Research in Plant Metabolites

Research in Plant Metabolites

Effect of planting density on the seed nutritional quality of four quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) cultivars under hot and humid conditions (case study: Minab county)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Aminallah Tahmasebi 1
Hamidreza Kamali 2
Zahra Zakeri Darbaghi 3
1 Department of Agriculture, Minab Higher Education Center, University of Hormozgan, Bandar Abbas, Iran
2 Department of water science and engineering. Minab higher education complex. University of Hormozgan. Minab. Iran
3 Department of Horticultural Science, College of Agriculture, University of Hormozgan, Bandar Abbas, Iran
10.22034/jrpsm.2025.517031.1064
Abstract
Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa), a member of the Amaranthaceae family, has gained significant interest due to its exceptional salinity and drought tolerance, high nutritional value, and early harvestability. This study investigated the effects of planting density (91,000, 150,000, and 175,000 plants per hectare) on the nutritional quality of seeds from four quinoa cultivars (Titicaca, Gizal, Q26, and Q29) in the Minab region. The experiment followed a split–plot factorial arrangement within a completely randomized block design, with four replications, conducted at the Minab Higher Education Center during the 2022–2023 growing season. Key nutritional parameters including total phenols, soluble carbohydrates, protein content, and antioxidant activity were analyzed. Results showed that planting density of 91,000 plants per hectare yielded the highest total protein and soluble carbohydrate levels, whereas the greatest antioxidant activity and total phenol content were observed at 175,000 plants per hectare. The Gizal cultivar showed the highest total phenol content and antioxidant activity compared to other cultivars, and the highest total phenol content was obtained in the Gizal cultivar and a density of 150,000 plants per hectare. Also, the Titicaca and Q29 cultivars showed the highest total protein content compared to other cultivars, and the highest total protein content was observed in the Titicaca cultivar and a density of 91,000 plants per hectare. The Titicaca, Gizal and Q29 cultivars showed the highest soluble carbohydrates content. Statistical analysis revealed that both cultivar and planting density significantly influenced the nutritional traits (total phenols, protein, and antioxidant activity) at a 1% significance level. Given its superior performance in most nutritional parameters, the Gizal cultivar is recommended as the most desirable choice for cultivation in the region based on nutritional value.
Keywords
Antioxidant activity
Carbohydrate
Nutrition
Plant competition
Protein and Quinoa
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