Abstract
To obtain high chia seed yields and seed qualities, a suitable crop management system needs to be developed for the given growing conditions in southwestern Germany. Field experiments were conducted at the experimental station Ihinger Hof in two consecutive years (2016, 2017). The study aimed to evaluate yield and quality traits of chia depending on different (i) row spacing (35, 50 and 75 cm), (ii) sowing densities (1, 1.5 and 2 kg ha−1) and, (iii) N-fertilization rates (0, 20 and 40 kg N ha−1). It consisted of three independent, completely randomized field experiments with three replications. Results showed that chia seed yields ranged from 618.39 to 1171.33 kg ha−1 and that a thousand seed mass of 1.14 to 1.24 g could be obtained. Crude protein-, crude oil- and mucilage contents varied from 18.11–23.91%, 32.16–33.78% and 10.00–13.74%, respectively. Results indicated that the year of cultivation and the accompanied environmental conditions, like precipitation or temperature, influenced the determined traits more than the applied agronomic practices. As average seed yields exceeded those obtained in the countries of origin (Mexico, Guatemala) while having comparable quality characteristics, chia holds great potential as an alternative crop for farmers in southwestern Germany.
Highlights
The gold of the Aztecs, or what we refer to as chia (Salvia hispanica L.) today, is a summer annual herbaceous plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family
Increased N-fertilization resulted in higher yields, which led to a slight decrease in crude protein content and to an increase in mucilage and crude oil contents due to a trade-off between oil content and crude protein in oilseeds which was already mentioned in Section 3.3.2 [64,65]
The research aimed at evaluating yield and quality traits of chia depending on different (i) row spacing (35, 50 and 75 cm), (ii) sowing densities (1, 1.5 and 2 kg ha−1 ) and (iii) N-fertilization rates (0, 20 and 40 kg N ha−1 ) in order to adapt management practices to maximize chia seed yields and its associated seed quality traits [38]
Summary
The gold of the Aztecs, or what we refer to as chia (Salvia hispanica L.) today, is a summer annual herbaceous plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. Chia seeds gained popularity due to their exceptional nutritional composition as consumer food choices are increasingly focused on the positive effects that diet and nutrition can have on overall health [1,2,3]. In addition to the health aspect and trends, consumers increasingly value local and regional food products and buy them in high proportions [4]. Growth and development of chia, originally a short-day flowering species, is driven by day length. Vegetative plant growth takes place under long day conditions (>12 h). Its generative growth is stimulated by short day conditions (
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