Farmer participatory evaluation of Amaranthus cruentus L. breeding lines for marketable vegetable yield and organoleptic quality under on-farm and on-station conditions
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Date
2026-05-11
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Frontiers
Abstract
Introduction: Amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus L.) is an important leafy vegetable crop in sub-Saharan Africa, yet limited studies integrate genotype × environment (G × E) interaction analysis with gender-disaggregated participatory selection to guide breeding decisions.Methods: This study evaluated vegetable yield performance, agronomic traits, G × E interaction, and gender-disaggregated farmer preference of 23 A. cruentus genotypes, comprising 21 advanced breeding lines and two commercial varieties, under contrasting on-station and on-farm conditions in northern Tanzania. Trials were conducted using a randomized complete block design with three replications per location.Results: Significant G × E interactions were observed for marketable vegetable yield, biomass, and morphological traits. Mean marketable yield was higher at the World Vegetable Center Eastern and Southern Africa (WorldVeg-ESA) on-station location (37.75 t/ha) than at the Himo on-farm location (31.18 t/ha). GGE biplot analysis showed that PC1 and PC2 explained 81% and 19% of the total variation, respectively. Participatory evaluation showed overlapping preferences among male and female farmers, favoring genotypes with high biomass, narrow leaves, and fast and high regrowth ability.Discussion: Three promising genotypes were identified: AVAM2402 adapted to both locations, AVAM2404 adapted to Himo, and AVAM2408 adapted to WorldVeg-ESA. These lines will be advanced for distinctiveness, uniformity, and stability (DUS) testing for possible release as commercial varieties.
Sustainable Development Goals
SDG 2: Zero Hunger
Keywords
Amaranth, Breeding lines, Cluster analysis, G × E, Gender-disaggregated participatory approach, GGE biplot, Interaction, Organoleptic taste