Adaptation of Exotic Buckwheat Germplasm to an Arid Low-Altitude Subtropical Environment: Phenology and Yield under Two Sowing Windows

Introducing orphan crops into current farming systems can enhance nutritional security. Buckwheat is a crop that can help agricultural sustainability by growing in multiple environments, using minimal inputs, providing balanced nutrients and addressing malnutrition. Since buckwheat is a short-duration crop that produces grains having a balanced nutritional profile, it can be adjusted in existing cropping systems. As buckwheat has traditionally been cultivated in hilly regions, its introduction into the low-altitude plains requires evaluation of germplasm adaptability. One hundred and forty-eight exotic genotypes were screened for adaptability under two sowing dates using randomized complete block design under split-plot arrangements in Multan, Pakistan. Data regarding yield and yield related traits were recorded. Significant differences were found among 93 germinated genotypes out of total sown 148 genotypes of Buckwheat regarding yield and yield related traits. The flowering initiation period ranged from 23 to 34 days, number of cymes per plant were found between 1 to 7. The adapted genotypes produced the highest number of seeds per cyme, with a maximum of four seeds per cyme, Genotypes matured between 68 to 87 days, biomass per plant values ranged between 7 to 16 g and genotype Silverhull-24 produced more weighted seeds (1000 seed weight 34 g). Among the tested diversity, only two genotypes Silverhull-24 (origin uncertain) and Japanese B+0 IR-13 (from Japan) were found adaptable. This restricted adaptability may be due to the predominance of buckwheat germplasm originating from high-altitude temperate regions, whereas the experimental site in Multan represents a low-altitude tropical environment. The adaptation of only two genotypes indicates the need for wider germplasm evaluation and breeding initiatives to develop buckwheat types suited to plain agro-ecologies.