The potential of the VIR grain amaranth collection for cultivation in the northern regions
Diana Sokolova
Abstract: Amaranth is a promising agricultural crop with a huge potential for growth intensity, yield, and high content of complete protein in grain and leaf biomass. This potential is based on this plant’s nutritional and biochemical properties, primarily the high quality of the protein and its balanced amino acid composition, as well as the content of squalene. The collection of amaranth germplasm maintained at VIR is unique in its origin and diversity. The paper presents the morphological characteristics of early-ripening genotypes of grain amaranth forms and notes the key phases of ontogenesis and features of growth and development under the conditions of the North-Western region of Russia. This study demonstrates the good adaptability of the crop and the potential for expansion to more northern areas. The identified features and noted genotypes of the collection are essential for developing breeding programs to create early-ripening varieties.