Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) crop under Mediterranean conditions: a review

Abstract

D.J. Bilalis, I. Roussis, I. Kakabouki, and A. Folina. 2019. Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) crop under Mediterranean conditions: a review. Cien. Inv. Agr. 46(2): 51-68.Quinoa is a pseudocereal crop that is well adapted to a wide range of climatic conditions and has significant potential for increased production as a new crop in the Mediterranean region and in other parts of the world, including northern Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa. Because of its exceptional nutritional properties, quinoa is highly appreciated among humans as well as in animal nutrition for feeding both ruminants and nonruminating animals. Data obtained from several studies conducted in Greece, Italy, and Turkey demonstrate the high nutritional and functional potential of quinoa. Nitrogen fertilization has a positive effect on the growth and grain yield of quinoa crops. The biomass has high crude protein and low fiber and is competitive with alfalfa. The assessment of quinoa saponin content is of great importance for the industry. The highest saponin content and yield have been found under organic cropping systems. Oat, bean, and duckweed plants have a great phytotoxic response, especially to the inflorescence tissues of quinoa, confirming the potential allelopathic activity of this promising crop. The major part of the root system is concentrated in the upper 0-30 cm of the soil, and the root length density and root mass density increase with increasing applied nitrogen. In conclusion, quinoa may be suggested as a new alternative crop for semiarid and arid Mediterranean conditions affected by multiple abiotic stress factors because of its stresstolerant characteristics, adaptability to several agro-ecological conditions, and nutritional and economic value.

Heat stress lowers yields, alters nutrient uptake and changes seed quality in quinoa grown under Mediterranean field conditions

“…During the first annuity (2017), a decrease in yield (1.5 t/ha) compared to 2018 (2.5 t/ha) was observed. Moreover, the two-year average yield (2.0 t/ha) was slightly lower than those previously reported for quinoa under Mediterranean field conditions in which yields did not vary between years (Bilalis et al, 2019;Pulvento, 2015).…”

Changes in Quinoa Seed Fatty Acid Profile Under Heat Stress Field Conditions

“…Particularly in Europe, there is a great interest in growing quinoa ( 27 ). In fact, it was introduced in northern European countries (i.e., England, Denmark, and Netherlands) in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and nowadays, it is also cultivated in the Mediterranean region ( 28 ). In Spain, quinoa has spread significantly in recent years, particularly in the southern part of the country ( 29 ).…”

Phytopathological Threats Associated with Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) Cultivation and Seed Production in an Area of Central Italy

“…In Italy, quinoa was introduced in the early 2000s thanks to several research projects dealing with the adaptation of this species to the peninsula agricultural system [ 15 , 16 , 17 ]. Results indicated that, given its high resiliency and tolerance to abiotic stresses, in particular salinity and drought, quinoa could represent a good alternative to the traditional Mediterranean crops in light of the current climate change [ 18 ].…”