North Dakota has one of the nations most diverse agricultural systems with production of more then 40 crops for grain or vegetable.  Several of these crops are gluten free and show great potential to provide dietary alternatives for people afflicted with celiac disease. Although the number of individuals with celiac disease is estimated at 1% this represents a potential growing market for producers.  To realize the new opportunities and markets for North Dakota and the region evaluation is merited for gluten-free crops.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of two seeding dates, mid May and late May/early June, on several gluten-free crops.

The study was conducted in the 2006 growing season at a research site near Prosper, ND and Glyndon, MN.  The experimental design was a randomized complete block in a split-plot arrangement in four replicates.  The main plot was seeding date, and the sub-plot was crop.  Gluten free crops evaluated were amaranth (Amaranthus spp.), quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Merr.), and teff (Eragrostis tef  Zucc Trotter) as well as the check crops buckwheat (Fagopyrum sagittatum) and oat (Avena sativa L.).  Characteristics evaluated were stand, days to flowering, plant height and lodging, and seed yield.

The location by seeding date by crop interaction indicated greater seed yield at the early compared with the late seeding date at both locations for amaranth and buckwheat, but not quinoa.  Quinoa yield was influenced by seeding at Glyndon, but not at Prosper.  Teff and oat seed yield at each location were not affected by seeding date.  Continued definition of optimum seeding date is warranted for quinoa and teff in for them to be successful in North Dakota.