Optimizing sowing time and weather conditions for enhanced growth and seed yield of chia (<i>Salvia hispanica</i> L.) in semi-arid regions

The results revealed that weather conditions such as relative humidity (RH) and rainfall favoured the flowering phenology, yield attributes, and seed yield of chia, whereas maximum temperature (T_max), bright sunshine hours, and accumulated growing degree days had negative effects. Weather parameters significantly influenced the chia seed yield during the cropping period: RH (positive, <i>R</i> ² = 86.1%), T_max (negative, <i>R</i> ² = 67.4%), rainfall (positive, <i>R</i> ² = 52.9%), and diurnal temperature range (negative, <i>R</i> ² = 74.9%). Black-seeded chia morphotypes consistently produced higher seed yields (10.8% greater) and better yield-contributing traits compared to white types across various sowing dates. The maximum chia seed yield (811-793.1 kg ha^-1) was achieved with sowing dates between August 1st and September 1st in this semi-arid region of India. The performance of chia was good under congenial weather conditions, including relative humidity (∼67-72%), maximum temperature (∼30-31 °C), day length (<12.0 h), rainfall (∼200-350 mm), and accumulated growing degree days (∼1,521-1,891). The present study findings can help identify the best suitable regions for chia cultivation by revealing relationships between the performance of chia morphotypes and weather conditions.