Genotype-dependent responses to long-term water stress reveal different water-saving strategies in Chenopodium quinoa Willd.

Within the current climate context, freshwater resources have become scarce. Agriculture, especially in rain-fed conditions, should deal with need of increasing yields to contribute food security under limiting water availability. Exploring underutilized crops such as Chenopodium quinoa (quinoa) has a unique opportunity some these possess ability tolerate several abiotic stresses, including drought. In line this, this work aimed at evaluating genotype-dependent response drought by comparing performance different European-adapted cultivars (F14, F15, F16, and Titicaca). The results show that here evaluated presented mechanisms cope long-term stress, changes phenology, morphology, or physiology. Among them, cultivar F16 might be most promising genotype grow water-limiting conditions it reduced foliar total surface (fewer branches leaves) higher chlorophyll contents was able increase Water Use Efficiency (WUE), reducing stomatal conductance keeping CO2 assimilation rates similar well-watered conditions. These characteristics lead maintaining seed yield harvest index (HI) deficit making tolerant Furthermore, based on results, we propose model which differences between water-use efficient drought-sensitive are presented. Altogether, believe will significantly broadening our understanding how responds stress highlighting genotype-related allow selection best-adapted genotypes for environments.