Production potential of chia in northwestern Argentina

The agricultural economy of northwestern Argentina depends on sugar and tobacco. Recently, depressed prices for these crops have caused severe economic problems in the region. Chia (Salvia hispanica L.), a source of oil and food, is considered an alterative crop to help diversify and stabilize the local economy. A research project to demonstrate the potential production of chia was initiated in 1991. This paper presents results of intensive studies undertaken in 1995 at seven locations in three provinces in northwestern Argentina. Biomass production and total seed yields were greatly affected by seeding date. Seed production of the earliest seeded plot was significantly greater (882 kg/ha) than plots seeded 27 and 46 days later (450 and 437 kg/ha, respectively). Commercial fields averaged 541 kg/ha of seed yield. Oil content and fatty acid composition were affected by location and seeding date.