Phenotypic Expression of Growth and Productivity Traits in Vegetable Amaranthus Genotypes Under Indo-Gangetic Plains

Abstract

Vegetable amaranthus (Amaranthus tricolor L.) is a fast-growing leafy vegetable valued for its short production cycle, nutrient density and adaptability to tropical environments. Although substantial genetic variation is known in cultivated types, the precise identification of elite genotypes requires statistically robust post-hoc comparison under uniform conditions. The present experiment was done to evaluate the twenty amaranthus genotypes during the summer season of 2023 to characterize their growth dynamics, leaf architectural traits, physiological variation and foliage yield. The trial was conducted in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Post-hoc mean comparison revealed strong genotypic stratification across all traits. Arka Suguna produced the highest foliage yield (234.50 q/ha), followed by Kashi Suhawani (211.70 q/ha), VRAM-370 (204.83 q/ha) and Pusa Kiran (201.18 q/ha), forming the most productive yield group. Arka Arunima (196.51 q/ha), VRAM-359 (196.07 q/ha) and VRAM-339 (196.16 q/ha) constituted a high-yield intermediate cluster. Arka Arunima attained the tallest plant height at maturity, indicating prolonged vegetative growth. Kashi Suhawani expressed the highest edible biomass proportion, followed by Pundibari Lal Sag, demonstrating valuable culinary quality despite moderate yield. High chlorophyll density observed in VRAM-330 did not directly correspond to maximum biomass, indicating a multi-trait basis of yield expression. The study identifies Arka Suguna, Kashi Suhawani, VRAM-370 and Pusa Kiran as promising commercial cultivars, while Pundibari Lal Sag provides edible quality traits useful for breeding.