Amaranth : modern prospects for an ancient crop

This report examines the plant"s characteristics and production prospects. Amaranth plant distribution and ecology are described, as well as its physiology and response to daylength, altitude, temperature, soil, and rainfall. Amaranth crop production is next discussed: planting, cultivation, harvesting, pests, and diseases. Three species of amaranth are cultivated as cereal crops: A. caudatus in the Andean highlands; A. cruentus in Mexico and Guatemala; and A. hypochondriacus in India. The physical and chemical composition of the seeds are described, as well as processing methods and use in foods and animal feed. Several amaranth species are grown as vegetables; these species are reviewed with regard to nutritional quality, yield, diseases and pests, and limitations. Although amaranth leaves are known to contain antinutritional factors (e.g., oxalic acid), their possible use for forage is noted. Research needs include collection and screening of germplasm; adaptability trials; crop ethnobotany; taxonomy; grain amaranth growing practices, varietal development, processing, and food uses; new uses; and possible environmental effects, especially of weedy amaranths, a major nuisance. Appended are a 70-item bibliography (1952-84) and lists of germplasm collections and commercial seed suppliers.