The influence of elevated CO₂ concentrations and UVB radiation in antioxidant activity of selected Chenopodium quinoa varieties

Ecosystems have been affected by climate change. Both agriculture and environmental changes are correlated with various features since climate change is the main cause of abiotic and biotic stress, which affects crop plants. Climate change and its severe impact on plant productivity showed great intensity due to the effects of abiotic stress. In the present investigation, we selected two quinoa varieties to study the response to future climatic factors such as eCO₂, enhanced UVB radiation, and UVB+eCO₂ combined effects in open-top chambers in the hot climate of the UAE. The treatments were administered for 90 days in the hot UAE weather conditions and the experiment was carried out in a transparent OTC facility. The response of the studied quinoa varieties was measured by analyzing their non-enzymatic antioxidant and antioxidant enzyme activities. Our findings showed that quinoa varieties are suitable as industrial crops for their levels of antioxidants under stimulating climatic conditions because the quantity and quality of their yield have not been affected. Based on the results obtained in the present investigation, further study is warranted for screening more varieties with the addition of climate change factors such as temperature and humidity to find more tolerant varieties of quinoa suitable for future climatic conditions.