Quinoa Production Research Articles

Optimisation of fermentation condition for production of hight monacolin k (mk) yield by monascus-strains

Monacolin K (MK), produced by Monascus fermentation, has significant hypolipidemic effects. In this study, under solid-state fermentation (SSF) quinoa was used as substrate to investigate the effect of the MK production by Monascus species quinoa. The results of the single factor experiment showed that the amount of the substrate loaded, addition of water to the substrate, and fermentation temperature change time have a significant effect on the MK production of Monascus-fermented quinoa. It was found that neither M. pilosus-fermented quinoa nor M. ruber-fermented quinoa produced citrinin. Consequently, these three factors were selected for the response surface optimization to determine the optimal fermentation process. The results showed that the optimal fermentation process of M. pilosus-fermented quinoa was as follows: quinoa loading amount of 30 g/300 ml, addition of 20 ml water to substrate, seed liquid inoculation volume of 10%, cultured at 30°C for 2 days, followed by a temperature change to 25°C and continued cultivation until 12 days. Under this fermentation process, the yield of MK reached 2.51 mg/g and without production of any citrinin. The optimal fermentation process of M. ruber-fermented quinoa was as follows: quinoa loading amount of 31 g/300 ml, water addition of substrate of 20 ml, seed liquid inoculation volume of 20%, cultured at 30°C for 2 days, followed by a temperature change to 25°C and continued cultivation until 12 days. Under this fermentation process, the yield of MK reached 3.22 mg/g and without any citrinin production. Bangladesh J. Bot. 53(3): 717-729, 2024 (September) Special

Non-targeted metabolomics reveals the characteristics of the unique bitterness substances in quinoa

Bitterness is a key factor that affects the consumption of quinoa products, even if they are nutritious. In this study, a non-targeted metabolomics approach based on UHPLC-Orbitrap-MS was applied to comprehensively profile the characteristic metabolites of twenty-two quinoas. A total of twenty key metabolites were identified correlated with bitterness, among which, fifteen were triterpenoid saponins. In addition, these metabolites bind to the active site of the human bitter taste receptor and are the main compounds that produce the bitter taste of quinoa. Our results contribute to a deeper understanding of the origin of quinoa bitterness and provide directions for optimizing its flavor to improve market acceptance.

Wholesome Grains in Every Bite: Quinoa Pancake Premix Innovation

The demand for healthier and more nutritious breakfast options has increased, leading to the development of quinoa pancake premixes. Quinoa is a promising ingredient due to its low environmental impact and cultural significance in indigenous cuisines. Its high protein content makes it an excellent choice for plant-based protein sources and its rich fiber, vitamins, and minerals make it an ideal choice for those seeking plant-based protein. Quinoa pancake premixes also have implications for global food security and economic development. As a high-value crop, quinoa production supports smallholder farmers' livelihoods, providing income diversification and poverty alleviation. By integrating quinoa into value-added food products like pancake mixes, economic opportunities can be extended along the entire value chain, promoting inclusive growth in rural communities.Quinoa pancake premixes can address micronutrient deficiencies and food insecurity, particularly in vulnerable populations. By fortifying pancake mixes with micronutrients such as iron, calcium, and vitamins, these products contribute to public health initiatives aimed at combating malnutrition.The formulation process involves balancing ingredients to achieve desired texture, flavor, and nutritional profile. Researchers experiment with various flavor combinations to enhance the taste profile of quinoa pancakes. Market trends reveal a growing demand for quinoa-based products, catering to diverse dietary preferences and offering gluten-free, vegan, and low-carb options. In conclusion, quinoa pancake premix development represents a convergence of culinary innovation, nutritional science, and market trends. By harnessing quinoa's nutritional potency and leveraging advancements in food technology, researchers and food manufacturers can create wholesome breakfast solutions for health-conscious consumers.

Optimizing growth and yield of striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) and quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) in a biosaline integrated aquaculture–agriculture systems

Soil salinity and freshwater scarcity are among the major global threats to sustainable development owing to their adverse impacts on agricultural productivity especially in arid and semi-arid regions. There is a need to find sustainable alternatives such as salt-tolerant crops and fish to improve people’s livelihoods in marginal areas. This study aimed to maximize the growth and yield of striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) and quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) cultivated under a biosaline integrated aquaculture–agriculture system. The study was laid in a randomized completely block design of three saline effluent treatments under three replicates: 5000 ppm (T1), 10,000 ppm (T2), 15,000 ppm (T3), and control (T0). Agro-morphological and physiological attributes of quinoa were measured. The crop yield in biomass and mineral element composition was also studied. Additionally, fish growth performance parameters such as feed intake and efficiency, growth, and survival rate were also calculated. Our results indicated that irrigating quinoa with saline aquaculture effluents above 10,000 ppm enhanced the plant growth, yield, and nutrient content of seeds. Furthermore, rearing striped catfish in saline water reaching up to 15,000 ppm did not have adverse impacts on the growth and survival of fish. Overall, integrating catfish and quinoa production under a salinity regime of 10,000 ppm could be a potential solution to ensuring alternative food sources in marginal areas.

Advances in the Integrated Pest Management of Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.): A Global Perspective.

Since ancestral times, quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) has been cultivated in the Andean regions. Recently, this pseudocereal has received increasing international attention due to its beneficial properties, such as adaptation and resilience in the context of global change, and the nutritional value of the grains. As a result, its production areas have not only increased in the highlands of South America but have also expanded outside of its Andean origins, and the crop is currently produced worldwide. The key pests of quinoa in the Andean region are the gelechiid moths Eurysacca melanocampta and Eurysacca quinoae; in other parts of the world, new pest problems have recently been identified limiting quinoa production, including the gelechiid Scrobipalpa atripicella in North America and Europe and the agromyzid fly Amauromyza karli in North America. In this review, the status of quinoa pests in the world is presented, and different aspects of their integrated management are discussed, including sampling methodologies for pest monitoring, economic threshold levels, and various control strategies.

Modelo de Redes Neuronales Convolucionales para detectar enfermedades en las hojas del cultivo de Quinua (Chenopodium quinoa) en el Centro Agronómico K’ayra, San Jeronimo, Cusco 2023

In the world, crop diseases are the main cause of reduction in production quality. These diseases affect quinoa crops and a large amount of economic losses occur each year. It is essential to identify these diseases at an early stage to increase production. A visual inspection is the most common method to identify diseases, these errors are common through visual inspection. Time is a key factor in disease detection and requires experience. This study shows how image recognition can be used for disease detection. This work consisted of collecting a data set of images for leaf spot 1,120 images, for bacterial spot 850 images, for downy mildew 896 images and 1,090 healthy images for a total of 3,956 images of quinoa leaves from the K'ayra agronomic center in the Leticia sector, San Jeronimo, Cusco, Peru, of which 70% were considered for training, 20% for validation and 10% for testing. The proposed model worked correctly with an accuracy of 89.498%, which will allow quinoa farmers to detect diseases early, hopefully leading to an increase in quinoa production worldwide.

Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry Combined with Chemometrics for Protein Profiling and Classification of Boiled and Extruded Quinoa from Conventional and Organic Crops

Quinoa is an Andean crop that stands out as a high-quality protein-rich and gluten-free food. However, its increasing popularity exposes quinoa products to the potential risk of adulteration with cheaper cereals. Consequently, there is a need for novel methodologies to accurately characterize the composition of quinoa, which is influenced not only by the variety type but also by the farming and processing conditions. In this study, we present a rapid and straightforward method based on matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) to generate global fingerprints of quinoa proteins from white quinoa varieties, which were cultivated under conventional and organic farming and processed through boiling and extrusion. The mass spectra of the different protein extracts were processed using the MALDIquant software (version 1.19.3), detecting 49 proteins (with 31 tentatively identified). Intensity values from these proteins were then considered protein fingerprints for multivariate data analysis. Our results revealed reliable partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) classification models for distinguishing between farming and processing conditions, and the detected proteins that were critical for differentiation. They confirm the effectiveness of tracing the agricultural origins and technological treatments of quinoa grains through protein fingerprinting by MALDI-TOF-MS and chemometrics. This untargeted approach offers promising applications in food control and the food-processing industry.

Enhancing productivity and profitability of quinoa through optimization of plant spacing and weeding regimes

ContextWeeds are a major constraint to quinoa production since no herbicide tolerant variety is available worldwide. This raises the importance of cultural practices for controlling weeds. Optimizing plant spacing and implementing effective weeding practices may help to enhance quinoa productivity and profitability. ObjectiveThe objective of current study was to utilize the plant spacing as an alternate option for ensuring effective weed management and profitable quinoa production for the irrigated plains. MethodsThe effect of planting spacing on weed flora in quinoa was evaluated for two consecutive years (2021–22 and 2022–23). Two weeding regimes (weedy and weed-free) along with three plant spacings viz., 10, 20, and 30 cm were tested using a randomized complete block design in split-plot arrangement with three replications. In the weedy plots, no weeding was done, while in the weed-free plots, manual weeding was performed to keep them weed-free throughout the growing season. Results and conclusionsDifferent plant spacing significantly influenced weed biomass and density in quinoa. Narrow spaced plants (10 cm) gave maximum weed suppression as against widely spaced plants (30 cm) and a concomitant yield increase. Medium plant spacing (20 cm) gave maximum grain yield by attaining the optimum plant population under weed-free conditions during both years. Economic analysis also revealed that medium plant spacing with weed-free conditions was beneficial compared to other treatments regarding gross returns, net returns, and benefit-cost ratio. SignificanceThis study highlights that quinoa spacing primarily determined quinoa-weed competition and can be a tool for weed management in this crop.

Residual Effects of Compost and Manure Fertilizers on Quinoa Production and Nutrient Uptake

Organic fertilizers have the potential to improve soil quality and quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) yields, but their long-standing benefits are unknown. Therefore, a three-years field experiment (2019–2022) was conducted in Morocco to investigate the residual effects of organic fertilizers on the productivity and mineral status of quinoa. Compost and manure were applied during the first season at 5, 10, and 20 t ha− 1 and 10, 20, and 40 t ha− 1, respectively. Soil organic matter (SOM), plant growth, and quinoa yield were monitored during the year of organic fertilizer applications and two and three years after the applications. 40 t ha− 1 of manure produced the highest SOM, plant height, and chlorophyll content index. Compost at 20 t ha− 1 produced the highest grain yield (4.6 t ha− 1) during the first year, but the residual effect of 40 t ha− 1 of manure exceeded other treatments in the second and third years (3.4 t ha− 1 and 1.4 t ha− 1, respectively). Average quinoa grain yield over the three years was highest with 10 and 20 t ha− 1 of compost and 20 and 40 t ha− 1 of manure and average quinoa nutrient content was 1.8 kg N, 0.3 kg P, 4.1 kg K, 0.5 kg Ca, 0.6 kg Mg, 0.5 g Cu, 1.9 g Zn, 7.9 g Mn, and 7.9 g Fe per 100 kg of total biomass. A single application of manure at 20 t ha− 1 was optimal to increase quinoa productivity for three growing seasons, promoting agricultural sustainability in arid regions.

Effect of sowing date of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) mother plants on germination of their seeds

Quinoa production in Israel has great agricultural potential as a dual-purpose plant for grains and as a fodder crop. One of the main problems in growing quinoa in Israel is the low germination percentage of seeds from local production. This might be due to non-optimal seed production for growers. Thus, our main objective was to examine the effect of mother plant sowing dates on the germination parameters of quinoa seeds. Sowing date of quinoa mother plants affected the germination percentage and quality of the seeds. Mother plants sown during July-October produced more viable seeds than mother plants sown in November-January. This could be due to the prevailing hot temperatures during the filling phase of the developing seeds on the plant. Because the harvest date for July-October sowings is still within the rainy season in Israel, it is likely that quinoa can be grown for seed production in dry areas such as the southern Arava.

Study on the Mechanism of Slow-Release Fertilizer and Nitrogen Fertilizer on the Senescence Characteristics of Quinoa Leaves

The objective of this study was to investigate how nitrogen and slow-release fertilizers affect the traits of leaf senescence and quinoa production in order to explore the optimal slow-release fertilizer and nitrogen fertilizer ratios suitable for quinoa production, as well as to provide theoretical references for the planting of quinoa fertilization methods and fertilizer amount. In this experiment, the main local strain Quinoa 77 was selected as the experimental material, and six treatments were set up: CK: no nitrogen fertilizer; T1: 100% urea (N); T2: 100% slow-release fertilizer (C); T3: 5:5 (C5N5); T4: 3:7 (C3N7); and T5: 7:3 (C7N3). This was done in order to investigate how various treatments affect the activities of catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and superoxide dismutase (SOD); malondialdehyde (MDA) content; and yield of quinoa leaves. The findings revealed the following: (1) As the reproductive period progressed, the activities of CAT, POD, and SOD in quinoa leaves treated differently showed a tendency to increase and subsequently decrease, and they reached the peak value at the early stage of filling. The activity of CAT, POD, and SOD in the T3 treatment was the highest, and the average activities were 3148.74 U·g−1, 2197.84 U·g−1, and 118.51 U·g−1, respectively, which increased by 78.90%, 101.99%, and 108.14%, respectively, compared with CK. The content of MDA continued to increase with the progress of fertility. The average T3 treatment was 36.41 nmol·g−1, which was 46.87% lower than that of CK. (2) Out of all the treatments, T3 had the highest yield with an average of 3829.43 kg·hm−2, T5 the second with an average of 3313.52 kg·hm−2, and T4 the third with 2847.47 kg·hm−2, which increased yields by 96.18%, 69.75%, and 45.87%, respectively, compared with CK. (3) Yield was highly significantly and positively correlated with thousand kernel weight; number of grains per spike per plant; and the early filling stages of CAT, POD, and SOD sports, and it had a negative, extremely significant correlation with MDA content. Comprehensive analysis showed that slow-release fertilizer and nitrogen fertilizer can improve the antioxidant enzyme activity of quinoa leaves, inhibit MDA content, improve the physiological characteristics of quinoa, and delay the purpose of leaf senescence, with a better effect of yield and income, of which the T3 treatment had the high-quality impact of increasing yields and was a more scientific and reasonable fertilization method.

Enhancement of γ-Aminobutyric Acid and the Characteristics of Nutrition and Function in White Quinoa through Ultrasound Stress at the Pre-Germination Stage.

The global production of quinoa has been increasing in recent years. In plant-based foods, ultrasound stress has received increasing attention, owing to its ability to enhance the production of primary and secondary metabolites. We studied the effects of ultrasonic stress at the pre-germination stage on the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) accumulation and characteristics of nutrition and function in quinoa. The results showed that ultrasonic conditions of 100 W for 4 min promoted an increase in GABA content by 9.15-fold, to 162.47 ± 6.69 mg/100 g·DW, compared to that of untreated quinoa, through promoting a 10.2% and 71.9% increase in the water absorption and glutamate decarboxylase activity of quinoa, respectively. Meanwhile, compared to untreated quinoa, ultrasonic stress at the pre-germination stage enhanced the total phenolic, total flavonoid, and total saponin contents of quinoa by 10.2%, 33.6%, and 90.7%, to 3.29 mg GA/g·DW, 104.0 mg RE/100 g·DW, and 7.13 mg/g, respectively, without decreasing its basic nutritional quality. Ultrasonic stress caused fissures on the surface of quinoa starch particles. Additionally, germination under ultrasonic stress increased the n3 polyunsaturated fatty acids by 14.4%. Furthermore, ultrasonic stress at the pre-germination stage promoted the scavenging of 2,2-diphenyl1-picrylhydrazyl radicals and inhibitions of α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and pancreatic lipase by 14.4%, 14.9%, 24.6%, and 20.0% in vitro, compared to untreated quinoa. The results indicated that the quinoa sprouted via ultrasonic stress could represent a promising method through which to develop nutritionally balanced whole grains rich in GABA, with hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities, which could provide theoretical support for the development of functional whole-grain foods based on quinoa.

Leaf production and quality of quinoa ‘Titicaca’ is enhanced under moderate salinity

Leaf production and quality of quinoa ‘Titicaca’ is enhanced under moderate salinity

Evaluation of Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Quinoa Seed Production in Greece

Population growth has led to an increase in food production, resulting in an increase in agricultural products in terms of quantity and quality. Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) cultivation is prevalent in most areas of the world due to its high-quality grain and its potential to produce high yields under tough growing conditions. This study aimed to investigate all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated by quinoa seed production in Greece and their relationship with farm-related factors, from fertilizer production to energy consumption for all cultivation techniques. The amount of all GHG emissions was estimated using Cool Farm Tool software. In order to collect data, a questionnaire including questions regarding cultivation details, soil characteristics, inputs, fuel, and water use was distributed and completed by forty quinoa producers from Central Greece. Accordingly, the estimated carbon footprint values per hectare and per kilogram of quinoa seed were 1,159.65 and 0.48 kg CO2-eq, respectively. The present research also found that the highest CO2-eq emissions per kilogram of quinoa seed were found to be associated with the production of fertilizers, with a value of 0.20 kg CO2-eq corresponding to 40.88% of the total emissions per kilogram of produced seed. Consequently, attention must be given for the mitigation of the environmental impact of quinoa seed production. It is particularly important to manage chemical fertilizers and agricultural machinery properly in order to ensure the sustainable cultivation of quinoa.

Effect of Nano Biochar addition and deficit irrigation on growth, physiology and water productivity of quinoa plants under salinity conditions

The combination of NB and reduced the depth of irrigation water could mitigate the negative effects of salinity and drought stresses and improve water productivity (WP) of quinoa. The experiment was carried out in the greenhouse conditions. A two-year study was carried out in a semi-arid area employing a factorial experimental and in the form of a completely randomized design with three replications. The experimental treatments included three levels of salinity (S1: 1 dS m−1, S2: 4 dS m−1, S3: 7 dS m−1), three levels depth of irrigation water (I1: 60%, I2: 80%, I3: 100% of plant water requirement), and three levels of Nano Biochar (NB) (NB1: 0%, NB2: 2%, NB3: 4%). The parameters of leaf area index (LAI), Weight of 1000 seeds (WOS), spike weight (SW), Seed yield (SY) and WP of each pot were carefully measured. Also, the physiological characteristics of the plant, including seed protein (SP), carbohydrate content (CBH), proline (PR) and chlorophyll a and b (CHLa and CHLb) content were measured. The results showed that salinity and drought stress decreased SY 14.1–37.81%, 11.92%–28.96, respectively. However, the NB up to 2% alleviated salinity and drought stress and increased yield by 40.75% and 26.55%, 13.88% and 10.89% in SW, WOS and LAI, respectively. The use of 4% NB reduced the amounts of PR and CHB by 50.16% and 22.62%. The amount of SP increased by reducing the depth of irrigation water to 80% of the water requirement of the plant and using 2% of NB and salinity of 4 dS m−1. Decreasing salinity and decreasing the depth of irrigation water increased WP. The I1NB2S1 treatment had the highest WP (12.51 kg m−3), while the I3NB3S3 treatment had the lowest WP (6.15 kg m−3). The use of the appropriate amount of NB caused the reduction of the negative effects of salinity and drought stress and the improvement of the growth of quinoa compared to the control. Therefore, it is recommended to use for the plant, especially in conditions where the plant is under drought stress, or in greenhouses, in order to reduce the amount of water consumed and improve the growth and yield of the plant. Considering that no significant difference in yield was observed between 2 and 4 dS m−1 salinity treatment and the percentage of SP in 4 dS m−1 salinity was higher than 2 dS m−1, it is possible to use water with 4 dS m−1 salinity for quinoa. Generally, the application of NB could be a suitable solution to reduce the negative effects of drought and salinity stress on quinoa and its sustainable production.

Effect of Starch on the Solubility of Quinoa Protein Isolates during Heat Treatment.

There is increasing interest in developing quinoa products due to their unique nutritional value. Starch and protein are the primary components in quinoa, and the interaction between them affects the quality of quinoa products. This study extracted the starch and protein from quinoa and simulated the thermal processing of quinoa to investigate the effects of starch on the solubility and structure of quinoa protein isolates during heat treatment. The structure of quinoa protein isolates was characterized by fluorescence spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, laser particle size analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that starch decreased protein solubility, and the maximum solubility was obtained after heating for 5 min. After starch addition during heat treatment, the surface charge distribution of protein changed, the degree of protein aggregation increased, the particle size of proteins increased, the thermal stability increased, and the β-sheet ratio of the proteins increased, suggesting that the protein structure is more ordered, which is the structural foundation of protein solubility decreasing. The research about the interaction between starch and protein and the effects on the solubility of protein could provide a reference for quinoa products processing.

Yield and nutritional responses of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) genotypes to irrigated, rainfed, and drought-stress environments

This study aimed to select higher-yielding and drought-tolerant quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) lines suitable for cultivation in the U.S. Midwest, where water scarcity poses a common challenge for crop production. Quinoa, known as a superfood and climate-smart crop, is rich in nutrients, possesses resilience to abiotic stress, and is ideal for sustainable food production and supporting nutritional security in the face of changing climate conditions. To achieve this goal, 128 quinoa germplasms, collected from the USDA-ARS-GRIN, were evaluated. Among those lines, ten quinoa lines were selected for further assessment and evaluated at four different locations in Missouri, United States. Evaluations were conducted under three environments: irrigated, rainfed, and drought stress, over 2 years (summer of 2021 and 2022). Two of the selected ten lines, Ames13746 and PI614927, produced higher yields across various locations and environments. Remarkably, these lines demonstrated significantly higher grain yields under drought stress compared to irrigated and rainfed conditions. However, there was no significant difference in grain yield between irrigated and rainfed environments. Notably, despite the presence of moisture stress, the concentration of essential amino acids remained unaffected, while there was a slight decrease in the total protein content under drought-stress conditions. These research results and selected genotypes can potentially facilitate quinoa production in the U.S. Midwest regions prone to water stress, contributing to food security and sustainable agricultural practices.

Unveiling Ancestral Sustainability: A Comprehensive Study of Economic, Environmental, and Social Factors in Potato and Quinoa Cultivation in the Highland Aynokas of Puno, Peru

Centuries of cultivation in the Highland Aynoka of Puno, Peru, have endowed indigenous crops such as potato and quinoa with rich cultural and nutritional value deeply ingrained in local traditions. This study meticulously evaluates their economic viability, environmental implications, and cultural importance by employing a mixed-methods research approach involving surveys, interviews, and observations. The outcome reveals that while the Economic Sustainability Index (EKI) moderately supports potato and quinoa production sustainability, with a value of 2.98, it falls short of significant impact. Conversely, the Environmental Sustainability Index (ESI) and the Social Sustainability Index (SSI) exhibit moderate levels of sustainability, recording values of 4.04 and 3.38 for ESI and SSI, respectively. These crops demonstrate acceptable economic feasibility, marked by consistent sales, income generation, and manageable production expenses. The findings underscore the urgency of endorsing sustainable farming methods to safeguard cultural heritage, boost market prospects, and fortify regional ecological robustness. Rooted in ancestral sustainability, potato and quinoa cultivation is a cornerstone in local food systems. Recognizing the cultural, economic, and environmental significance inherent to these crops, efforts can be channeled towards nurturing sustainable agricultural systems that uphold community well-being, conserve biodiversity, and facilitate cultural resilience in Puno’s Highland Aynoka.

Sowing Management and Plant Population in Organic Quinoa Production for Food and Nutrition Security

Purpose: The objective of this study was to evaluate the population density of quinoa plants sown by broadcasting or in rows to improve agronomic indicators of an organic farming system focused on increasing food and nutrition security of the population. Method/design/approach: The study was conducted in 2020, in Augusto Pestana, RS, Brazil, using a randomized block experimental design with four replications, in a 2×4 factorial arrangement consisted of 2 sowing methods (sowing in rows spaced 0.20 m apart and by hand broadcasting) and 4 plant population densities (10, 40, 80, and 120 plants m-2). Thinning was performed in the plots of both sowing methods approximately 20 days after emergence for achieving the desired plant densities. Grain yield and other traits of agronomic interest were evaluated under an organic cropping system. Results and conclusion: The arrangement of 70 quinoa plants m-2 through sowing in rows or by broadcasting ensures satisfactory crop yields without using pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. The incorporation of these more sustainable practices into quinoa production systems contributes to the promotion of agroecological and organic agriculture, resulting in a high-quality nutraceutical food. Originality/value: This study provides significant contribution to the advancement of research on quinoa in Brazil, bringing new information benefiting farmers, technical assistance agents, and the food industry and improving the production system efficiency to ensure food and nutrition security and care for the environment and society.

Quinoa: Market Trend Insights In Gaining Competitive Advantage In New Product Development Toward Future Food and Nutritional Security

1. Preamble: This section provides an introduction to the quinoa chain, the problem statement, research objective, research questions, and definition of concepts. 2. Literature review: A systematic literature review was undertaken to analyze the post-harvest technology innovations in recent years. Academic databases and search engines (e.g., Scopus and Google Scholar) were utilized to find articles in English focusing on post-harvest technology, biological, and nutritional properties of quinoa, traditional uses of quinoa, product development of quinoa based products. 3. Methodology: This study bestows the features of the global quinoa trade, discovering the marketing insights into supply and demand, market access prevailing conditions and the key elements of value chain and pertinent public policy challenges to strengthen the productive sector and achieve a more efficient value chain. The present paper is based on the historical data analyzing the new market trend insights in gaining competitive advantage in new product development-wonder grain-Quinoa. 4. Results and Discussions: This study is about Quinoa, a nutritious grain which has minimal penetration in the Indian food industry. The case analyzes Quinoa in terms of its utility, market potential, and also feasibility to the Indian market. It deals with the value chain of Quinoa from the perspective of all the stakeholders involved. The case also has found out the loopholes in the value chain and provides ideas to be formulated to overcome the same. It has a study about cost cutting methods which could improve the price competitiveness of Quinoa. This review sheds light on how traditional quinoa processing and products evolved and are being adopted into novel food processing and modern food products, as well as noting the potential of side stream processing of quinoa by-products in various industrial sectors. 5. Recommendations: This research paper sheds light on how traditional quinoa processing and products evolved and are being adopted into novel food processing and modern food products, as well as noting the potential of side stream processing of quinoa by-products in various industrial sectors. Furthermore, this study moves beyond the technological aspects of quinoa production by addressing the socio-economic and environmental challenges of its production, consumption, and marketizations to reflect a holistic view of promoting the production and consumption of quinoa.