CqNLP1 promotes Chenopodium quinoa Willd. seed germination regulated by NO
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Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) has earned special attention worldwide due to its higher nutritional value and its adaptive ability to contrasting environments. Here, it was explored how quinoa seed germination is regulated. CqNLP1 gene was identified and cloned due to its higher expression level in quinoa seeds. The role of CqNLP1 in seed germination was studied based on model species as Arabidopsis sp. The function of NO₃ ^- during seed germination of quinoa was analyzed. The results showed CqNLP1 gene can restore the germination rate of Arabidopsis mutant nlp8-1 and nlp8-2 strains, suggesting that CqNLP1 gene plays an important role in promoting seed germination. Appropriate level of NO₃ ^- could improve the germination rate of quinoa seeds, promote the decomposition and utilization of soluble protein and ABA, increase the expression level of CqNLP1 and CYP707A2 during germination. The optimal NO₃ ^- concentration to promote seed germination is 1mM.

Index terms:
ABA; CYP707A2; mutant strain; quinoa; soluble protein