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This study was carried out to determine the effects of different amounts of crushed corn (CC) and wheat bran (WB) on the silage quality of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.). In the research, pH, dry matter (DM), raw ash (RA), fleig score, ammonia, crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), dry matter intake (DMI), dry matter digestibility (DMD), relative feed value (RFV), lactic acid (LA), acetic acid (AA), propionic acid (PA) and butyric acid (BA) contents of quinoa silage were determined. Quinoa plants were taken in the area sown at the research area of Iğdır University Agricultural Application and Research Center Directorate in 2022. The use of cracked corn as an additive increased the fleig score, DM, CP, DMD, DMI, RFV, LA and BA contents. On the other hand, cracked corn additive decreased pH, ammonia, NDF, ADF, RA, AA and PA contens of quinoa silage. The use of wheat bran as an additive increased the fleig score, DM, CP, DMD, NDF, LA and BA contents of quinoa silage. On the other hand, wheat bran additive decreased the pH, ammonia, ADF, DMI, RFV, RA, AA and PA contents of quinoa silage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought stress negatively impacts agricultural crop yields. By using mineral fertilizers and chemical regulators to encourage plant development and growth, its impact can be mitigated. The current study revealed that exogenous silicon (Si) (potassium silicate; K2Si2O5 at 1000 ppm) and molybdenum (Mo) (ammonium molybdate; (NH4)6Mo7O24•4H2O at 100 ppm) improved drought tolerance in quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd). The research was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three biological replicates. The treatments comprised T0 (control, water spray), T4 (drought stress), and T1, T2, T3, T5, T6, and T7, i.e., foliar applications of silicon and molybdenum solutions individually and in combination. Results revealed that drought stress predominantly affected the quinoa yield by decreasing the growth, physiological, biochemical, metabolic, hormonal, antioxidant, and ionic attributes. On the contrary, the supplementation of Si and Mo enhanced the growth attributes (shoot, panicle, and root length, No. of leaves per plant, shoot and panicle fresh/dry weight, root fresh/dry weight, No. of seeds and seeds fresh weight per plant), physiological traits (relative water content, chlorophyll, and carotenoids content), biochemical characteristics (total soluble sugars, protein and lipid content), metabolic attributes (total phenolic, flavonoids, tannins, lycopene, carotene), hormonal contents (indoleacetic acid (IAA), gibberellic acid (GA), salicylic acid (SA)), enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants (catalase, peroxidase and ascorbic acid), and ionic content (potassium (K), (calcium) Ca, (magnesium) Mg, Si and Mo). Under drought stress, Si and Mo reduced electrolyte leakage, abscisic acid (ABA) content, H2O2 production, and sodium uptake. In addition, combined Si and Mo supplementation elevated the expression of the sucrose non-fermenting 1 (SNF1)-associated protein kinase 2 (SnRK2) (CqSNRK2.10) gene in quinoa under drought stress vs. control, signifying an essential regulatory function for Si and Mo-induced drought stress tolerance. These results imply that the exogenous administration of Si and Mo in combination might be an efficient method to alleviate drought stress on quinoa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Salt-coping strategies were studied investigating roots through a rhizoslide setup. • Different salt tolerance mechanisms were identified in the two halophyte species. • New Zealand spinach accumulated sodium and showed increased WUE at 100 mM NaCl. • Quinoa behaved as a sodium excluder with restricted growth at 100 mM NaCl. • Salinity affected both root architecture and plant transpiration. Soil salinity, root sodium concentration, and transpiration rate are important environmental factors impacting plant growth and productivity. This study investigates the salt-coping strategies of two plant species under varying salinity levels: New Zealand spinach species grown at three salinity levels (i.e., 0, 100, and 200 mM NaCl) and three varieties of quinoa, i.e., "Vikinga", "Dave 407" and "Red Head", grown with or without salt (i.e., 0 and 100 mM NaCl). The plants were grown on glass fiber sheets (rhizoslides) under controlled laboratory conditions. The relationship between transpiration rate, salinity, and root architecture was analyzed for each species. The root apparatus of New Zealand spinach was significantly more developed in plants grown at 100 mM NaCl compared to both 200 mM NaCl and control. The quinoa varieties responded differently to the increasing salt concentrations, with salt-treated "Red Head" plants significantly reducing their total root length and salt-treated "Vikinga" significantly reducing its lateral roots compared to the controls. Salt concentration near New Zealand spinach roots was lower compared to areas without roots, suggesting active salt uptake. In contrast, quinoa rhizoslides exhibited higher salt concentration in proximity to the roots, indicative of salt exclusion. The study provides insights into the adaptation and tolerance mechanisms of these two species to salinity, elucidating the mechanisms by which plants regulate their sodium uptake and root growth. The obtained results suggest that not only the selection of appropriate plant species (halophytes), but also varieties, plays a crucial role in improving crop productivity in salt-affected areas. Elucidating the salt-coping mechanisms of halophytes in relation to soil and climatic conditions is important to better predict their behavior in various saline environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Climate change may result in a drier climate and increased salinization, threatening agricultural productivity worldwide. Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) produces highly nutritious seeds and tolerates abiotic stresses such as drought and high salinity, making it a promising future food source. However, the presence of antinutritional saponins in their seeds is an undesirable trait. We mapped genes controlling seed saponin content to a genomic region that includes TSARL1. We isolated desired genetic variation in this gene by producing a large mutant library of a commercial quinoa cultivar and screening the library for specific nucleotide substitutions using droplet digital PCR. We were able to rapidly isolate two independent tsarl1 mutants, which retained saponins in the leaves and roots for defence, but saponins were undetectable in the seed coat. We further could show that TSARL1 specifically controls seed saponin biosynthesis in the committed step after 2,3‐oxidosqualene. Our work provides new important knowledge on the function of TSARL1 and represents a breakthrough for quinoa breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant-derived biosurfactants are widely used due to their emulsifying and surface-active properties and can be applied in various products. The aim of this present study was to develop a mouthwash using chitosan hydrochloride and saponins extracted from the plants Chenopodium quinoa and Glycine max. After extraction of the biosurfactants using the Soxhlet method, they were characterized with the aid of infrared spectroscopy and subjected to determination of critical micelle concentration, which was found to be 4.0 and 3.5 g/L for C. quinoa and G. max, respectively. The stability of the emulsions was investigated in the presence of different oils and at different values of temperature, pH, and salinity, which showed an emulsification index greater than 40% under all conditions analyzed. After obtaining the mouthwash formulation, tests of foaming capacity, pH, and genotoxicity were performed in cells of onion (Allium cepa) roots. No presence of micronuclei was found in the roots exposed to the formulation, which indicates that there was no aggression to the cells. The results of antimicrobial susceptibility tests revealed bacteriostatic/bactericidal activity as well as antibiofilm activity of formulations against the microorganisms tested. In conclusion, the biosurfactants present in extracts from C. quinoa and G. max were found to be stable, non-toxic molecules with antimicrobial activity, with potential to replace toxic emulsifying agents commonly used in commercial products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Downy mildew is the most relevant disease of quinoa and the most widespread. Though, little is known about the genetics of resistance to this disease. The objective of this study was to identify the genomic regions controlling downy mildew resistance in quinoa and candidate genes for this trait. With this aim we carried out a GWAS analysis in a collection formed by 211 quinoa accessions from different origins. This approach was combined with inheritance studies and Bulk Segregant Analysis (BSA) in a segregating population. Results GWAS analysis identified 26 genomic regions associated with the trait. Inheritance studies in a F2 population segregating for resistance revealed the existence of a major single dominant gene controlling downy mildew complete resistance in quinoa accession PI614911. Through BSA, this gene was found to be located in chromosome 4, in a region also identified by GWAS. Furthermore, several plant receptors and resistance genes were found to be located into the genomic regions identified by GWAS and are postulated as candidate genes for resistance. Conclusions Until now, little was known about the genetic control of downy mildew resistance in quinoa. A previous inheritance study suggested that resistance to this disease was a quantitative polygenic trait and previous GWAS analyses were unable to identify accurate markers for this disease. In our study we demonstrate the existence of, at least, one major gene conferring resistance to this disease, identify the genomic regions involved in the trait and provide plausible candidate genes involved in defense. Therefore, this study significantly increases our knowledge about the genetics of downy mildew resistance and provides relevant information for breeding for this important trait.

[Objective] This study is to identify and analyze the flavonol synthetase FLS gene family as a key enzyme in the secondary metabolism of polyphenols in Caryophyllum plants and to explore the function of FLSs in Chenopodium quinoa. [Method] Bioinformatics analysis website was used to identify the CqFLS family members, and analyze their gene structure, protein physicochemical properties, secondary structure, tertiary structure, promoter cis element and phylogenetic relationship. The gene cloning and expression vector construction was to analyze their protein expression. [Result] The 3 CqFLSs genes were identified, and they were unevenly distributed on two chromosomes, and the promoter region of CqFLSs contained salicylic acid, abscisic acid, methyl jasmonate and drought-induced elements. There were multiple InDel and SNP variations in CqFLS2.1g,the coding nucleotides were deleted at ch01 28871893, 28871125, and 28872881, and all of them were annotated as upstream effects, and no frameshift mutations were detected. Phylogenetic tree analysis showed that CqFLS2.1g were in different branches from CqFLS1.1g and CqFLS3.10g,their expressions varied, and CqFLS2.1g were also differentiated. Meanwhile gene expression analysis revealed that the overall expressions of the three CqFLSs genes in“Qingbai 1”grains were higher than those of“Qinghei 1”and “Gongzha 4”. The cloned CqFLS1.1g was induced with 0.3 mmol/L IPTG and was successfully expressed at both 20℃ and 37℃ . [Conclusion] CqFLS1.1g plays a role in the formation of flowers and grain development, while CqFLS2.1g is mainly involved in the formation of quinoa grains, and the expression of CqFLS is tissue-specific and plays an important role in the growth and development of quinoa [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quinoa is a facultative halophyte with excellent tolerance to salinity. In this study, the epidermal bladder cell complex (EBCc) of quinoa leaves was studied to determine their cellular characteristics and involvement in salt tolerance. We used light microscopy, confocal RAMAN microscopy, confocal fluorescence microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and environmental scanning electron microscopy complemented by energy dispersive X-ray analysis. Ionic content was quantified with flame atomic absorption spectroscopy and with flame emission photometry. Results show that: (i) the number of EBCcs remains constant but their density and area vary with leaf age; (ii) stalk cells store lipids and exhibit thick walls, bladder cells present carotenes in small vesicles, oxalate crystals in vacuoles and lignin in their walls and both stalk and bladder cells have cuticles that differ in wax and cutin content; (iii) chloroplasts containing starch can be found on both stalk and bladder cells, and the latter also presents grana; (iv) plasmodesmata are observed between the stalk cell and the bladder cell, and between the epidermal cell and the stalk cell, and ectodesmata-like structures are observed on the bladder cell. Under high salinity conditions, (v) there is a clear tendency to accumulate greater amounts of K+ with respect to Na+ in the bladder cell; (vi) stalk cells accumulate similar amounts of K+ and Na+; (vii) Na+ accumulates mainly in the medullary parenchyma of the stem. These results add knowledge about the structure, content, and role of EBCc under salt stress, and surprisingly present the parenchyma of the stem as the main area of Na+ accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Downy mildew is the most relevant disease of quinoa and the most widespread. Though, little is known about the genetics of resistance to this disease. The objective of this study was to identify the genomic regions controlling downy mildew resistance in quinoa and candidate genes for this trait. With this aim we carried out a GWAS analysis in a collection formed by 211 quinoa accessions from different origins. This approach was combined with inheritance studies and Bulk Segregant Analysis (BSA) in a segregating population. Results: GWAS analysis identified 26 genomic regions associated with the trait. Inheritance studies in a F2 population segregating for resistance revealed the existence of a major single dominant gene controlling downy mildew complete resistance in quinoa accession PI614911. Through BSA, this gene was found to be located in chromosome 4, in a region also identified by GWAS. Furthermore, several plant receptors and resistance genes were found to be located into the genomic regions identified by GWAS and are postulated as candidate genes for resistance. Conclusions: Until now, little was known about the genetic control of downy mildew resistance in quinoa. A previous inheritance study suggested that resistance to this disease was a quantitative polygenic trait and previous GWAS analyses were unable to identify accurate markers for this disease. In our study we demonstrate the existence of, at least, one major gene conferring resistance to this disease, identify the genomic regions involved in the trait and provide plausible candidate genes involved in defense. Therefore, this study significantly increases our knowledge about the genetics of downy mildew resistance and provides relevant information for breeding for this important trait. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored whether the exogenously applied nitric oxide (NO; 25 µM for 12 times with 7 days intervals) triggers variations in growth, physiological traits, and molecular characteristics in quinoa Chenopodium quinoa seedlings under two electrical conductivity (EC) conditions, including 1.5 and 8 dS/m. The foliar application of NO not only increased the number of leaves produced and the biomass of the shoots under the low EC conditions, but also mitigated the risk associated with the high EC conditions. Higher proline levels were recorded in both the leaves and the roots of plants treated with NO and/or salinity among which the (NO + salinity) group had the highest amount. Both NO and high EC treatments contributed to the reduction of the saponin metabolite concentration. The highest activity of the PAL enzyme was recorded in NO-treated seedlings cultivated under high EC conditions. Total soluble phenolic and flavonoid content exhibited a similar trend to that of the PAL activity in response to the NO treatments under two EC conditions. The NO or saline treatments individually up-regulated the WRKY transcription factor by an average of 4.2-fold, while the NO treatment under the saline medium led to a drastic increase (9.7-fold) in the expression of this gene. The bZIP gene also showed a similar trend as the WRKY transcription factor gene. According to the statistical analysis, the saponin content was negatively correlated with the expression of the evaluated genes (WRKY and bZIP). In conclusion, NO confers salinity resistance and may improve the quality of quinoa-based foods by reducing saponin accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Soil salinity is one of the most brutal environmental factors that affect crop growth and productivity. Chenopodium quinoa is known as one of the essential food crops in the future due to its agronomic and nutritive value and its strong adaptability to stress environments and soil conditions. However, the molecular aspects of salt tolerance of quinoa remain not well known. Therefore, the expression study of candidate genes related to salt tolerance has become one of the most important features for the identification of their functions. However, one of the most crucial points in Quantitative PCR (qPCR) data analysis is the selection of appropriate reference gene that should be stable and unaffected in a given condition. In this study, six candidate reference genes were analysed in order to select the most stable one under salt stress conditions. The expression stability was assessed using three different algorithms: geNorm, NormFinder and BestKeeper. The most stable and appropriate reference genes screened in this study whose expression was confirmed to be constant in different salt treated and untreated quinoa plant were Monensin sensitivity1 (MON1) and Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and Factor elongation 1-alpha (EF-1α), while Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme (UBC) and Ubiquitin-protein ligase 7 (UPL7) had the worst stability. However, the data obtained by BestKeeper demonstrated slight differences compared to those from geNorm and NormFinder. Overall, we designated MON1 and GAPDH as the best candidates and the most stable housekeeping gene under salt stress conditions and their geometric means would provide accurate normalization factor for expression data in Chenopodium quinoa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The naturally occurring compounds ecdysterone and turkesterone, which are present in plants, including Rhaponticum carthamoides Willd. (Iljin), Spinacia oleracea L., Chenopodium quinoa Willd., and Ajuga turkestanica (Regel) Briq, are widely recognized due to their possible advantages for both general health and athletic performance. The current review investigates the beneficial biological effects of ecdysterone and turkesterone in nutrition, highlighting their roles not only in enhancing athletic performance but also in the management of various health problems. Plant-based diets, associated with various health benefits and environmental sustainability, often include sources rich in phytoecdysteroids. However, the therapeutic potential of phytoecdysteroid-rich extracts extends beyond sports nutrition, with promising applications in treating chronic fatigue, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) presents as an intricate condition characterized by a growing prevalence, the often-recommended lifestyle interventions mostly lack high-level evidence of efficacy and there are currently no effective drugs proposed for this indication. The present review delves into NAFLD pathology, its diverse underlying physiopathological mechanisms and the available in vitro, in vivo, and clinical evidence regarding the use of natural compounds for its management, through three pivotal targets (oxidative stress, cellular inflammation, and insulin resistance). The promising perspectives that natural compounds offer for NAFLD management underscore the need for additional clinical and lifestyle intervention trials. Encouraging further research will contribute to establishing more robust evidence and practical recommendations tailored to patients with varying NAFLD grades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To clarify the codon usage characteristics of CqGAI gene, the sequence of CqGAI gene was cloned. The codon usage preference of CqGAI gene was analyzed using CodonW, SPSS software and EMBOSS online program, and neutral mapping, ENC analysis and parity preference bias analysis were performed with GAI genes of 25 plants. The results showed that the length of coding sequence (CDS) of CqGAI gene was 1 782 bp, which encoded 593 amino acids, and contained the unique structural domains of DELLA gene family such as DELLA, TVHYNP, NLS, VHIID, LHR and RVER. The CqGAI gene could rapidly responded to gibberellines (GA), which played a key role in the GA signaling pathway. Codon bias analysis showed that ENC, CAI and GC content of CqGAI gene were 54.14, 0.21 and 46.18%, respectively, with weak codon bias, preference ending with A/T and 27 high frequency codons. The clustering analyses showed that the CqGAI gene had the closest preference to Caryophyllales. The base composition and correlation analysis revealed that the codon preference of CqGAI gene was influenced by selection effect and base mutation. The frequency of codon usage indicated that both Escherichia coli and yeast were suitable for heterologous expression of CqGAI gene, and Arabidopsis thaliana, Nicotiana tabacum and Beta vulgaris were suitable for genetic transformation recipients for functional analysis of CqGAI gene. Above results provided an important reference for further study the function and heterologous expression of CqGAI gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a facultative halophyte recognized for its genetic variability and high tolerance to salinity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of NaCl on three accessions of quinoa from the Camacani germplasm bank of the National University of the Altiplano, Perú, at three NaCl concentrations (0, 200 and 400 mM) under greenhouse conditions. Four morphological variables (plant height, root length, percentage of root DM, and aerial DM), as well as seven metabolic variables (chlorophyll, proline, phenols, flavonoids, saponins, amino acids and proteins content by spectrophotometric analysis) and electrolyte leakage (EL) in leaves were analyzed. Increasing NaCl exposure was positively correlated with increases in EL, proline, and saponin, while negatively correlated with leaf protein content. In accession PECQ 20037, for example, foliar protein content varied from 18.7% at 0 mM NaCl to 10.57% at 400 mM NaCl. The results indicated that accessions PECQ 20037 and Negra Oruro tolerated the 400 mM NaCl concentration better than Sajama. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dehydrins (DHNs) are essential proteins in the embryonic development and abiotic stress responses of plants. Due to their remarkable ability to confer tolerance to plants in conditions of drought, salinity and extreme temperatures, DHNs have garnered considerable interest. Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.), a facultative halophyte plant, can thrive in a wide range of agroecosystems, making it a promising candidate for stress tolerance studies. In this study, we identified eleven DHN genes in the quinoa genome belonging to Y-, F- and H-orthologous groups found in angiosperms. Notably, the H-DHNs lack the K-segment, a feature observed in all Amaranthaceae species, but not in other angiosperms. We identified four DHN structural subgroups: FSKn, YnSKn, SKn-DHNs and the atypical HS-DHN. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that each structural subgroup, except for SK2-DHN, presents two paralogous genes, in accordance with the allotetraploid character of C. quinoa. Quantitative real-time PCR expression analysis revealed that DHN1s (FSK2) and DHN3s (Y2SK2) were expressed in all tissues, while DHN2s (FSK3) were predominant in roots and DHN4s (Y4SK2 and SK2) were predominant in flowers. Salt-response gene expression analysis in seedlings showed that CqDHN4s increase their expression in response to salt stress in all varieties studied, while CqDHN1s reduce their expression in a more salt stress-tolerant variety, suggesting a possible adaptive advantage. In silico analysis of the promoters of CqDHN1s and CqDHN4s supports the involvement of these DHNs in responding to abiotic stress.

Background and aim: The seeds of Nelumbo nucifera, Chenopodium quinoa and Salvia hispanica are known as super foods due to their various therapeutic properties. The present study aimed to develop an optimized polyherbal formulation from edible seeds aqueous extract and to evaluate its anti-diabetic and lipase inhibitory effect on diet-induced obese diabetic mice. Experimental procedure: Response surface methodology based various formulations were evaluated for their potent anti-diabetic, lipase-inhibitory and antioxidant activities. Acute toxicity of the best optimized formulation was conducted. The mice were fed a high fat diet for 10 weeks resulting in hyperglycemia and obesity. Oral tolerance tests (sucrose, starch and lipid) of the formulation were performed. The mice were supplemented with different doses (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg) of the formulation for 6 weeks. The body weight and blood glucose level were monitored on a weekly basis. Finally, histological alterations and lipid profiles were analysed. Results and conclusion: The formulation containing equal concentration (1.5 mg/ml) of each seed extract showed maximum bioactivities. The formulation was found to be safe during toxicity assay. The tolerance tests supported the anti-diabetic and anti-obesity effect. Higher dose (500 mg/kg) of the formulation significantly (p < 0.01) lowered elevated fasting blood glucose, lipid indices and ameliorated the histological alterations in liver, kidney and pancreas caused by high fat diet. We demonstrated for the first time that the developed aqueous extract optimized formulation possess anti-diabetic and anti-obesity potential and thus could be used as adjuvant therapy for holistic management of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

IntroductionQuinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a beneficial plant with high nutritional value with high tolerance to salinity and drought stress. Most of the experiments performed on the study of quinoa salinity stress tolerance in pot and greenhouse conditions were not comparable to the results of cereal experiment such as wheat and barley performed in field conditions. The purpose of this experiment is to determine the threshold value of quinoa to salinity stress under field conditions.Materials and methodsAn experiment was performed as a split plot in a randomized complete block design with three replications on August 7, 2017 at Sadough Salinity Research Station of Yazd National Salinity Research Center. Experimental treatments including five quinoa genotypes including three quinoa lines (NSRCQE, NSRCQB, NSRCQC) with Titicaca and Sadough cultivars as subplots and irrigation water salinity at five levels of 2, 5, 10, 15 and 17 dS m-1 in the main plot. During the growing season, soil samples were taken from the plant root development area. Seed yield and yield components were measured. The percentage of saponin, seed vigor, 1000-seed weight and grain size were also measured.Results and discussionThe results of analysis of variance of the measured traits showed that the effect of salinity stress on plant height, 1000-seed weight and grain yield was significant at the level of 1%. The effect of salinity stress on grain size was not significant. Differences between genotypes in terms of plant height, grain yield, 1000-seed weight, biomass and grain size were significant at the level of 1% and panicle length and number of lateral panicles at the level of 5%. The interaction effect of genotype and salinity on biomass was not significant at 5% level and on other traits was not significant. The percentage of saponin between genotypes was significant at the level of 5%. The interaction effect of salinity and genotype on biomass and saponin percentage was significant at 5% level. The percentage of grain saponin increased significantly with increasing salinity in NSRCQB genotype and was not affected by salinity stress in other genotypes. Biomass of all genotypes except Titicaca was not significantly different up to salinity of 10 dS m-1. The highest biomass production in non-saline conditions was related to NSERCQE and Sadough cultivar and These two genotypes had the lowest decrease in biomass production with increasing salinity. Seed viability was not affected by salinity increase except in NSRCQB genotype seed vigour decreased by 15%. The lowest 1000-seed weight in non-saline conditions was related to NSRCQB genotype and the trend of 1000-seed weight loss with increasing salinity was similar to all genotypes and decreased by an average of 16%. The results of mean comparison showed that the highest yield at all salinity levels was observed in Sadough cultivar. Based on the results of the fitted linear equation, changes in quinoa seed yield to salinity showed that the salinity tolerance thresholds of quinoa genotypes were 4.3, 8.7, 4.1, 4.8, and 6.8 dS m-1 of electrical conductivity of saturated soil extracts, respectively. The soil and slope of the line were 3.5, 2.4, 0.1, 0.7 and 0.9%. Fifty percent reduction in wheat yield of Kavir and barley cultivars of Marvdasht cultivar has been reported at 15 and 20 dS m-1 of soil salinity, while Quinoa Sadough cultivar at 24 dS m-1 of electrical conductivity of soil saturated extract was 80% seed yield in non-saline conditions. Sadaogh cultivar not only have suitable agronomic characteristics and high production potential in saline conditions, but also has a higher salinity tolerance.ConclusionQuinoa has a higher tolerance to salinity stress than wheat and barley and can be a promising plant for using saline water and soil resources that are not economically viable for crop production. There is also a good variety among quinoa genotypes to select for using saline water.AcknowledgmentsThis project has been done with the financial support of the Researchers Support Fund and the Agricultural Education and Extension Research Organization (AREEO).

Plant-derived biosurfactants are widely used due to their emulsifying and surface-active properties and can be applied in various products. The aim of this present study was to develop a mouthwash using chitosan hydrochloride and saponins extracted from the plants Chenopodium quinoa and Glycine max. After extraction of the biosurfactants using the Soxhlet method, they were characterized with the aid of infrared spectroscopy and subjected to determination of critical micelle concentration, which was found to be 4.0 and 3.5 g/L for C. quinoa and G. max, respectively. The stability of the emulsions was investigated in the presence of different oils and at different values of temperature, pH, and salinity, which showed an emulsification index greater than 40% under all conditions analyzed. After obtaining the mouthwash formulation, tests of foaming capacity, pH, and genotoxicity were performed in cells of onion (Allium cepa) roots. No presence of micronuclei was found in the roots exposed to the formulation, which indicates that there was no aggression to the cells. The results of antimicrobial susceptibility tests revealed bacteriostatic/bactericidal activity as well as antibiofilm activity of formulations against the microorganisms tested. In conclusion, the biosurfactants present in extracts from C. quinoa and G. max were found to be stable, non-toxic molecules with antimicrobial activity, with potential to replace toxic emulsifying agents commonly used in commercial products.

The economic and health significance of quinoa is steadily growing on a global scale. Nevertheless, the primary obstacle to achieving high yields in quinoa cultivation is pre-harvest sprouting (PHS), which is intricately linked to seed dormancy. However, there exists a dearth of research concerning the regulatory mechanisms governing PHS. The regulation of seed germination by various plant hormones has been extensively studied. Consequently, understanding the mechanisms underlying the role of endogenous hormones in the germination process of quinoa seeds and developing strategies to mitigate PHS in quinoa cultivation are of significant research importance. This study employed the HPLC-ESI-MS/MS internal standard and ELISA method to quantify 8 endogenous hormones. The investigation of gene expression changes before and after germination was conducted using RNA-seq analysis, leading to the discovery of 280 differentially expressed genes associated with the regulatory pathway of endogenous hormones. Additionally, a correlation analysis of 99 genes with significant differences identified 14 potential genes that may act as crucial "transportation hubs" in hormonal interactions. Through the performance of an analysis on the modifications in hormone composition and the expression of associated regulatory genes, we posit a prediction that implies the presence of a negative feedback regulatory mechanism of endogenous hormones during the germination of quinoa seeds. This mechanism is potentially influenced by the unique structure of quinoa seeds. To shed light on the involvement of endogenous hormones in the process of quinoa seed germination, we have established a regulatory network. This study aims to offer innovative perspectives on the breeding of quinoa varieties that exhibit resistance to PHS, as well as strategies for preventing PHS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Bioactive triterpenes feature complex fused‐ring structures, primarily shaped by the first‐committed enzyme, 2,3‐oxidosqualene cyclases (OSCs) in plant triterpene biosynthesis. Triterpenes with B,C‐ring‐opened skeletons are extremely rare with unknown formation mechanisms, harbouring unchartered chemistry and biology.Here, through mining the genome of Chenopodium quinoa followed by functional characterization, we identified a stress‐responsive and neofunctionalized OSC capable of generating B,C‐ring‐opened triterpenes, including camelliol A and B and the novel (−)‐quinoxide A as wax components of the specialized epidermal bladder cells, namely the quinoxide synthase (CqQS).Protein structure analysis followed by site‐directed mutagenesis identified key variable amino acid sites underlying functional interconversion between pentacyclic β‐amyrin synthase (CqbAS1) and B,C‐ring‐opened triterpene synthase CqQS. Mutation of one key residue (N612K) in even evolutionarily distant Arabidopsis β‐amyrin synthase could generate quinoxides, indicating a conserved mechanism for B,C‐ring‐opened triterpene formation in plants. Quantum computation combined with docking experiments further suggests that conformations of conserved W613 and F413 of CqQS might be key to selectively stabilizing intermediate carbocations towards B,C‐ring‐opened triterpene formation.Our findings shed light on quinoa triterpene skeletal diversity and mechanisms underlying B,C‐ring‐opened triterpene biosynthesis, opening avenues towards accessing their chemistry and biology and paving the way for quinoa trait engineering and quality improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant protein phosphatase 2Cs (PP2Cs) function as inhibitors in protein kinase cascades involved in various processes and are crucial participants in both plant development and signaling pathways activated by abiotic stress. In this study, a genome-wide study was conducted on the CqPP2C gene family. A total of putative 117 CqPP2C genes were identified. Comprehensive analyses of physicochemical properties, chromosome localization and subcellular localization were conducted. According to phylogenetic analysis, CqPP2Cs were divided into 13 subfamilies. CqPP2Cs in the same subfamily had similar gene structures, and conserved motifs and all the CqPP2C proteins had the type 2C phosphatase domains. The expansion of CqPP2Cs through gene duplication was primarily driven by segmental duplication, and all duplicated CqPP2Cs underwent evolutionary changes guided by purifying selection. The expression of CqPP2Cs in various tissues under different abiotic stresses was analyzed using RNA-seq data. The findings indicated that CqPP2C genes played a role in regulating both the developmental processes and stress responses of quinoa. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis of six CqPP2C genes in subfamily A revealed that they were up-regulated or down-regulated under salt and drought treatments. Furthermore, the results of yeast two-hybrid assays revealed that subfamily A CqPP2Cs interacted not only with subclass III CqSnRK2s but also with subclass II CqSnRK2s. Subfamily A CqPP2Cs could interact with CqSnRK2s in different combinations and intensities in a variety of biological processes and biological threats. Overall, our results will be useful for understanding the functions of CqPP2C in regulating ABA signals and responding to abiotic stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Investigación Agraria is the property of Investigacion Agraria and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is a key enzyme in the antioxidant system of plants and plays a critical role in protecting plants from various biological and abiotic stresses. In this paper, using bioinformatics methods, 12 SOD genes were identified in quinoa by sequence alignment based on Arabidopsis SOD, which localized in the nucleus, microsomes and mitochondria, and distributed heterogeneously on 11 different chromosomes, and the tertiary structure of their encoded proteins showed that Cu/Zn-SODs were homodimers with Fe-SODs and Mn-SODs were homotetramers.The intron/exon distribution patterns of the CqSOD genes were different, with the number of introns ranging from 4 to 7, and the conserved motifs differing significantly. The phylogenetic relationships showed that the SOD proteins could be divided into 3 subfamilies: Cu/Zn-SODs, Fe-SODs and Mn-SODs. In addition, all CqFe- SODs and CqMn-SODs promoter regions contained abscisic acid(ABA)-responsive cis-elements, and CqSOD12 interacted with 11 CqSOD proteins and 4 CqCAT proteins. Expression profiling showed that the 12 CqSOD genes were strongly responsive to both mixed saline-alkali and nitroprusside. Above results laid the foundation for research on the role and molecular mechanism of SOD genes in plant development and stress response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scarcity of water resources is considered a major threat and challenge for agriculture. Water limitations could strongly affect the growth and development of many crops including quinoa, a nutrition-rich, climate-resilient crop that is gaining attention globally. Organic amendment application has been reported as a suitable option to mitigate the detrimental impacts of water shortage on soil and plant growth. In this context, two experiments were conducted on Chenopodium quinoa "Titicaca"; in the first experiment, we investigated the effect of different organic amendments, namely woodchips biochar (Bw), vineyard pruning biochar (Bv), and vermicompost (V), applied (alone and mixed) at 2% soil dry weight, on soil properties and the plant biomass of quinoa subjected to a water stress period during vegetative development. Among organic amendments tested, Bw and Bw+V increased plant biomass on average by 15%, while Bv and Bv+V reduced the plant biomass by 62% compared to non-amended soil (C). A significant reduction in soil pH was observed with Bw (7.61), while BV increased pH (8.04) compared to C (7.76). The Bw and Bv also reduced soil bulk density (BD) (1.19 g/m3 and 1.13 g/m3, respectively) compared to C (1.28 g/m3). As Bw performed better in the first experiment, the second experiment assessed only Bw at different doses, i.e., 0%, 2%, and 4% under water shortage by restoring only 50% evapotranspiration losses, when soil water content reached the 50% of available water content. Considering the Bw rates, the plants treated with Bw2% showed 34% and 19% more biomass and 36% and 66% more panicles than Bw0% and Bw4%, respectively. The Bw2% decreased the soil pH (7.79 versus 7.85) and electrical conductivity (286 versus 307 µS/cm) compared to Bw0%, which was not different from Bw4%. No differences were observed in BD between Bw0% and Bw2% (on average 1.28 g/m3), while BD decreased in Bw4% (1.06 g/m3). The findings of both experiments highlighted that the appropriate type and dose of biochar could improve soil properties and help quinoa plants to grow better under water-limited conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quantitative and qualitative alterations in phytochemical, enzymatic and metabolic levels of the young quinoa plants in response to osmotic, salt, and combined stress are showed. The link between the antioxidant defence of the quinoa system and stress tolerance to osmotic, salt, and combined stress was demonstrated. The increase acetophenones as antioxidants synthesis with a high positive correlation with the accumulation of phytol and enzymatic antioxidants such as CAT and the radical oxidation marker MDA, but a negative correlation with the content of linoleic and linolenic acid esters are identified. At combine stress of 200 mM NaCl and PEG-induced drought the transition young quinoa plants from eustress to distress was revealed. The identified patterns in plant enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant activity due to both individual and combined stress serve as a crucial foundation for targeted synthesis methods, with potential applications in pharmacology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermal stability of plants with different types of photosynthesis Chenopodium quinoa Willd. (C3) and Amaranthus retroflexus L. (C4-NAD) to short-term elevated temperature (35°С, eT) at ambient (400 ppm, aCO2) and elevated (800 ppm, eCO2) CO2 concentration was investigated. Growth parameters, water, proline, and MDA content, CO2/H2О gas exchange parameters, the functioning of PS I and PS II, and the content of key photosynthetic (Rubisco, PEPC) and photorespiratory (GDC) enzymes were analyzed. Under control conditions, C4-type plants, compared with the C3-type, show higher values of dry biomass growth, intensity of visible photosynthesis, transpiration, and PS I activity and lower proline content. The photosynthetic and stomatal apparatus of both types was sensitive to eT, which manifested itself in a decrease in the intensity of apparent photosynthesis and transpiration. In addition, suppression of light reactions (PS II) and intensity of photorespiration (according to GDC) was observed in the C3-species and an increase in the content of proline in the C4-species. Under eCO2 conditions, the C3-species showed a decrease in the intensity of photorespiration, while oxidative stress (twofold increase in the content of MDA) was accompanied by reduced intensity of apparent photosynthesis, transpiration, and increased intensity of dark mitochondrial respiration in the C4-species. A softening effect of eCO2 on thermal stability data for C3- and C4-plants was not established. With the combined action of eCO2 and eT, both types exhibited oxidative stress, reduced efficiency of PS II and apparent photosynthesis, and activation of dark respiration. However, differences were also observed: oxidative stress was accompanied by a decrease in the increase in dry biomass and water content in tissues, as well as suppression of photorespiration, in the C3-species, while there was a decrease in the intensity of transpiration and an increase in the content of PEPC in the C4-species. Reduced WUE with combined action of eCO2 and eT in plants of the C4-species was less significant than the C3-species. The different response of quinoa plants (C3) and amaranth (C4) on the combined effect of climatic factors of elevated temperature and CO2 concentration is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is described as high nutritional value crop due to the quality and quantity of their beneficial compounds and antioxidant potential. We assess the influence of salt stress on the functional value of quinoa 'Titicaca' leaves and the best growth conditions to obtain both a high leaf production and optimal levels of bioactive metabolites. Thus, quinoa 'Titicaca' plants were grown under hydroponic greenhouse conditions with 0, 50, 100 and 200 mM NaCl. The results indicated that salinity levels of 200 mM NaCl decreased shoot biomass in a 45.1% and leaf area in a 69.1%, together with a depletion of the concentration of starch and total soluble sugars of 62.3% and 17.7%, respectively. Proline levels increased in conditions over 100 mM NaCl and total proteins decreased in all salt treatments. Furthermore, the greatest values of glutathione (368.57 mmol mg-1 dw) and ascorbic acid (0.86 mg 100 g-1 dw) were shown in plants subjected to 100 mM NaCl, and total phenolics and antioxidant enzymes activity rose in unison with the salinity severity. Results revel that quinoa 'Titicaca' leaves are of high nutritional value especially when cultured under moderate salinity conditions of 100 mM NaCl. Not only grains, also greens of this edible halophyte could be of interest to maximize food production in arid and saline zones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quinoa is extensively cultivated for its nutritional value, and its exceptional capacity to endure elevated salt levels presents a promising resolution to the agricultural quandaries posed by salinity stress. However, limited research has been dedicated to elucidating the correlation between alterations in the salinity soil microbial community and nitrogen transformations. To scrutinize the underlying mechanisms behind quinoa's salt tolerance, we assessed the changes in microbial community structure and the abundance of nitrogen transformation genes across three distinct salinity thresholds (1 g·kg−1, 3 g·kg−1, and 6 g·kg−1) at two distinct time points (35 and 70 days). The results showed the positive effect of quinoa on the soil microbial community structure, including changes in key populations and its regulatory role in soil nitrogen cycling under salt stress. Choroflexi, Acidobacteriota, and Myxococcota were inhibited by increased salinity, while the relative abundance of Bacteroidota increased. Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria showed relatively stable abundances across time and salinity levels. Quinoa possesses the ability to synthesize or modify the composition of keystone species or promote the establishment of highly complex microbial networks (modularity index > 0.4) to cope with fluctuations in external salt stress environments. Furthermore, quinoa exhibited nitrogen (N) cycling by downregulating denitrification genes (nirS, nosZ), upregulating nitrification genes (Archaeal amoA (AOA), Bacterial amoA (AOB)), and stabilizing nitrogen fixation genes (nifH) to absorb nitrate–nitrogen (NO3−_N). This study paves the way for future research on regulating quinoa, promoting soil microbial communities, and nitrogen transformation in saline environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The thermal stability of plants with different types of photosynthesis Chenopodium quinoa Willd. (C3) and Amaranthus retroflexus L. (C4-NAD) to short-term elevated temperature (35°С, eT) at ambient (400 ppm, aCO2) and elevated (800 ppm, eCO2) CO2 concentration was investigated. Growth parameters, water, proline, and MDA content, CO2/H2О gas exchange parameters, the functioning of PS I and PS II, and the content of key photosynthetic (Rubisco, PEPC) and photorespiratory (GDC) enzymes were analyzed. Under control conditions, C4-type plants, compared with the C3-type, show higher values of dry biomass growth, intensity of visible photosynthesis, transpiration, and PS I activity and lower proline content. The photosynthetic and stomatal apparatus of both types was sensitive to eT, which manifested itself in a decrease in the intensity of apparent photosynthesis and transpiration. In addition, suppression of light reactions (PS II) and intensity of photorespiration (according to GDC) was observed in the C3-species and an increase in the content of proline in the C4-species. Under eCO2 conditions, the C3-species showed a decrease in the intensity of photorespiration, while oxidative stress (twofold increase in the content of MDA) was accompanied by reduced intensity of apparent photosynthesis, transpiration, and increased intensity of dark mitochondrial respiration in the C4-species. A softening effect of eCO2 on thermal stability data for C3- and C4-plants was not established. With the combined action of eCO2 and eT, both types exhibited oxidative stress, reduced efficiency of PS II and apparent photosynthesis, and activation of dark respiration. However, differences were also observed: oxidative stress was accompanied by a decrease in the increase in dry biomass and water content in tissues, as well as suppression of photorespiration, in the C3-species, while there was a decrease in the intensity of transpiration and an increase in the content of PEPC in the C4-species. Reduced WUE with combined action of eCO2 and eT in plants of the C4-species was less significant than the C3-species. The different response of quinoa plants (C3) and amaranth (C4) on the combined effect of climatic factors of elevated temperature and CO2 concentration is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study is to evaluate the impact of treatment with superheated steam on the structural, thermal, and functional characteristics of quinoa starch. The superheated steam treatment is applied to the starch at 130 and 170 °C for 1 and 4 min, then dried at 50 °C and stored. Moisture adsorption isotherms are performed at 25 °C, and data are fitted to the Oswin, GAB, and Peleg models. Structural characterization is done using XRD and FTIR, thermal analysis using DSC, and functional characterization include water absorption capacity (WAC), oil absorption capacity (OAC), and syneresis. The QS170/4 treatment shows a reduction in crystallinity index of up to 48.24%, with the appearance of the amylose‐lipid complex, an increase in initial and final gelatinization temperatures, and a decrease in enthalpy of up to 39.53%. For modified starches, WAC and OAC increase by 9% and 7%, respectively, and syneresis decreases significantly by 17.4%. The results demonstrate the feasibility of modifying quinoa starch with superheated steam treatment, which, unlike other methods, has the advantage of altering the amylose and amylopectin chains in just a few minutes. Thus, the results show a new perspective for the use of superheated steam in starch modification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chenopodium quinoa Willd. (quinoa), a member of the Amaranthaceae family, is an allotetraploid annual plant, endemic to South America. The plant of C. quinoa presents significant ecological plasticity with exceptional adaptability to several environmental stresses, including salinity. The resilience of quinoa to several abiotic stresses, as well as its nutritional attributes, have led to significant shifts in quinoa cultivation worldwide over the past century. This work first defines germination sensu stricto in quinoa where the breakage of the pericarp and the testa is followed by endosperm rupture (ER). Transcriptomic changes in early seed germination stages lead to unstable expression levels in commonly used reference genes that are typically stable in vegetative tissues. Noteworthy, no suitable reference genes have been previously identified specifically for quinoa seed germination under salt stress conditions. This work aims to identify these genes as a prerequisite step for normalizing qPCR data. To this end, germinating seeds from UDEC2 and UDEC4 accessions, with different tolerance to salt, have been analyzed under conditions of absence (0 mM NaCl) and in the presence (250 mM NaCl) of sodium chloride. Based on the relevant literature, six candidate reference genes, Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), Monensin sensitivity1 (MON1), Polypyrimidine tract-binding protein (PTB), Actin-7 (ACT7), Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme (UBC), and 18S ribosomal RNA (18S), were selected and assessed for stability using the RefFinder Tool encompassing the statistical algorithms geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and ΔCt in the evaluation. The data presented support the suitability of CqACT7 and CqUBC as reference genes for normalizing gene expression during seed germination under salinity stress. These recommended reference genes can be valuable tools for consistent qPCR studies on quinoa seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Andean grains such as quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa), kiwicha (Amaranthus caudatus), kañiwa (Chenopodium pallidicaule), and tarwi (Lupinus mutabilis) are known for their exceptional nutritional properties. However, germination appears as an economical option to modify and even improve the nutritional qualities of grains. This work presents a literature review about the impact of germination on the content of nutrients, bioactive compounds, and antinutrients of Andean grains and their homologues. In addition, the use of sprouted Andean grains to develop cereal-based healthy products is described. Thus, this work provides an updated reference framework of this growing area of study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudocereals have a complete nutritional profile, containing a higher quality and quantity of protein compared to cereals. This potential justifies its insertion into the food industry. Therefore, a bibliometric analysis on pseudocereals was conducted on the Scopus® database, combined with a literature review with an emphasis on the manufacture of flours, bakery products and milk analogues. From 570 documents, an increasing number of articles were published from 2000 to 2022. Italy (10%, n = 59) and China (10%, n = 54) were the countries with the highest number of publications, followed by China, Spain, Germany, United States, Brazil, Mexico, Peru and Turkey. Specifically, 16 clusters were identified for citations and 5 clusters for the co-occurrence of keywords in the network maps, using the VOSviewer software. The species Amaranthus spp. (n = 14), Chenopodium quinoa (n = 14) and Fagopyrum esculentum (n = 9) stood out, confirmed the profile traced in the bibliometric analysis. In bakery products, pseudocereals still cannot completely replace true cereals, limited by technological factors. New tests and adaptations in the formulation and processing are recommended, as it is currently only possible to use it as a supplementary raw material and in small quantities.

The Lake Titicaca basin was one of the major centers for cultural development in the ancient world. This lacustrine environment is unique in the high, dry Andean altiplano, and its aquatic and terrestrial resources are thought to have contributed to the florescence of complex societies in this region. Nevertheless, it remains unclear to what extent local aquatic resources, particularly fish, and the introduced crop, maize, which can be grown in regions along the lakeshores, contributed to facilitating sustained food production and population growth, which underpinned increasing social political complexity starting in the Formative Period (1400 BCE to 500 CE) and culminating with the Tiwanaku state (500 to 1100 CE). Here, we present direct dietary evidence from stable isotope analysis of human skeletal remains spanning over two millennia, together with faunal and floral reference materials, to reconstruct foodways and ecological interactions in southern Lake Titicaca over time. Bulk stable isotope analysis, coupled with compound-specific amino acid stable isotope analysis, allows better discrimination between resources consumed across aquatic and terrestrial environments. Together, this evidence demonstrates that human diets predominantly relied on C3 plants, particularly quinoa and tubers, along with terrestrial animals, notably domestic camelids. Surprisingly, fish were not a significant source of animal protein, but a slight increase in C4 plant consumption verifies the increasing importance of maize in the Middle Horizon. These results underscore the primary role of local terrestrial food resources in securing a nutritious diet that allowed for sustained population growth, even in the face of documented climate and political change across these periods.

The naturally occurring compounds ecdysterone and turkesterone, which are present in plants, including Rhaponticum carthamoides Willd. (Iljin), Spinacia oleracea L., Chenopodium quinoa Willd., and Ajuga turkestanica (Regel) Briq, are widely recognized due to their possible advantages for both general health and athletic performance. The current review investigates the beneficial biological effects of ecdysterone and turkesterone in nutrition, highlighting their roles not only in enhancing athletic performance but also in the management of various health problems. Plant-based diets, associated with various health benefits and environmental sustainability, often include sources rich in phytoecdysteroids. However, the therapeutic potential of phytoecdysteroid-rich extracts extends beyond sports nutrition, with promising applications in treating chronic fatigue, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders.

Introducción. El mildiu de la quinua es una enfermedad que ocasiona grandes pérdidas económicas y que ha sido poco estudiada, por lo que la investigación de la respuesta de la quinua a la enfermedad y las formas de tratamiento es un tema que debe investigarse con mayor profundidad. Objetivo. Describir cómo afecta la infección del mildiu velloso en la planta de la quinua y los métodos no tradicionales empleados en el control de esta enfermedad. Desarrollo. Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática a fin de realizar una recopilación de los resultados asociados al P. variabilis en la quinua (Chenopodium quinoa Wild.) en diversas condiciones. El análisis determinó que factores como la incidencia, la severidad y la tolerancia a la enfermedad del mildiu, dependieron en gran medida de la variedad de grano de quinua y la altitud (con sus condiciones climáticas). La altura de la planta y el rendimiento por hectárea estuvieron influenciados por las condiciones del suelo, el tratamiento empleado contra plagas y patógenos, y el día de siembra. Conclusiones. La incidencia y la severidad del mildiu velloso dependió de la variedad de la quinua con la que se trabajó. Otros factores como la altitud o la humedad también influyeron en el progreso de la enfermedad, causando una infección cercana al 90 % en ambientes con alta humedad. Los métodos no convencionales para tratar el mildiu fueron infusiones de plantas como la manzanilla y el ajo, con resultados positivos a corto plazo; no obstante, no superaron a los tratamientos convencionales con fungicidas químicos.

Betalains provide Chenopodium quinoa bright color, and the key enzyme genes for betalain biosynthesis include CYP76AD, DODA, and GTs. In this study, 59 CqCYP76AD, CqDODA and CqGTs genes in quinoa were identified and characterized by gene structural characteristics, phylogenetic relationships and gene expression patterns. The CqCYP76AD genes were divided into ɑ, β and γ types, CqDODA into ɑ and β types, and CqGTs into CqcDOPA5GT, CqB5GT and CqB6GT types according to phylogenetic relationships. The analysis of co-linearity identified eight pairs of duplicated genes which were subjected to purifying selection during evolution. CqCYP76AD and CqDODA, as well as CqcDOPA5GT and CqB5GT may have been evolutionarily linked in genetic inheritance, based on gene location and gene structure study. The tissue expression specificity of CqCYP76AD, CqDODA, and CqGTs genes in response to seed germination and cold stress was studied by RNA-Seq data. The genes CqCYP76AD, CqDODA, and CqGTs were involved in betalain biosynthesis and cold stress. CqCYP76AD, CqDODA, CqcDOPA5GT and CqB5GT gene sequences were consistent in the eight quinoa samples and showed significant variations in expression. In contrast, the inconsistency between changes in gene expression and betalain accumulation indicates that other factors may influence betalain biosynthesis in quinoa. This study offers the theoretical basis for the roles of the CqCYP76AD, CqDODA, and CqGTs genes in betalain biosynthesis and cold stress in quinoa, as well as a guide for the full utilization of betalains in quinoa plants.

In the present study, the colour and C:N ratio of quinoa flours pigmented with M. purpureus supplemented with monosodium glutamate and sodium chloride were evaluated during 14 days of fermentation. The best values of L*, a* and b* corresponded to the eighth day. This research showed that the pigmented flour produced by solid state fermentation of quinoa by M. purpureus showing variations in the colour red along with the C:N ratio during the fermentation time, resulting in a product with good visual sensory attributes that can be used to develop new naturally pigmented products with potential functional characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the toxicity of 7 fungicides including prochloraz, difenoconazole, propiconazole, boscalid, myclobutanil, isopyrazam, and thiophanate-methyl against conidia of quinoa leaf spot pathogen(Alternaria alternate), and their morphological toxicology against conidia, the toxicity of 7 fungicides against growth of A. alternata mycelium was determined by mycelial growth rate method, and the toxicity and the effects of 7 fungicides on germination toxicity and germination morphology of conidia of A. alternata were determined and observed by hanging drop method. The results showed that the 7 fungicides had different toxicities against mycelial growth and conidial germination of A. alternata, and the toxicity against mycelial growth was as follows: prochloraz > difenoconazole > propiconazole > boscalid > myclobutanil > isopyrazam > thiophanate-methyl. The EC50 values ranged from 0.19 μg/mL to 245.45 μg/mL. Among them, prochloraz, difenoconazole, and propiconazole had the best antibacterial effect on mycelial growth of A. alternata at the highest concentration(2.5, 2.5, and 10.0 μg/mL, respectively), the inhibition rates were 78.9%, 81.4%, and 79.7%, respectively. The EC50 values were 0.19, 0.26, and 0.47 μg/ mL, respectively. The toxicity of the 7 fungicides against A. alternata conidia was as follows: isopyrazam > boscalid > propiconazole > myclobutanil > prochloraz > difenoconazole > thiophanate-methyl. Their EC50 values ranged from 0.21 μg/mL to 524.69 μg/mL. Among them, isopyrazam and boscalid had the best inhibition effect on A. alternata conidial germination, with inhibition rates of 76.9% and 84.0% at the highest concentration(1.0 μg/mL and 5.0 μg/mL, respectively). Their EC50 values were 0.21 μg/mL and 0.29 μg/mL, respectively. Morphological toxicology study showed that isopyrazam and boscalid could cause malformed germination of A. alternata conidia, which was characterized by enlargement of the germ tube tip and increased branching of the conidia. In conclusion, isopyrazam and boscalid could be used as protective agents to control the alternaria leaf spot of quinoa, and prochloraz, difenoconazole, and propiconazole could be used as therapeutic agents to control the alternaria leaf spot of quinoa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quinoa is a self-pollinating species with very small flowers, which hinders efficiency in crossbreeding. Therefore, developing an efficient crossbreeding method should be considered an important step for breeding programs. In this regard, the objective of this study was to obtain hybrids, estimate the rate of natural hybridization, and estimate genetic parameters and agronomic characteristics of the F2 generation. Crossbreeding assays were set up in three environments with four parents, using two methodologies, pot planting and field planting. Morphological markers were used to identify the hybrids, which were self-pollinated to obtain the F2 generation. The results indicated that cross-pollination ranged from 3.81% to 19.88% depending on the planting methodology. The presence of pigmentation was dominant compared to its absence. The most prominent hybrid was obtained from the cross P88 x BX4, showing grain yield of 3000 kg ha-1. Broad-sense heritability was identified with values exceeding 81.27% for all variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungal disease is one of the important reasons for crop yield reduction. Isolation of important endophytes with biocontrol and growth-promoting effects is of great significance for the exploitation of beneficial microbial resources and the biological control of crop fungal diseases. In this study, endophytes from roots, stems, and leaves of quinoa at different growth and development stages were isolated and purified; then the antagonistic activity and growth-promoting characteristics of antagonistic endophytes were determined. Finally, the antagonistic endophytes were identified by morphological characteristics and ITS/16S rRNA sequence analysis. Our results showed that 122 endophytic fungi and 371 endophytic bacteria were isolated from quinoa, of which three endophytic fungi and seven endophytic bacteria were screened that had inhibitory activity against quinoa pathogenic fungi. Most of the antagonistic strains could produce indole-3 acetic acid and had the ability to dissolve organic phosphorus. In addition, the bacterial suspension of endophytic bacteria had the ability to promote the seed germination and plant growth of quinoa. The endophytic fungi with antagonistic activity were identified as Penicillium raperi and P. pulvillorum: the endophytic bacteria were identified as Bacillus paralicheniformis, B. tequilensis, and B. velezensis, respectively. The strains of quinoa endophytes in this study can provide rich microbial resources and a theoretical basis for biological control of plant fungal diseases and agricultural production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) is an important pseudocereal for its high nutritional value, versatility in cooking, gluten-free nature, and potential contribution to food security and sustainable agriculture. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of different levels of substitution (10, 20, and 30%) of hydrolyzed quinoa flour (HQF) on the nutritional, physical, and antioxidant characteristics and protein digestibility of cookies elaborated with wheat and broad bean flours. Cookies without HQF were the control (C0). The addition of HQF increased the protein content by between 12 and 68% compared to C0. The increase in HQF improved the cookies' quality according to the spread ratio. Adding HQF resulted in more compact cookies, decreasing their specific volume (1.30 to 1.15 cm3/g) and increasing their hardness (2791 to 6515 g). The total polyphenols increased by 2 to 3 times, and the antioxidant activity increased by more than three times with a 30% addition of HQF with respect to C0. The oxygen radical absorbance capacity with fluoresceine (ORAC-FL) index (stoichiometry or amount of antioxidants) revealed that up to a 20% and 30% addition of HQF increased the antioxidant compounds by up to ~1.5 times. On the other hand, the antioxidant reactivity, according to the oxygen radical absorbance capacity with pyrogallol red (ORAC-PGR) index, increased by 2.4 times with a 30% addition of HQF. Finally, the cookies' digestibility improved with a 10% addition of HQF. Therefore, HQF represents a viable option in the development of cookies with highly reactive antioxidant compounds that are nutritionally improved. This application could be extended to other baked products. However, a 30% addition of HQF affects its textural properties and decreases its digestibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quinoa's exceptional capacity to tolerate high salt levels presents a promising solution to the agricultural challenges posed by salt stress. This study aimed to explore salt stress effects on three quinoa accessions (18 GR, R-132, and DE-1) and to compare the influence of greenhouse and field growing conditions on their salinity tolerance. The plants were irrigated by 50, 100, 150, and 200 mM NaCl concentrations. The results showed that quinoa plants' response to morphological, physiological, biochemical, and enzymatic parameters was influenced by NaCl concentration, accession, growing conditions, and their interactions. As salinity irrigation increased, aerial part length and leaf area decreased significantly (p < 0.05) for all studied accessions, correlating with plant photosynthetic parameters. Greenhouse conditions promote faster and more vigorous growth with a larger leaf area compared to field cultivation. Furthermore, at 200 mM concentration, the DE-1 accession displayed greater photosynthetic activity, recording values of 195.66 ± 3.56 and 120 ± 1.13 µmol·m−2·s−1 for greenhouse and open field conditions, respectively. NaCl stimulated MDA and H2O2 in both conditions for all accessions, and the DE-1 accession displayed the lowest levels. Proteins, sugars, proline, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, and catalase were stimulated by salt stress, except in the R-132 accession. Field cultivation resulted in a more severe salinity response. Greenhouse conditions may enhance quinoa's salt tolerance due to the less demanding growth conditions. DE-1 exhibited the highest salt tolerance, while R-132 showed the lowest. This study sets the stage for further research into the genetic basis of salt tolerance in various quinoa accessions, optimizing growth in salty regions through farming practices, and confirming the obtained results in real-world conditions for sustainable agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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