Quinoa is an ancient grain with more important elements than wheat or other cereal grains. However, it might be challenging to cultivate this native South American plant. Let us commemorate National Quinoa Day on January 16 by looking at typical issues quinoa crops encounter.
Quinoa Growing Requirements
Meeting quinoa’s climatic needs is one of the toughest challenges for commercial farmers and backyard gardeners. Quinoa is a grain of a highland origin that thrives in chilly temperatures and brief daylight hours. Due to this, quinoa cultivation and harvesting may be challenging in many agricultural regions.
According to research, quinoa plants stay dormant, or their pollen becomes infertile at temperatures higher than 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius). Due to this crop’s sensitivity to temperature, experts advise doing small-scale trials before dedicating bigger areas to it.
Quinoa can be cultivated in various soil types, which is an advantage. It can endure a broad range of pH values, from 4.8 to 8.5, salinity, poor drainage, and low soil fertility. Frost and temperatures as low as 28 degrees F are no match for quinoa (-2.2 C.).
Weeds are still another problem in agriculture because of their gradual expansion following emergence. According to studies, more weeds were evident in fields prepared using no-till techniques than in tilled areas. For home gardeners, hand-picking is encouraged; however, commercial farmers are urged to get in touch with their local extension office for the most recent information on the usage of herbicides for quinoa.
Quinoa Pests
Due to its kinship with spinach, chard, and beets, quinoa will be affected by many invertebrate pests that weaken these crops’ yields and plant health. Researchers have discovered a variety of hazardous insects in quinoa test crops, including cutworms, aphids, and various types of flea beetles.
No insecticides have been approved for use on quinoa as of yet. Home gardeners who used insecticidal soaps claimed success. Predatory insects can manage some kinds of quinoa pests. It is suggested that both commercial and backyard gardeners keep an eye out for these particular pests on their crops:
Armyworm beet (Spodoptera exigua)
Typically, two to three generations of beet armyworm larvae develop throughout the growing season in the northern US states. By eating the leaves and petioles of seedlings, these caterpillars may kill them.
Bertha armyworm (Mamestra configurata)
The secondary host plant for the Bertha armyworm caterpillar is quinoa. Early larval stages are weather-sensitive. One can mistake these pests for Diamondback moth larvae.
Goosefoot groundling moth (Scrobipalpa atriplicella)
The Goosefoot groundling moth caterpillars lay two generations yearly and eat panicles and vegetation. If left unchecked, this bug will destroy this crop.
Bug on quinoa plants (Melanotrichus coagulatus)
About this invasive species, little is known. In test crops, the quinoa plant bug has decreased yields.
Stem-boring Fly (Amauromayza karli)
The larva of the stem-boring fly burrows into the stem where it feeds, as the name indicates. They may kill plants and significantly lower yields.
Sugarbeet root aphid (Pemphigus populivenae)
Possible entry points for these root-dwellers into the soil include fractures brought on by dry weather. Plants with the disease readily wilt and have drab foliage. For managing Sugarbeet root aphids, crop rotation and the elimination of host weeds are advised.
Tarnished plant bug (Lygus lineolaris)
Each season, many generations of these quinoa bugs are created. The tarnished plant insect consumes quinoa’s reproductive organs, which lowers output.
Quinoa Diseases
While pests are extremely common in quinoa crops, downy mildew and leaf spot are the main disease pressures affecting this crop:
Passalora leaf spot (Passalora dubia)
On the leaves of quinoa infected by this fungus, black oval lesions with reddish-brown edges may be seen. Spores of the Passalora leaf spot may be carried by the wind and survive the winter on plant waste. This fungus also lives on weeds like lambsquarter. Avoiding overhead irrigation aids in the disease’s management.
Downy mildew (Peronospora variabilis)
Downy mildew thrives and spreads in cool, wet climates. The grayish-powdery look on leaf surfaces helps to identify this fungal infection. On the top side of the leaves, there may also be yellowish-pink spots. Sowing seeds free of downy mildew is advised since this is one of the most prevalent quinoa farming issues identified in test fields.