Abstract

Chenopodium quinoa W. is a pseudocereal with bioactive compounds like polyphenols, carotenoids, dietary fibers and oleic acid, which have acquired importance because of their human health benefits. The present study aimed to determine the effect of controlled water restriction on the potential yield, chemical composition (protein, fat content and crude fiber) and antioxidant capacity in seeds of three genotypes of quinoa. The study was conducted in the south-central zone of Chile under field and controlled conditions in a greenhouse. Main plot treatment was available water level and subplots included three quinoa genotypes. Results indicated an increase of the antioxidant capacity, with an average of 88% in seeds of the three genotypes and 70% in seeds of plants exposed to 95 to 20 % available water. Seed yield potential was reduced, but the extent of reduction varied depending on the genotype. It was possible to produce seeds of higher nutritional value when controlled water stress was applied from 40 to 20% available water, without a considerably reduction on seed yield.