Adaptive mechanisms in quinoa for coping in stressful environments: an update

Abstract

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) is a grain-like, genetically diverse, highly complex, nutritious, and stress-tolerant food that has been used in Andean Indigenous cultures for thousands of years. Over the past several decades, numerous nutraceutical and food companies are using quinoa because of its perceived health benefits. Seeds of quinoa have a superb balance of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, saponins, vitamins, phenolics, minerals, phytoecdysteroids, glycine betaine, and betalains. Quinoa due to its high nutritional protein contents, minerals, secondary metabolites and lack of gluten, is used as the main food source worldwide. In upcoming years, the frequency of extreme events and climatic variations is projected to increase which will have an impact on reliable and safe production of food. Quinoa due to its high nutritional quality and adaptability has been suggested as a good candidate to offer increased food security in a world with increased climatic variations. Quinoa possesses an exceptional ability to grow and adapt in varied and contrasting environments, including drought, saline soil, cold, heat UV-B radiation, and heavy metals. Adaptations in salinity and drought are the most commonly studied stresses in quinoa and their genetic diversity associated with two stresses has been extensively elucidated. Because of the traditional wide-ranging cultivation area of quinoa, different quinoa cultivars are available that are specifically adapted for specific stress and with broad genetic variability. This review will give a brief overview of the various physiological, morphological and metabolic adaptations in response to several abiotic stresses.

Molecular Characterization of Germin-like Protein Genes in Zea mays (ZmGLPs) Using Various In Silico Approaches

“…However, still, their function is not fully understood. GLPs are expressed in all types of tissues (flowers, seeds, roots, stems, leaves, and embryos) by playing a pivotal role against diverse environmental stresses. , Previously, among abiotic stresses, they were found effective against heavy metals, , drought, , salt, , desiccation, heat, , abscisic acid (ABA), and UV radiation acclimation mediated by methylation in the promoter region as observed in rice . Among biotic stresses, they were active against herbivore-induced damage, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (S.…”

Salicylic Acid and α-Tocopherol Ameliorate Salinity Impact on Wheat

“…Salinity stress has been linked to impaired growth, development, metabolism, and yield in several crop plants, including wheat. However, exogenous application of several growth regulators such as jasmonic acid (JA), salicylic acid (SA), ,,− naphthyl acetic acid (NAA), abscisic acid (ABA), and α-tocopherol (TP) have been reported to minimize the negative impacts of salinity on morpho-physio-biochemical attributes and yields in several crop plants . In the present study, growth attributes (leaf fresh and dry weight, leaf area, shoot and root length, their fresh and dry weight, and root–shoot area) were severely inhibited in salinity-exposed wheat plants, compared to controlled conditions.…”

Identification, expression analysis of quinoa betalain biosynthesis genes and their role in seed germination and cold stress

“…Quinoa is gaining popularity because to its high nutritional content and adaptability to a variety of environments. 40 , 55 Because of its natural drought and salt resistance, quinoa has become a popular crop for barren, saline and dry areas. 56 Quinoa fruit is excellent in nutrition, with a high protein content, a balanced amino acid ratio, and a high level of dietary fiber, mineral elements, and vitamins.…”

“… 38 , 39 Quinoa has become a popular crop in barren, saline, and drought locations due to its inherent drought and salt tolerance, and these benefits are attributed to its high amount of betalains. 6 , 10 , 12 , 40 Some research has been conducted on quinoa betalains extraction and isolation, as well as structure identification. 38 , 39 However, further study on the molecular mechanisms of its biosynthesis and regulation is needed.…”