Quinoa breeding

General introduction

Quinoa is a protein-rich pseudo-cereal with a high potential for the agricultural sector and the food industry in Flanders. There is a high demand for varieties adapted to North-West European climatological and cultivation conditions. The goal of this breeding program is to develop sweet quinoa varieties (e.g. low content of bitter substances) with high and stable yield and improved resistance to downy mildew (Peronospora variabilis).

Research approach

The breeding program uses line selection with MTA-free and open-source varieties, mainly of American origin. Plants with favorable traits are crossed and their progeny undergo multiple generations of selection. After about six generations, the most promising plants are selected for criteria such as reduced bitterness, seed yield, disease resistance and homogeneity. This process leads to the development of candidate varieties suitable for commercialization.

Relevance/Valorisation

The new quinoa cultivars offer important benefits for Flemish agriculture, especially for the organic sector. The availability of suitable, locally bred varieties encourages the cultivation of quinoa in Flanders, contributing to crop diversification and increased self-sufficiency in plant protein sources.