an annual crop. It is generally direct-seeded at a depth of 1.5–2.5 cm (0.5–1 in.), in rows 38–76 cm (15–30 in.) wide. The target seeding rate is 325,000 seeds/ha (131,500 seeds/acre). Seed availability of commonly grown cultivars can be limited. Close attention to planting rate is required to account for large variations in seed size and percent germination.
Fertility Management
Limited Ontario fertility guidelines exist. Experience from other jurisdictions suggests a range of 100–120 kg/ha (90–105 lb/acre) of nitrogen is sufficient for plant growth and optimal yield. Phosphorus and potassium fertility should be at target soil test levels (12–18 ppm P and 100–130 ppm K). If soil phosphorous and potassium levels are below target ranges, incorporate these nutrients into the soil ahead of planting, at rates that meet crop removal rate plus an amount that will build up the soil test over time.
Harvest and Storage
Harvest
Harvest occurs approximately 90–120 days after planting depending on the cultivar. Quinoa can be harvested using a combine with a standard header or sorghum header. The seed is disc shaped and is approximately 1.5–2 mm in diameter, so appropriate-sized screens/concaves are required. High humidity or frequent rain may cause mould or sprouting on seed heads. Quinoa can tolerate light frosts. Plants dry quickly resulting in potential grain loss. Yields in Ontario field trials range from 134–240 kg/ha (120–215 lb/acre).
Storage
Limited post-harvest storage research has been conducted on quinoa. Oil and protein contents of quinoa seed are similar to that of sunflower seed; therefore, sunflower storage conditions can serve as a general guide for quinoa.
Pest Management
There are limited or no pesticides registered for this crop in Ontario. For information on possible minor use registered products, a summary of all active, historical and registered minor use products is available from the OMAFRA Minor Use Coordinator.
Weeds
Quinoa is closely related to the common weed species lamb’s-quarters. During vegetative stages the two species look very similar. Early season weed management is required. Weed control options are limited, so use field sites with low weed pressure. A herbicide burn-down in the previous fall, using a non-selective herbicide, such as glyphosate, can aid in reducing pressure from winter annuals and biennial weeds.
Insects and Diseases
Tarnished plant bug, stem borer (unknown species), flea beetles, aphids (including sugarbeet root aphid, Pemphigus populivenae), leafhoppers and beet armyworm are known pests of quinoa. Stalk rot (Phoma spp.), fungal leaf spots, damping of, downy mildew (Peronospora farinose), leaf spot (Ascochyta hyalospora), gray mold (Botrytis cinerea), and bacterial blight (Pseudomonas spp.) are known diseases of quinoa.
To date, tarnished plant bug and phoma stalk rot have been the most significant pests in quinoa in Ontario. Large numbers of tarnished plant bugs have been observed feeding on quinoa in Ontario field trials; however, the impact of damage on yield is not known. Birds are also known to feed on quinoa.