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Abstract
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Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) has gained worldwide recognition for its nutritional
values, adaptability to diverse environments, and genetic diversity. This review explores the current
understanding of quinoa tolerance to environmental stress, focusing on drought, salinity, heat, heavy
metals, and UV-B radiation. Although drought and salinity have been extensively studied, other
stress factors remain underexplored. The ever-increasing incidence of abiotic stress, exacerbated by
unpredictable weather patterns and climate change, underscores the importance of understanding
quinoa’s responses to these challenges. Global gene banks safeguard quinoa’s genetic diversity,
supporting breeding efforts to develop stress-tolerant varieties. Recent advances in genomics and
molecular tools offer promising opportunities to improve stress tolerance and increase the yield
potential of quinoa. Transcriptomic studies have shed light on the responses of quinoa to drought and
salinity, yet further studies are needed to elucidate its resilience to other abiotic stresses. Quinoa’s
ability to thrive on poor soils and limited water resources makes it a sustainable option for land
restoration and food security enterprises. In conclusion, quinoa is a versatile and robust crop with
the potential to address food security challenges under environmental constraints.
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