Quinoa Ecotypes Research Articles

Traits associated with higher productivity and resilience to drought-prone Mediterranean environments of coastal-lowland quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.)

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is an Andean crop that has been cultivated for over 7000 years in Andean South America. Among the five quinoa ecotypes identified, the coastal-lowland ecotype is distributed in central-southern Chile. Little is known about the phenotypic variability of this germplasm and its productive potential. In this work, we evaluated a panel of 99 self-pollinating genotypes of quinoa under rainfed and irrigated conditions in the Mediterranean area of central Chile. The aim was i) to evaluate the phenotypic variability of agronomic and leaf photosynthetic traits; ii) to assess trait responses to environmental conditions (rainfed and irrigated) and their heritability; and iii) to identify traits and genotypes associated with high yield potential and resilience in drought-prone environments. The selected genotypes were evaluated under rainfed (Hidango; 34° 06' S, 71°47' W) and irrigated (Santa Rosa; 36°31' S, 71°54' W) conditions, in two growing seasons (2016/17 and 2017/18). In the most favorable environment (Santa Rosa 2016), the shoot dry weight (shoot DW) and grain yield (GY) of the different genotypes, ranged from 655 and 2787 g m-2 (average 1440 g m-2) and from 45 and 452 g m-2 (average 244 g m-2), respectively. Under rainfed conditions (at Hidango), the shoot DW and GY were reduced by 75 % and 74 %, respectively, compared to Santa Rosa 2016, but still, some genotypes produced more than 100 g m-2, with < 70 mm of precipitation, evidencing a high drought tolerance. The harvest index (HI) and grain weight (TKW) were less affected by drought; compared to Santa Rosa 2016, the reduction was 8–18 % and 25–29 %, respectively, in 2016/17 and 2017/18. Days from sowing to flowering (DSF) and from flowering to maturity (DFM) varied among genotypes and were negatively correlated with GY and HI. Under rainfed conditions, the fluorescence parameters F0 and Fm were reduced by 30 % during flowering and by 50 % during grain-filling, compared to irrigated conditions. The HI and TKW showed the highest heritability (0.69) and were highly correlated with GY in all environments. This study showed that traits associated with higher productivity and resilience of quinoa genotypes in rainfed Mediterranean environments were early maturating and with high HI, and TKW. Finally, a set of genotypes presenting a high stress tolerance index (STI), and therefore higher tolerance to drought conditions, were identified and are candidates for further research focused on the selection of parentals for more advanced breeding stages.

Morpho-physiological mechanisms of two different quinoa ecotypes to resist salt stress

BackgroundQuinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a facultative halophyte showing various mechanisms of salt resistance among different ecotype cultivars. This study aimed to determine salt resistance limits for a Peruvian sea level ecotype “Hualhuas” and a Bolivian salar ecotype “Real” and elucidate individual mechanisms conferring differences in salt resistance between these cultivars. The plants were grown in sandy soil and irrigated with various saline solutions concentrations (0, 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 mM NaCl) under controlled conditions.ResultsHigh salinity treatment (500 mM NaCl) reduced the plant growth by 80% and 87% in Hualhuas and Real cultivars, respectively. EC50 (water salinity which reduces the maximum yield by 50%) was at a salinity of 300 mM NaCl for Hualhuas and between 100 and 200 mM NaCl for Real plants. Both cultivars were able to lower the osmotic potential of all organs due to substantial Na+ accumulation. However, Hualhuas plants exhibited distinctly lower Na+ contents and consequently a higher K+/Na+ ratio compared to Real plants, suggesting a more efficient control mechanism for Na+ loading and better K+ retention in Hualhuas plants. Net CO2 assimilation rates (Anet) were reduced, being only 22.4% and 36.2% of the control values in Hualhuas and Real, respectively, at the highest salt concentration. At this salinity level, Hualhuas plants showed lower stomatal conductance (gs) and transpiration rates (E), but higher photosynthetic water use efficiency (PWUE), indicative of an efficient control mechanism over the whole gas-exchange machinery.ConclusionThese results reveal that Hualhuas is a promising candidate in terms of salt resistance and biomass production compared to Real.

Nitrogen sources differentially affect respiration, growth, and carbon allocation in Andean and Lowland ecotypes of Chenopodium quinoa Willd.

Chenopodium quinoa Willd. is a native species that originated in the High Andes plateau (Altiplano) and its cultivation spread out to the south of Chile. Because of the different edaphoclimatic characteristics of both regions, soils from Altiplano accumulated higher levels of nitrate () than in the south of Chile, where soils favor ammonium (NH4 +) accumulation. To elucidate whether C. quinoa ecotypes differ in several physiological and biochemical parameters related to their capacity to assimilate and NH4 +, juvenile plants of Socaire (from Altiplano) and Faro (from Lowland/South of Chile) were grown under different sources of N ( or NH4 +). Measurements of photosynthesis and foliar oxygen-isotope fractionation were carried out, together with biochemical analyses, as proxies for the analysis of plant performance or sensitivity to NH4 +. Overall, while NH4 + reduced the growth of Socaire, it induced higher biomass productivity and increased protein synthesis, oxygen consumption, and cytochrome oxidase activity in Faro. We discussed that ATP yield from respiration in Faro could promote protein production from assimilated NH4 + to benefit its growth. The characterization of this differential sensitivity of both quinoa ecotypes for NH4 + contributes to a better understanding of nutritional aspects driving plant primary productivity.

Metabolic imprint induced by seed halo-priming promotes a differential physiological performance in two contrasting quinoa ecotypes.

"Memory imprint" refers to the process when prior exposure to stress prepares the plant for subsequent stress episodes. Seed priming is a strategy to change the performance of seedlings to cope with stress; however, mechanisms associated with the metabolic response are fragmentary. Salinity is one of the major abiotic stresses that affect crop production in arid and semiarid areas. Chenopodium quinoa Willd. (Amaranthaceae) is a promising crop to sustain food security and possesses a wide genetic diversity of salinity tolerance. To elucidate if the metabolic memory induced by seed halo-priming (HP) differs among contrasting saline tolerance plants, seeds of two ecotypes of Quinoa (Socaire from Atacama Salar, and BO78 from Chilean Coastal/lowlands) were treated with a saline solution and then germinated and grown under different saline conditions. The seed HP showed a more positive impact on the sensitive ecotype during germination and promoted changes in the metabolomic profile in both ecotypes, including a reduction in carbohydrates (starch) and organic acids (citric and succinic acid), and an increase in antioxidants (ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol) and related metabolites. These changes were linked to a further reduced level of oxidative markers (methionine sulfoxide and malondialdehyde), allowing improvements in the energy use in photosystem II under saline conditions in the salt-sensitive ecotype. In view of these results, we conclude that seed HP prompts a "metabolic imprint" related to ROS scavenger at the thylakoid level, improving further the physiological performance of the most sensitive ecotype.

The Importance of Non-Diffusional Factors in Determining Photosynthesis of Two Contrasting Quinoa Ecotypes (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) Subjected to Salinity Conditions.

The broad distribution of quinoa in saline and non-saline environments is reflected in variations in the photosynthesis-associated mechanisms of different ecotypes. The aim of this study was to characterize the photosynthetic response to high salinity (0.4 M NaCl) of two contrasting Chilean genotypes, Amarilla (salt-tolerant, salares ecotype) and Hueque (salt-sensitive, coastal ecotype). Our results show that saline stress induced a significant decrease in the K+/Na+ ratio in roots and an increase in glycine betaine in leaves, particularly in the sensitive genotype (Hueque). Measurement of the photosynthesis-related parameters showed that maximum CO2 assimilation (Amax) in control plants was comparable between genotypes (ca. 9–10 μmol CO2 m−2 s−1). However, salt treatment produced different responses, with Amax values decreasing by 65.1% in the sensitive ecotype and 37.7% in the tolerant one. Although both genotypes maintained mesophyll conductance when stomatal restrictions were removed, the biochemical components of Amarilla were impaired to a lesser extent under salt stress conditions: for example, the maximum rate of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RubisCO; Vcmax) was not as affected in Amarilla, revealing that this enzyme has a higher affinity for its substrate in this genotype and, thus, a better carboxylation efficiency. The present results show that the higher salinity tolerance of Amarilla was also due to its ability to control non-diffusional components, indicating its superior photosynthetic capacity compared to Hueque, particularly under salt stress conditions.

Functional Components and Anti-Nutritional Factors in Gluten-Free Grains: A Focus on Quinoa Seeds.

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) has recently received increasing interest from both scientists and consumers due to its suitability in gluten-free diets, its sustainability, and its claimed superfood qualities. The aim of this paper is to systematically review up-to-date studies on quinoa functional components and anti-nutritional factors, in order to define a baseline for food scientists approaching the investigation of quinoa phytochemicals and providing evidence for the identification of healthier sustainable foods. State of the art evaluations of phytochemical contents in quinoa seeds were obtained. It emerged that phenolic compounds are the most investigated functional components, and spectrophotometric methods have been mostly applied, despite the fact that they do not provide information about single components. Saponins are the most studied among anti-nutritional factors. Betalains, tannins, and phytoecdysteroids have been poorly explored. Information on factors affecting the phytochemical content at harvesting, such as quinoa ecotypes, crop geographical location and growing conditions, are not always available. A comprehensive characterization, encompassing several classes of functional components and anti-nutritional factors, is mainly available for quinoa varieties from South America. However, defining a standard of quality for quinoa seeds is still challenging and requires a harmonization of the analytical approaches, among others.

Seed characterization and early nitrogen metabolism performance of seedlings from Altiplano and coastal ecotypes of Quinoa

BackgroundEarly seed germination and a functional root system development during establishment are crucial attributes contributing to nutrient competence under marginal nutrient soil conditions. Chenopodium quinoa Willd (Chenopodiaceae) is a rustic crop, able to grow in marginal areas. Altiplano and Coastal/Lowlands are two representative zones of quinoa cultivation in South America with contrasting soil fertility and edaphoclimatic conditions.In the present work, we hypothesize that the ecotypes of Quinoa from Altiplano (landrace Socaire) and from Coastal/Lowland (landrace Faro) have developed differential adaptive responses in order to survive under conditions of low availability of N in their respective climatic zones of Altiplano and Lowlands. In order to understand intrinsic differences for N competence between landraces, seed metabolite profile and germinative capacity were studied. Additionally, in order to elucidate the mechanisms of N uptake and assimilation at limiting N conditions during establishment, germinated seeds of both landraces were grown at either sufficient nitrate (HN) or low nitrate (LN) supply. We studied the photosynthetic performance, protein storage, root morphometrical parameters, activity and expression of N-assimilating enzymes, and the expression of nitrate transporters of roots in plants submitted to the different treatments.ResultsSeeds from Socaire landrace presented higher content of free N-related metabolites and faster seed germination rate compared to Faro landrace. Seedlings of both ecotypes presented similar physiological performance at HN supply, but at LN supply their differences were exalted. At LN, Socaire plants showed an increased root biomass (including a higher number and total length of lateral roots), a differential regulation of a nitrate transporter (a NPF6.3-like homologue) belonging to the Low Affinity Transport System (LATS), and an upregulation of a nitrate transporter (a NRT2.1-like homologue) belonging to the High Affinity nitrate Transport System (HATS) compared to Faro. These responses as a whole could be linked to a higher amount of stored proteins in leaves, associated to an enhanced photochemical performance in Altiplano plants, in comparison to Lowland quinoa plants.ConclusionsThese differential characteristics of Socaire over Faro plants could involve an adaptation to enhanced nitrate uptake under the brutal unfavorable climate conditions of Altiplano.

Differentiating, evaluating, and classifying three quinoa ecotypes by washing, cooking and germination treatments, using 1H NMR-based metabolomic approach.

We processed three quinoa ecotypes as they are commonly consumed in a daily diet. For the treatments, quinoa seeds were washed, cooked, and/or germinated. Following treated, we used 1H NMR-based metabolomic profiling to explore differences between the ecotypes. Then, for a non-targeted and targeted food fingerprint analysis of samples, we performed multivariable data analyses, including principal component analysis (PCA), orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), and hierarchical cluster analysis. From our study, we were able to discriminate each quinoa ecotype regardless of treatment based on its metabolomic profiling. Additionally, we were able to identify 30 metabolites that were useful to determine the effect of each treatment on nutritional composition. Germination increased the content of most metabolites irrespective of ecotype. In general, ecotype CQE_03 was different from ecotypes CQE_01 and CQE_02. Our phytochemical analysis revealed the effects of washing, cooking, and/or germination, particularly on saponins content.

Dormancy and cardinal temperatures for germination in seed from nine quinoa genotypes cultivated in Chile

AbstractIn Chile, two quinoa ecotypes are grown: salares, also present in the highlands of Bolivia, and coastal, in central and southern areas of the country, at sea level. Genotypes from the coastal ecotype have characteristics that differentiate them from the most popular quinoa genotypes grown in the Andean Region of South America. The objectives of this study were: (1) to determine the cardinal temperatures for seed germination in quinoa genotypes from coastal and salares ecotypes cultivated in Chile, and (2) to study the presence of physiological dormancy (PD) in these genotypes. Seed germination from nine quinoa genotypes, two from salares and seven from coastal ecotypes, was evaluated in a gradient of temperatures between 11 and 42°C. Germination was also evaluated at 20°C at 0, 7 and 15 months from harvest. Results showed that seed from the nine genotypes germinated at their maximum percentage between 11 and 35°C. However, their faster germination occurred between 25 and 35°C. There was a significant difference between optimum temperature for germination between genotypes from coastal (28°C) and salares (30°C). An increase in germination rates after 7 months of storage suggested the presence of a non-deep PD in seeds from coastal ecotype, which may be useful to improve pre-harvest sprouting resistance in quinoa breeding programmes.

ASSESSMENT OF DIETARY FIBER, ISOFLAVONES AND PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS WITH ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES OF QUINOA (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.)

The consumption of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) has been steadily increasing due to its high nutritional value and health benefits associated with its high antioxidant capacity. The objective of this study was to determine the contents of dietary fiber, polyphenols, flavonoids and isoflavones, and how they contribute to the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of six ecotypes of quinoa cultivated in three different zones of Chile. The ecotypes studied were: Ancovinto and Cancosa (Northern zone), Cahuil and Faro (Central zone), and Regalona and Villarrica (Southern zone). The results indicate that all Chilean quinoa ecotypes could be considered as good sources of dietary fiber (12.23 g 100 g-1 dry matter) and polyphenols (161.32 mg Gallic Acid Equivalents (GAE)100 g-1 dry matter). The North and Central ecotypes exhibited the highest isoflavone concentration. The Northern Cancosa was the ecotype that showed the highest flavonoid content (211.06 mg Catechin Equivalents (CAE) 100 g-1 dry matter). Based on the ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) assay, Ancovinto, Cancosa and Faro presented the highest antioxidant capacity (67.6 mmol Trolox Equivalents (TE) 100 g-1 dry matter). Regarding antimicrobial activity, Regalona ecotype showed the best performance against Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Listeria innocua. The bioactive compounds found in this study add new knowledge to the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of Chilean quinoa seeds.

Enhancement of the rancidity stability in a marine‐oil model by addition of a saponin‐free quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) ethanol extract

This research focused on the antioxidant capacity of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.), being its basic objective to analyze the retention of this property in the case that a previous saponins removal by water washing was undertaken. Chemical analyses related to saponin content and antioxidant behavior were carried out on ethanolic extracts of two quinoa ecotypes (Ancovinto and Cancosa) and compared to quinoa that was not subjected to saponins extraction; comparison to positive control (BHT‐including condition) was also achieved. Lower contents on total polyphenols, total flavonoids and γ‐tocopherol, and antioxidant activity (DPPH assay) were observed in saponin‐free quinoa extracts from both ecotypes when compared with their saponin‐including counterpart. Further, the effect of the different kinds of quinoa extracts was comparatively analyzed in a marine‐oil heated model system. As a result, saponin‐free quinoa extracts led to marked lipid oxidation inhibition assessed by the determination of conjugated dienes, peroxides, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and polyenes, this effect being similar to the one produced by saponin‐including quinoa extracts. Consequently, the water‐washing process did not produce a detrimental effect over the inhibitory capacity of lipid oxidation of quinoa grain when evaluated in a lipid‐food system with high degree of unsaturation (i.e., marine‐oil model).Practical application: Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a highly appreciated pseudo‐cereal of Andean origin that has shown a wide range of profitable nutritional and functional properties. However, saponin compounds located in the pericarp of quinoa seed are bitter and interfere with its palatability and digestibility, making difficult to use this grain as a practical food source for commercial processing. In the present study, the antioxidant behavior of a saponin‐free quinoa was investigated and compared to its counterpart saponin‐including quinoa. As a result, although the elimination of saponins of quinoa grain led to a loss of phenolic compounds and a consequent decrease in antioxidant activity (assessed by the method of DPPH), this process did not produce a detrimental effect over the inhibitory capacity of lipid oxidation when evaluated in a marine‐oil model. Such pre‐treatment would avoid the inconveniences of saponins presence while providing a source of potential food additives including antioxidant properties.Total saponin content and antioxidant properties and effectiveness of saponin‐free quinoa (content on total polyphenols, flavonoids and tocopherols, DPPH assay, and antioxidant capacity in a heated marine‐oil model system) are comparatively studied with quinoa including saponin compounds, taking into account two different quinoa ecotypes (i.e., Ancovinto and Cancosa). As a result, saponin‐free quinoa provides a suitable product including lipophilic‐type antioxidant molecules, susceptible to develop an active preservative role in lipid‐food systems with high degree of unsaturation.

Rapid prediction of moisture content of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) flour by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy

Moisture content determination on quinoa flour is actually performed by gravimetric analysis, which is time, energy consuming and sample destructive. An emerging technique to measure moisture in an innovative way avoiding those problems is the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The aim of this study is to obtain a trustable and validated model to predict moisture content of quinoa flour using FTIR. To perform the moisture measurements in five quinoa ecotypes, a gravimetric data and area under the curve obtained by FTIR, considering the OH peak associated to water (3200 cm−1), were compared at five different relative humidities (0, 33, 58, 75 and 100%). A good correlation between gravimetric measurements and FTIR area were observed (R2 = 0.8729) and no differences were observed between quinoa ecotypes. A cross validation technique to predict moisture considering experimental and predicted data by area under de curve by FTIR was performed obtaining a general equation (y = 35.73x + 46.04) with a high repetitively and good prediction (100%) of the tested models.

Salares versus coastal ecotypes of quinoa: Salinity responses in Chilean landraces from contrasting habitats

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a highly salt-tolerant species subdivided into five ecotypes and exhibiting broad intra-specific differences in tolerance levels. In a greenhouse study, Chilean landraces belonging either to the salares (R49) or coastal lowlands (VI-1, Villarrica) ecotype with contrasting agro-ecological origins were investigated for their responses to high salinity. The effects of two levels of salinity, 100 (T1) and 300 (T2) mM NaCl, on plant growth and on some physiological parameters were measured. Leaf and root Na+ accumulation differed among landraces. T2 reduced growth and seed yield in all landraces with maximum inhibition relative to controls in R49. Salinity negatively affected chlorophyll and total polyphenol content (TPC) in VI-1 and Villarrica but not R49. Germination on saline or control media of seeds harvested from plants treated or not with NaCl was sometimes different; the best performing landrace was R49 insofar as 45–65% of seeds germinated on 500 mM NaCl-containing medium. In all landraces, average seedling root length declined strongly with increasing NaCl concentration, but roots of R49 were significantly longer than those of VI-1 and Villarrica up to 300 mM NaCl. Salt caused increases in seed TPC relative to controls, but radical scavenging capacity was higher only in seeds from T2 plants of R49. Total SDS-extractable seed proteins were resolved into distinct bands (10–70 kDa) with some evident differences between landraces. Salt-induced changes in protein patterns were landrace-specific. The responses to salinity of the salares landrace are discussed in relation to its better adaptation to an extreme environment.

Effects of Sowing Time on the Seed Yield of Quinoa (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Chenopodium quinoa&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Willd) in South Kanto, Japan

The objective of the present study was to determine the optimum sowing time of three quinoa ecotypes (Altipllano, sea level, and valley) for high seed yields in south Kanto, Japan. Pot experiments were conducted in the experimental field at Nihon University during 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014. In this experiment, the following quinoa varieties were used NL-6, Baer Cajon and Cauquenes (sea-level type), Amarilla de Marangani, Blanca de Junin, CICA-127, ECU-420, ECU-525, Ingapirica, and Narino (valley type), 94R and Isluga (Altiplano type). The quinoa seeds were sown on March 29, June 17 and September 22, 2011; March 27, June 17 and August 28, 2012; March 26, June 15 and 5 September 5, 2013; and March 27, June 17 and August 28, 2014. When the sea-level type and Altiplano type seeds were sowed from March to September, the seeds could be gained in all sowing plots. However, the seed weights of all varieties were the highest in the sowing plots of March. And the seed weights in the sowing plot of March were significantly higher than that in the other sowing plots. The sea-level type and Altiplano type quinoa had almost the same seed growth reaction for day length and day temperature. Thus, to gain a high seed yield of the sea-level and Altiplano type quinoa, March was the optimum sowing time in south Kanto, Japan. When the valley-type seeds were sowed from March to June, the seeds could not be gained, except in 2012. In 2012, the seed weights and seed numbers in sowing plots of March and June were significantly lower than those in the sowing plot of September. Thus, to obtain a high seed yield of the valley type quinoa, the optimum sowing time in south Kanto, Japan was from August to September.

Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Identification, Characterization, and Linkage Mapping in Quinoa

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is an important seed crop throughout the Andean region of South America. It is important as a regional food security crop for millions of impoverished rural inhabitants of the Andean Altiplano (high plains). Efforts to improve the crop have led to an increased focus on genetic research. We report the identification of 14,178 putative single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using a genomic reduction protocol as well as the development of 511 functional SNP assays. The SNP assays are based on KASPar genotyping chemistry and were detected using the Fluidigm dynamic array platform. A diversity screen of 113 quinoa accessions showed that the minor allele frequency (MAF) of the SNPs ranged from 0.02 to 0.50, with an average MAF of 0.28. Structure analysis of the quinoa diversity panel uncovered the two major subgroups corresponding to the Andean and coastal quinoa ecotypes. Linkage mapping of the SNPs in two recombinant inbred line populations produced an integrated linkage map consisting of 29 linkage groups with 20 large linkage groups, spanning 1404 cM with a marker density of 3.1 cM per SNP marker. The SNPs identified here represent important genomic tools needed in emerging plant breeding programs for advanced genetic analysis of agronomic traits in quinoa.

Implications of farmers’ seed exchanges for on-farm conservation of quinoa, as revealed by its genetic diversity in Chile

SUMMARYQuinoa cultivation in Chile presents an ancient and active complex of geographic, climatic, social and cultural interactions that has determined its current biodiversity in the three main growing zones (north, central and south). Importantly, these interactions involve the participation of farmers, whose activities are at the base of seed exchange networks due to their knowledge andin situconservation of genetic diversity. The present study reports how a better understanding of farmers’ seed exchanges and local production practices could impact the genetic structure and diversity of quinoa at national scale in Chile. Using field interviews and characterization of 20 microsatellite genetic markers in a multi-origin set of 34 quinoa accessions representative of Chile and the South American region, the phenetic analysis of germplasm was consistent with the current classification of quinoa ecotypes present in Chile and Andean zone. This allowed the identification of five populations, which were represented by quinoa of Salares (northern Chile), Coastal/Lowlands (central and southern Chile), Highlands (Peru, Bolivia and Argentina) and Inter-Andean Valleys (Ecuador and Colombia). The highly informative quality of the markers used revealed a wide genetic diversity among main growing areas in Chile, which correlated well with natural geographical–edaphic–climatic and social–linguistic context to the expansion of quinoa biodiversity. Additionally, in addition to ancient seed exchanges, this process is still governed by the diverse agricultural practices of Andean farmers. Genetic erosion is considered an imminent risk due to small-scale farming, where the influence of increased migration of people to urban systems and export-driven changes to the agro-ecosystems may further reduce the diversity of quinoa plants in cultivation.

Physico-chemical analysis, antioxidant capacity and vitamins of six ecotypes of chilean quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd)

Quinoa has gained an increasing interest in recent years due to its nutritional value as well as its antioxidant capacity and phytochemical content. The objective of this work was to determine the physico-chemical properties, vitamins (B1, B2, B3 and E) and the antioxidant activity of six ecotypes of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) cultivated in three quinoa production zones in Chile (North Highlands, Center and Southern Chile). The samples are called Ancovinto and Cancosa from the North, Cáhuil and Faro from the Center, and Regalona and Villarica from the South. To evaluate the differences among ecotypes, an analysis of variance was conducted using one-way ANOVA and the least significant difference (LSD) test. Proximate analysis of quinoa seeds including moisture, crude protein, fat, crude fiber, ash and available carbohydrates for the six ecotypes showed differences among samples (p-value<0.05). All cultivars showed good quality with respect to protein, Regalona and Villarica from Southern presented the highest content (14.66 and 16.10g/100g, respectively). According to DPPH and TPC analysis, Faro and Cáhuil from Centre showed the highest antioxidant capacity (p-value<0.05). Southern Regalona presented the highest content in vitamins B1 (0.648 ± 0.006mg/100g) and B3 (1.569 ± 0.026mg/100g) while the highest value of vitamin B2 (0.081 ± 0.002mg/100g) was observed in the Northern Ancovinto samples. Regarding vitamin E, the highest value was shown by the Southern Villarica samples (4.644 ± 0.240mg/100g d.m.).These results represent fundamental information required for further quinoa processing.

Assessment of genetic diversity patterns in Chilean quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) germplasm using multiplex fluorescent microsatellite markers

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a staple seed crop in the Andean region of South America. Improving quinoa productivity is a primary food-security issue for this region, and has been part of the impetus for the establishment of several new quinoa breeding programs throughout the Andean region. Chilean quinoa has been characterized as morphologically diverse and bifurcated into coastal and highland ecotypes. The success of emerging breeding programs will rely heavily on the development of core germplasm collections and germplasm evaluation—especially of the coastal quinoa ecotypes that are often neglected in traditional breeding programs. Thus, the objective of this study was to characterize and quantify the genetic diversity within 28 Altiplano and 31 coastal Chilean accessions of quinoa using microsatellite markers. To facilitate the analysis, we also report the development of seven sets of fluorescent multiplexed microsatellite PCR reactions that result in genetic information for 20 highly polymorphic microsatellite loci. A total of 150 alleles were detected among the quinoa accession, ranging from 2 to 20 alleles per locus and an average 7.5 allele/locus. Both cluster (UPGMA) and principal component analyses separated the accessions into two discrete groups. The first group contained quinoa accessions from the north (Andean highlands) and the second group consisted of accessions from the south (lowland or coastal). Three accessions from Europe were classified into the southern quinoa group. The data obtained in the diversity analyses highlights the relationships within and among northern and southern Chilean quinoa accessions and provides the quinoa scientific community with a new set of easy to use and highly informative genetic markers.

Occurrence of saponins and sapogenols in Andean crops

AbstractSamples of bitter seeds of local ecotypes and cultivars of lupin (Lupin mutabilis), white and yellow ecotypes of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Wild) and a local ecotype of amaranth (Amaranthus caudatus) grown in the Peruvian highlands were analysed for total saponin content and sapogenol composition. Sweet cultivars of L albus and L luteus cultivated in mild‐rainy lowlands of Chile were also analysed for comparison. Fast atom bombardment‐mass spectrometry (FAB‐MS) of the saponin extracts and gas chromatography (GC) analysis of the sapogenols after acid hydrolysis of the crude extract‐were used for the identification and quantification of saponins. It was found that L albus and amaranth had undetectable levels of saponins making them attractive for human consumption. The cultivars and ecotypes of L mutabilis contained saponin levels in the range of 229.8–390.5 mg k−1. FAB‐MS showed the presence of soya saponins I and II, whereas GC allowed the identification of soya sapogenols A and B. The same saponin composition was determined in L luteus whose total content was 55.3 mg kg−1. Saponin composition in quinoa seeds comprised oleanolic acid and three other sapogenols identified as hederagenin, phytolaccagenic acid and deoxyphytolaccagenic acid. Oleanolic acid saponins were found to be the main class of saponin in quinoa seeds sampled for this study. The yellow ecotype of quinoa presented a significantly higher content of saponins and of oleanolic acid as compared to white ecotypes. Since only one ecotype of amaranth was analysed, the nutritional significance of no detectable saponin needs further study. It was concluded that the environmental conditions in the Peruvian highlands are determinants of the amount and composition of saponins present in bitter lupine and quinoa.

The pattern of genetic diversity in the Andean grain crop quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd). II. Multivariate methods

Discrete and continuous characteristics related to plant morphology and pigmentation and to the duration of developmental phases were measured or noted in a diverse collection of quinoa germplasm. In a principal component analysis of the continuous characteristics, the first principal component was found to distinguish those accessions which germinate rapidly to produce small plants with small inflorescences, and the second component those which produced a large inflorescence relatively quickly, but there was no clear cut-off between important and unimportant variables or components. A canonical variate analysis of the continuous characteristics provided criteria for distinguishing ecotypes of quinoa, but suggested that these were artificial with the exception of a subtropical type from the Yungas region of Bolivia. A hierarchical cluster analysis of all the characteristics confirmed that the variety Amarilla de Marangani was unusual, but otherwise did not produce clear clusters. Accessions from near sea level in Chile formed a particularly homogeneous group. The impossibility of describing the variation in terms of a few axes or clusters means that a vast range of combinations of characteristics is available to breeders.