Thesis
Alternative planting and weed control methodology for certified organic quinoa production in Western Washington State
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
2017
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/103140
Abstract
The production of certified organic quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) has recently expanded in the U.S. Pacific Northwest in response to consumer demand for this highly nutritious Andean grain and a greater desire for locally sourced food. Here two field-based research experiments were conducted to address weed management and planting challenges associated with certified organic quinoa production on the Olympic Peninsula of western Washington. The objective of the first study was to evaluate the effects of grazing White Chinese geese on weed density, quinoa seed yield, and other agronomic characteristics of two quinoa varieties grown organically. The trials were conducted in Nordland at Twin Vista Ranch in 2015 and 2016. Grass and broadleaf weed densities were reduced via goose grazing, with the greatest reductions seen in grass sod and white clover. Quinoa seed yield was not positively impacted by either grazing treatment employed. Trampling damage to quinoa plants did occur, and where trampling rates were high, quinoa seed yield was reduced. Following variety expectations, Titicaca grew shorter, flowered sooner, and produced greater seed yields than Red Head, illustrating that grazing treatment did not affect quinoa's agronomic characteristics. Results suggest that White Chinese geese could be utilized to successfully control weeds and positively impact quinoa yield in certified organic production systems. The objective of the second study was to evaluate agronomic effects of seeding compared to transplanting quinoa. Three planting dates were used to determine possible benefits in utilizing quinoa transplants in certified organic production. The experiment was conducted in 2015 in Nordland at Twin Vista ranch, and in 2016 in Chimacum at Finnriver Farm and Cidery and in Quilcene at Dharma Ridge Farm. Transplants survived at greater rates, reached later developmental stages faster, and produced greater yields than seeded quinoa, specifically in later planting dates. Transplants were shorter, more branched and lodged more than seeded quinoa. At later planting dates, transplant lodging rates decreased and seed yield increased for all varieties used, illustrating optimal timing of quinoa transplantation. Transplants could serve as a late season planting and early harvest technique capable of achieving yields similar to or greater than seeded quinoa.
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Details
- Title
- Alternative planting and weed control methodology for certified organic quinoa production in Western Washington State
- Creators
- Kristofor Charles Ludvigson
- Contributors
- Kevin Murphy (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Crop and Soil Sciences, Department of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; [Pullman, Washington] :
- Identifiers
- 99900525052801842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis