Search Results (220)

Quinoa attracts growing interest thanks to its nutritional value, biomass potential, and tolerance to cold, salinity, and drought, making it suitable for Mediterranean environments. Harvesting can be carried out with conventional wheat combine harvesters, although specific adjustments are required to ensure efficient seed–biomass separation and minimize losses. This study examined technical and environmental aspects of mechanized quinoa harvesting in southern Italy to identify the most effective threshing drum (TD) speed that limits losses while ensuring adequate seed separation. Field trials conducted in Puglia in 2022 and 2024, using modified combine harvesters and TD speeds between 600 and 900 rpm, showed wide variability in seed losses across settings. The 700-rpm setting yielded minimal losses in 2022 (Threshing Index, TI 6%), but proved inadequate in 2024 (TI 93%), as uneven ripening and lower yields compromised threshing efficiency. Conversely, 900 rpm produced the highest losses in 2022 (TI 67%) and the lowest cleaning efficiency with the highest residue percentage in 2024, confirming excessive mechanical aggressiveness. In 2024, 650 rpm showed relatively low losses (53%), but these were affected by reduced yield and incomplete detachment (TI 50%). In both years, 750 rpm provided the most stable performance, offering a balanced compromise between efficient seed detachment (TI 23% in 2022; 55% in 2024) and moderate seed losses (25% and 63%, respectively). Adaptive harvesting strategies, focused on appropriate machinery calibration and optimized agronomic practices, could promote the sustainable integration of quinoa into Mediterranean crop diversification systems. Full article

Jasmonic acid (JA) signaling plays a pivotal role in plant stress response, with Jasmonate ZIM-domain (JAZ) proteins acting as key transcriptional repressors. Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is highly stress-tolerant, but its JAZ gene family remains poorly characterized. In this study, we identified 11 CqJAZ genes in the quinoa genome and systematically analyzed their phylogenetic relationships, gene structures, conserved motifs, and cis-acting elements in their promoters. Expression profiling revealed distinct response patterns of CqJAZ genes to salt, drought, and saline-alkali stresses, among which CqJAZ1 was significantly down-regulated under all three conditions. Subcellular localization analysis indicated that CqJAZ1 is localized to the nucleus. Ectopic overexpression of CqJAZ1 in Arabidopsis thaliana inhibited root growth and reduced survival rates under salt, saline-alkali, and osmotic stresses. Physiologically, CqJAZ1-overexpressing lines had elevated malondialdehyde (MDA), decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activities, and reduced endogenous JA accumulation under stress conditions. Furthermore, they showed reduced methyl jasmonate (MeJA) sensitivity. Collectively, CqJAZ1 negatively regulates quinoa stress tolerance by modulating JA homeostasis and compromising antioxidant defense capacity, shedding light on quinoa’s JA signaling and stress-resistance mechanisms. Full article

In agriculture, soil amendments like compost, manure, superabsorbent polymers (SAP) and biochar (BC) are already in use to mitigate the effects of water shortage and to obtain a higher yield and survivability. The present study focuses on the impact of BC and SAP under moderate and reduced soil water content (SWC) on the physiological and biochemical response of Chenopodium quinoa Willd. (cv. UDEC-5), a naturally drought-resistant and strategic crop in arid regions, with the aim of further improving its resilience and biomass production. Plants were grown in the presence or absence (control) of SAP (1% or 0.1% g/100 g SAP) or BC (3% g/100 g BC) by taking into account the smallest possible amount of irrigation necessary for optimal growth of the control. Sixty-five days after sowing, the reduced watering approaches started. The irrigation amount was reduced slowly until plants without any amendment showed a significant reduction in CO₂/H₂O gas exchange and further significant changes in 23 morphological, physiological and biochemical symptoms of water shortage. Each amendment already caused individual plant response in wet conditions: The soil amendments of SAP (1% and 0.1%) and BC had no significant effect on biomass production but caused changes in PS I (portion of oxidized and open centers in PS I), the C/N ratio and N content. The addition of SAP (0.1% and 1%) led to a decrease in gH⁺, ECStmAu ^× gH⁺, R_D, R_L, the C_i/C_atm ratio and ETR/A_gross ratio and to an increase in water use efficiency (WUE), especially in the 0.1% SAP treatment. In moderate conditions, 0.1% SAP and 3% BC caused a significant increase in both the LOP and C/N ratio. In the moderate treatments, the application of 0.1% SAP promoted an increased A_net, while 3% BC promoted a significant reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA). The results of the present quinoa experiment indicate the drought avoidance mechanism of the control under low SWC. The reduced transpiration led to increased WUE due to the efficient use of the substomatal CO₂ reservoir under low C_s and low E. It could also be confirmed that quinoa plants balanced low soil water potential by the accumulation of compatible solutes to lower the LWP and LOP. Drought led, especially in leaves in the 1% SAP treatment, to significant reductions in CO₂/H₂O gas exchange (A_net, R_D), decreases in Y (II) and ETR in PS II, and an increase in the ETR/A ratio and over-reduced centers in PS I, pointing to an increased appearance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the chloroplasts. The latter change was indicated by higher levels of lipid peroxidation (MDA). It could be shown that the response of the test species Chenopodium quinoa to the addition of BC and SAP proved to be highly adaptable. The plant reacted in a very coordinated and specific way to both the danger of oversupply of SAP soil amendments under water shortage conditions and an effective adaptation to a limited water supply with 3% BC and 0.1% SAP by increasing WUE and proline content. However, BC also had a mitigating effect on the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS). It can be assumed that this effect is based on a more plant-compatible, less one-sided ion composition of BC. The results presented indicate that SAP and BC can have an impact on the water and nutrient accessibility for plants. Therefore, optimal biomass production and plant response can only be reached if plant soil interactions and competition between SAP, BC and the plant roots are taken into account when planning for climate-resilient, water-saving agriculture. Full article

Plant SNAREs (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors) constitute a large superfamily and play pivotal roles in diverse biological processes and responses to various abiotic stresses. Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa wild.) is a nutritionally superior crop endowed with robust tolerance to environmental stresses. In this study, we identified 88 CqSNARE genes in quinoa, which are unevenly distributed across 18 chromosomes and classified into 23 subfamilies. We systematically analyzed their physicochemical properties, phylogenetic relationships, gene and protein structures, and cis-acting elements. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis of quinoa leaves under saline–alkaline stress revealed that CqSNAP30a was the most significantly upregulated. This gene is predominantly expressed in leaves and localized on the plasma membrane. Constitutive expression of CqSNAP30a enhanced plant stress resistance by regulating ion homeostasis and antioxidant capacity. Our findings provide valuable insights into the SNARE genes of stress-tolerant crops and lays a theoretical foundation for the genetic improvement of stress resilience. Full article

Gluten-free foods may help address oxidative stress and inflammation linked to gluten-related disorders. This study characterized the phytochemical profile of a 70% ethanolic extract from commercial white quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) flour (Peru) and evaluated its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in vitro and in vivo in a rat model of acute inflammation. Total polyphenols and flavonoids were quantified spectrophotometrically, while individual phenolics were profiled by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS. Antioxidant capacity was assessed in vitro using DPPH, FRAP, H₂O₂, and nitric oxide (NO) scavenging assays. For in vivo testing, male Wistar rats received for 10 days quinoa extract (100%—1 g/mL, 50–0.5 g/mL, or 25–0.25 g/mL) either therapeutically (after turpentine-induced inflammation) or prophylactically (before induction), with diclofenac and Trolox as reference controls; systemic oxidative stress (TOS, TAC, OSI, AOPP, MDA, NO, 3-NT, total thiols) and inflammatory mediators (NF-κB p65, IL-1β, IL-18, caspase-1, IL-10) were measured by spectrophotometry/ELISA and explored multivariately by PCA. Quinoa extract contained measurable phenolic and flavonoid levels (TPC 1.25 mg GAE/g d.w.; TFC 68.5 mg QE/100 g d.w.) and was dominated by flavonoid glycosides and hydroxybenzoic acids. It showed strong radical-scavenging/reducing activity in vitro. In vivo, the extract dose-dependently attenuated turpentine-induced nitro-oxidative stress and reduced key pro-inflammatory markers (notably NF-κB, IL-1β, IL-18, and caspase-1), in several endpoints matching or exceeding diclofenac/Trolox effects, while IL-10 was largely unchanged. These findings support white quinoa flour extract as a phytochemical-rich, gluten-free ingredient with promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential, warranting further translational investigation. Full article

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is increasingly valued as a climate-resilient crop due to its nutritional quality and adaptability; however, there is limited information on the nutritional composition of heat-tolerant genotypes grown in tropical environments or the potential of quinoa leaves as an additional nutrient source. This study assessed the nutritional composition of leaves and grains from three heat-tolerant quinoa genotypes (Ames 13746 (Pison), Ames 13748 (Copacabana), and Ames 13745 (Kaslae)) to support their use as multipurpose crops in warm regions. Crude protein, amino acid, dietary fiber fraction, total fat, total starch, and mineral (Ca, Mg, P, K, Fe, and Zn) concentrations were quantified using AOAC, AACCI, and AOCS standardized methods. The grains exhibited a balanced essential amino acid profile, with lysine concentrations exceeding those of most staple cereals. The protein contents in the leaves and grains did not differ among genotypes (p > 0.05), although combustion analysis yielded consistently higher values than the Kjeldahl method. The leaves differed significantly in insoluble and total dietary fiber (p < 0.05), with Kaslae presenting the highest levels. In grains, the dietary fiber, total fat, total starch, and mineral contents did not vary among genotypes. The leaf mineral composition differed in terms of Ca and P, while Mg, Fe, K, and Zn levels remained similar across genotypes. These findings underscore quinoa’s potential as a nutrient-dense, multipurpose crop for food production in tropical environments. Full article

This investigation focuses on optimising the milling processes of white quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) to enhance its industrial applications. Three milling technologies—knife, disc, and ball milling—were employed to produce flours characterised by various physicochemical analyses. The granulometric analysis indicated that ball milling achieved the finest particle size distribution, significantly improving water absorption capacity and dispersion. Mathematical modelling confirmed that the Rosin–Rammler–Bennett model provided superior predictive capability for rheological behaviour (R² > 0.9624). X-ray diffraction revealed a reduction in crystallinity as milling progressed, while differential scanning calorimetry indicated a decrease in gelatinisation enthalpy and temperature range, suggesting enhanced thermal processing efficiency. Ball milling of the quinoa flour resulted in marked structural changes, as observed by electron microscopy, which are associated in the literature with potential benefits for technological applications in gluten-free and health-oriented foods. Furthermore, fractionation of the flours yielded nutrient-rich bran, containing high levels of protein and fibre. These findings establish critical processing–structure–function relationships, promoting the scalable production of high-value quinoa ingredients that cater to the increasing demand for sustainable and health-oriented food solutions. Full article

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a strategic crop for climate-smart agriculture in the Andes, yet yield gains are constrained by soil degradation and low-input systems. We tested whether synergistic bioinoculation with a plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium (Azospirillum brasilense) and an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (Glomus iranicum var. tenuihypharum) enhances root function and grain productivity under field conditions. A split-plot RCBD was conducted in Ayacucho, Peru (2735 m a.s.l.) using four cultivars, Blanca de Junín (BJ), INIA 441 Señor del Huerto (SH), INIA 415 Pasankalla (RP) and INIA 420 Negra Collana (NC) and four treatments: uninoculated control, Azospirillum, Glomus and co-inoculation. Vegetative, root and yield traits were quantified; ANOVA, Tukey/Dunnett contrasts, correlations and PCA were applied. Co-inoculation consistently outperformed single inoculants, increasing root diameter, length, branching, dry weight and volume dry weight, while also enlarging panicle dimensions and raising grain weight per panicle and thousand-seed weight. Grain yield reached 4.94 ± 0.59 t ha⁻¹ under co-inoculation, almost triple that of the control (1.71 ± 0.28 t ha⁻¹) and about 1.5 times higher than single inoculations. Genotypic effects were pronounced; BJ and SH combined superior root biomass with higher yield, RP maximized grain size and hectoliter weight, whereas NC responded weakly. Significant genotype × treatment interactions indicated cultivar-dependent microbiome benefits. Correlation and PCA linked root biomass and stem/panicle architecture to yield formation, positioning co-inoculation along trait vectors associated with belowground vigor and productivity. These results demonstrate a robust microbial synergy that translates root gains into yield, supporting co-inoculation as a scalable, low-input strategy for sustainable intensification of quinoa in highland agroecosystems. Full article

Quinoa, in addition to its nutritional benefits, is adaptable to, and tolerant of, high-altitude and Mediterranean environmental conditions. However, its largely cross-compatible free-living ancestor, pitseed goosefoot, possesses expansive adaptive variation as its ecotypes are found on arid or well-drained soils throughout temperate and subtropical North America. In this context, the objective of this study was to characterize F7:10 lines from quinoa × pitseed goosefoot hybrids to identify promising lines with desirable agronomic traits and adaptation to hyper-arid production environments. The agro-morphological characterization of 14 interspecific experimental lines plus wild parents (5), checks (3, including one derived from a much earlier wide cross), and an F2 population was performed for 25 quantitative and 26 qualitative descriptors, along with calculation of the selection index. Among the morphological variables, the average number of primary branches per plant (NPB) was six (CV = 78%), the average plant height (PH) was 143.5 cm (CV = 40%), and the average panicle diameter (PDI) was 17.9 cm (CV = 62%). With regard to the yield component variables, the average harvest index (HI) was 39% (CV = 36%), the average weight of 1000 grains (W1000G) was 2.59 g (CV = 42%), and the average yield per hectare (HYP) was 4.68 t ha⁻¹ (CV = 65%). Regarding the correlations between variables, it was observed that all phenological phases showed positive correlations with plant height (PH) and negative correlations with yield components, specifically with DG, DT, HI, and W1000G. The highest-yielding lines were GR10 (8.16 t ha⁻¹), GR07 (7.53 t ha⁻¹), GR11 (7.27 t ha⁻¹), and GR01 (7.02 t ha⁻¹). Multivariate and cluster analyses identified four groups of lines, with groups II and IV standing out for their desirable agronomic traits. However, based on the selection index, lines RL08, RL07, ER06, GR03, and GR11 were identified as the most promising. In terms of quality, 18 out of the 23 lines were classified as sweet (<0.11% saponin) and 5 as bitter (>0.11 saponin). In conclusion, the selection index identified pitseed goosefoot cross-derived quinoa lines having superior yield potential, short plant height, large grain size, early maturity, and low saponin content. Full article

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is valued for its resilience to abiotic stress; however, germination and seedling establishment remain highly sensitive to salinity. While its salt tolerance at later growth stages has been well studied, strategies to improve early development under high salinity are limited, and the role of halotolerant plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) in quinoa has not been systematically investigated. This study assessed the ability of three Azospirillum brasilense strains (BR-11001, BR-11002, and BR-11005) to increase the germination and seedling performance of the cultivar ‘BRS Piabiru’ under saline stress. A 3 × 4 factorial design with three bacterial treatments and four NaCl concentrations (0, 150, 300, and 450 mM) was conducted in a completely randomized arrangement, with four replicates per treatment. Seeds were surface sterilized, inoculated, and incubated at 18 °C under constant light for 10 days. Elevated salinity (≥300 mM NaCl) drastically reduced germination and seedling vigor in the controls. Inoculation with BR-11002 significantly alleviated salinity-induced damage, sustaining over 84% germination at 450 mM and increasing seedling biomass at 300 mM. These findings highlight the potential of halotolerant A. brasilense, particularly BR-11002, as bioinoculants to promote quinoa establishment in salt-affected soils, supporting sustainable agriculture and food system resilience. Full article

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is an Andean pseudocereal of high nutritional value and remarkable phenotypic diversity, recognized as a strategic crop for food security under increasing climatic variability. In this study, the agromorphological diversity of 158 accessions cultivated in the Andean–Amazonian region of Peru was evaluated with the aim of identifying superior materials for conservation and breeding programs. The experiment was conducted using an augmented design that included three check cultivars (INIA 415 Pasankalla, INIA 420 Negra Collana, and Blanca Juli). Diversity in eleven qualitative traits was quantified using the Shannon–Weaver (H′) and Nei (He) indices, whereas twelve quantitative traits were analyzed through principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering. The results revealed substantial intra- and inter-accession variability, with He values ranging from 0.21 to 0.76 and H′ values from 0.40 to 1.79, reflecting marked differences in growth habit, panicle morphology, stem pigmentation, and tolerance to Peronospora variabilis and Epicauta spp. Multivariate analyses identified three contrasting groups and enabled the selection of outstanding accessions, including UNTRM-367-1149, UNTRM-367-1107, UNTRM-367-1078, UNTRM-367-1079, UNTRM-367-1081, UNTRM-367-1095, and UNTRM-367-1104, characterized by high yield potential, favorable reproductive architecture, early or intermediate maturity, and low downy mildew severity. These accessions represent promising genetic resources for developing quinoa varieties adapted to transitional Andean–Amazonian environments, contributing to improved crop productivity and resilience. Full article

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.), an Andean crop with exceptional nutritional value, thrives in ecosystems exposed to intense ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation; yet the molecular mechanisms underlying its photoreception remain largely unknown. The UV Resistance locus 8 (UVR8) protein, a member of the Regulator of Chromosome Condensation 1 (RCC1) family, is the primary UV-B photoreceptor in plants. Here, we report the first in silico characterization of the RCC1 gene family in C. quinoa, aimed at identifying and structurally analyzing UVR8 homologs. Genomic analysis uncovered 40 CqRCC1 genes, exhibiting extensive structural diversity. Phylogenetic reconstruction identified two proteins, CqRCC1_20 and CqRCC1_23, as the closest homologs of AtUVR8 from Arabidopsis thaliana. Homology modeling revealed that CqRCC1_20 maintains the canonical seven-bladed β-propeller architecture of UVR8, whereas CqRCC1_23 carries a deletion leading to a six-bladed structure. Both isoforms retain the critical tryptophan residues (W233, W285, W337) and the C-terminal Valine-Proline (VP) motif required for photoperception and Constitutive Photomorphogenic 1 (COP1) interaction. Notably, the CqRCC1_23 model predicts fewer hydrogen bonds at the dimer interface and structural alterations at key regulatory interaction sites. Collectively, these results indicate that quinoa harbors functionally conserved UVR8 isoforms with structural divergence, such as CqRCC1_23, which may influence photoreceptor stability and enable a sustained UV-B response, potentially conferring an adaptive advantage in high-radiation environments. Full article

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) is a nutrient-rich multipurpose crop. Its grains are used as a cereal, green leaves as a vegetable for humans, and the whole green plant as an alternate forage for livestock. Recently, whole-plant quinoa forage has been evaluated in several countries in Asia and Europe for its potential use as an alternative forage for livestock; however, this has not been performed in the United States. We investigated forage yield and related agronomic traits, nutritional composition, and feed quality-related traits in 60-day-old quinoa whole plants of four quinoa lines over a two-year period. The goal was to evaluate the feasibility of quinoa forage production in Missouri, a drought-prone midwestern state of the USA. Morphological traits (height and fresh and dry weight per plant), chemical composition (fiber contents), and nutritive quality (digestible nutrient contents) of forages were affected by quinoa genotype and year of planting. The crude protein content of quinoa forage averaged 16.23% and fiber 22.08%, which was similar to the values reported in Asia and Europe, but was slightly lower than that of alfalfa. Calcium (1.26%) and phosphorus (0.47% dry weight) were significantly higher than those reported in published quinoa forage results and are comparable to those in published alfalfa minerals. Lysine (0.98%) and methionine (0.25%) were higher than the published results for quinoa and alfalfa. Neutral detergent fiber (34.10%) and acid detergent fiber (25.01%) were lower than those of alfalfa, indicating better digestibility of the quinoa forage. The calculated digestible dry matter (69.40%), dry matter intake (3.56%), relative food value (192%), and total digestible nutrient (70.33%) were higher than those of alfalfa and comparable with published results for quinoa forage. Our preliminary results indicate that the quinoa lines evaluated in this study have excellent potential to be used as a non-traditional alternative forage, especially in environmentally stressed areas where the production of other forage crops is limited. Further research should explore the full multipurpose benefits of quinoa, including its use as grains, leafy green, and whole-plant forage. Full article

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a highly nutritious crop known for its tolerance to salt stress; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying this trait remain poorly understood. This study aims to perform the in silico characterisation of calcium-dependent protein kinase (CPK) gene family sequences and to evaluate their expression profiles under salt stress conditions. Using bioinformatics tools, CPK family gene sequences were identified and in silico-characterised, including conserved domains, cis-regulatory motifs, and physicochemical properties. Experimentally, two contrasting accessions were compared: a salt-tolerant one (UNSA_VP033) and a salt-sensitive one (UNSA_VP021). Salt tolerance indices were determined during germination, gene expression levels were quantified by RT-qPCR, and antioxidant enzyme activities, along with malondialdehyde (MDA) content, were evaluated under different NaCl concentrations. Sixteen sequences with characteristic CPK family domains were identified. Promoter analysis revealed cis-elements associated with hormonal and stress responses. Physicochemical parameters predicted proteins of 50–60 kDa with variable isoelectric points. Experimentally, UNSA_VP033 showed the significant overexpression of CqCPK12, CqCPK17, CqCPK20, and CqCPK32, correlated with the higher antioxidant activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD), and lower MDA levels at 200 mM NaCl. In contrast, the sensitive accession exhibited significant reductions in gene expression and antioxidant activity. In conclusion CPK genes play a key role in the salt stress response in quinoa, particularly CqCPK12, CqCPK17, CqCPK20, and CqCPK32 in the tolerant accession. These findings may contribute to the development of more salt-tolerant varieties, thereby enhancing agricultural sustainability in saline soils. Full article

Background: Gut microbiome dysbiosis is implicated in numerous chronic diseases. While quinoa possesses a rich nutritional profile with prebiotic potential, the specific capacity of its bioactive peptides to modulate gut microbial communities is not well understood. This scoping review systematically maps the preclinical evidence on the gut microbiome modulatory effects of quinoa-derived bioactive peptides to identify mechanisms, characterize their therapeutic potential, and guide future clinical translation. Methods: Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we searched six databases for preclinical studies investigating quinoa-derived peptides or hydrolysates and their effects on gut microbiota. Results: From 834 records, 19 studies met the inclusion criteria. Quinoa interventions demonstrated consistent effects, with 83% of studies reporting enhancement of beneficial genera and 67% an increase in alpha diversity. Disease-specific microbial signatures were observed; for instance, obesity models showed a reduced Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, while colitis models exhibited decreased Proteobacteria. Butyrate production was consistently enhanced. Methodologically, peptide generation has evolved from traditional fermentation toward more efficient enzymatic hydrolysis. Conclusions: Preclinical evidence strongly suggests that quinoa-derived bioactive peptides act as robust, context-dependent modulators of the gut microbiome. These findings position quinoa as a promising functional ingredient for precision gut health interventions, though clinical translation requires standardized preparations and validation in human trials. Full article