Optimizing sowing time and weather conditions for enhanced growth and seed yield of chia ( L.) in semi-arid regions.

Background: Climate influenced weather events, especially during the flowering, grain filling, and maturity stages, can adversely influence crop yield and quality. Therefore, understanding how the phenological behaviour and yield potential of new crops such as chia are influenced by weather and sowing dates is crucial for maximizing crop yield. This study aimed to assess the impact of sowing dates on the flowering behaviour, and yield attributes of chia morphotypes, as well as to identify optimal weather conditions for achieving higher yields.