Nutritional Performance and Adaptability of Amaranth Accessions Across Diverse Agroecological Locations

The chemical composition of amaranth leaves varies significantly across different accessions, with substantial differences in key nutrients, including crude protein, minerals, and micronutrients. This study evaluates the nutrient profiles of six amaranth accessions (MN-BH-01, PE-UP-BH-01, PE-LO-BH-01, CK-BH-01, NU-BH-01, and LL-BH-04), focusing on dry matter-based chemical composition and genotype-by-environment (G×E) interactions. Results show that MN-BH-01 exhibited the highest protein (43.18%), calcium (8.00 mg/100g), zinc (15.12 mg/100g), and potassium (19.47 mg/g) content, marking it as a potential candidate for nutritional enhancement. PE-UP-BH-01, notable for its elevated iron content (77.16 mg/100g), and LL-BH-04, exhibiting superior crude protein at some sites, also showed unique nutritional advantages. Nutrient composition varied significantly across locations, with genotype-by-environment interactions playing a crucial role in nutrient accumulation, particularly in iron and calcium. Cluster analysis revealed distinct groups based on nutritional content, with MN-BH-01 standing out for protein, iron, and potassium levels. Additive Main Effects and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) analysis further highlighted stable accessions (MN-BH-01, NU-BH-01) across multiple traits, essential for breeding programs. Farmers' preferences indicated that NU-BH-01 was the most favored for its flavor, yield, and marketability, while MN-BH-01 was least preferred due to bitterness. These findings provide crucial insights for the development of amaranth varieties with enhanced nutritional profiles and broader market appeal, guiding breeding strategies and biofortification initiatives.