Phenotypic Characterization and Correlation Analysis in Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) Entries Cultivated in Itogon and La Trinidad, Benguet

Quinoa is adapted to a wide range of environments and contains a substantial nutritional value, which makes it the “Golden Grain”. An essential step to facilitate the selection and identification of genotypes with potential for introduction and adaptation is characterization. Thus, this study was conducted from January to May 2022 in Itogon and La Trinidad, Benguet involving seven quinoa entries to determine their phenotypic characters in each location; determine the best quinoa entries in terms of grain yield; and determine the correlation of the phenotypic characters of quinoa entries to seed yield. The quinoa entries varied in terms of stem diameter, stem shape and color, presence of pigmented axil, striae color, number of primary branches, petiole length, maximum leaf length and width, panicle color at flowering, and physiological maturity, panicle length and width, perigonium color, and episperm appearance and color. The characters positively correlated to seed yield per plant are plant height, number of primary branches and teeth on the leaf blade, petiole length, and maximum leaf length and width. Among the entries, G6.1 is the highest-yielding entry recommended for local quinoa production.