Abstract: [Objective] This study aimed to screen the forage quinoa varieties suitable for cultivating in low-altitude, hot and humid areas along the coast of Jiangsu Province. [Method] Five varieties of forage quinoa, including Hongxin Limai, Mengli No.1, SL577C, SL2860D and SL923E were used as the experimental materials. Indicators associated with agronomic （plant height, chlorophyll content, fresh weight per plant, leaf weight per plant, stem weight per plant, and stem to leaf ratio） and nutritional （contents of dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber） traits of the tested forage quinoa varieties at three growth periods （90, 105 and 120 d） were characterized and statistically assessed. [Result] At the three observation time points, the plant height, fresh weight per plant, leaf weight per plant and stem weight per plant of Hongxin Limai were all significantly （P<0.05） higher than those of the other four varieties,while the stem to leaf ratio was lower. On 90, 105 and 120 d of growth, the varieties exhibiting the highest chlorophyll content were SL577C, SL2860D and Mengli No.1, respectively, and they were all significantly （P<0.05） higher than Hongxin Limai; the varieties with the highest dry matter content were SL577C, SL2860D and SL577C, respectively, and they were all significantly （P<0.05） higher than Hongxin Limai, Mengli No.1 and SL923E. On 90 and 105 d of growth, the highest crude protein content was observed in Mengli No.1; on 120 d of growth, SL577C had the highest crude protein content; they were all significantly （P<0.05） higher than Hongxin Limai. On 90 and 105 d of growth, there were no significant （P>0.05） differences in contents of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber among the five varieties. On 120 d of growth, Hongxin Limai had the highest acid detergent fiber content, which was significantly （P<0.05） higher than the other four varieties. As the growth period progressed, Hongxin Limai exhibited decreased crude protein content as well as increased neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber contents. On 105 d and 120 d of growth, Mengli No.1 and SL577C had the best comprehensive performance in contents of dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber, respectively. [Conclusion] Combining the agronomic and nutritional traits, it was concluded that Hongxin Limai, Mengli No.1 and SL577C were the forage quinoa varieties suitable for cultivating in low-altitude, hot and humid areas along the coast of Jiangsu Province, and they were recommended to be harvested at around 90, 105, 120 d of growth, respectively.

Key words: quinoa, forage variety, growth period, agronomic trait, nutritional quality