The effect of drought on water regime and growth of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa willd.)

Radmila Stikic,Zorica Jovanovic,Milena Marjanovic,Slavisa Djordjevic

doi:10.5937/ratpov52-8000

Abstract

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a highly nutritious Andean seed crop which shows great potential to grow under a range of different stress environments. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of drought on water regime and the growth of quinoa variety KVL52 in controlled conditions. The results of the present experiment indicate that the reaction of quinoa plants to drought are based on drought avoidance mechanisms: reduced transpiration and sustained water uptake. Transpiration was reduced due to the decrease of stomatal conductance and leaf area development. These results could be of practical importance for testing the possibility of growing quinoa as a new drought resistant crop in Serbia.

Highlights

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a seed crop of the Chenopodiaceae family, traditionally cultivated in the Andean region for several thousand years
The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of drought on water regime and the growth of quinoa plants grown in controlled environmental conditions
Results of the measured parameters of soil water content and quinoa leaves, water regime parameters are presented in Figures 1, 2 and 3

Summary

Introduction

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a seed crop of the Chenopodiaceae family, traditionally cultivated in the Andean region for several thousand years. Quinoa is considered as a multipurpose agricultural crop. The seeds may be utilized for human food, in flour products and in animal feedstock because of its high nutritive value (Jacobsen 2003). High nutritional value of quinoa seeds is mainly due to the high protein content and essential fatty acids as well as a wide range of minerals and vitamins (Stikic et al 2012). Special attention has been given to quinoa for people with celiac disease (allergy to gluten), as an alternative to the cereals wheat, rye and barley (Jacobsen 2003). Quinoa seeds contain high levels of polyphenols and flavonoids, which are beneficial for human health (Repo-Carrasco-Valencia et al 2010)

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Conclusion