Production of quinoa leaves (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) with the application of effective microorganisms in Puno

Abstract

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.), native to the Andes, has gained worldwide recognition as a food crop with the potential to improve food security in challenging regions. Its pseudocereal status and nutritive leaves, consumed as healthy vegetables in Latin America, make it a versatile and nutritious choice in today’s diet. In this study, key goals were set, including determining the number of leaves per plant, the height of the plants and the size of the leaves. The main purpose was to find the ideal doses of microorganism extract (EM) to maximize the production of quinoa leaves. The results showed a positive impact on the foliar development of the crop. With regard to the number of leaves per plant, treatment T3 (EM at 10%) showed an average increase of 20% compared to treatment T1 (Testigo). In terms of plant height, treatment T3 showed an average growth of 15% higher than treatment T1. As for leaf size, there was a significant increase in leaf area with treatment T3 compared to treatment T1. The ideal doses of EM were successfully determined to maximize the production of quinoa leaves, finding that a 10% dose provided the best results in the foliar development of the crop.