How does the planetary health diet improve global health?5 answersThe Planetary Health Diet (PHD) is a sustainable dietary approach that promotes both human health and environmental sustainability. By shifting towards a plant-based diet with minimal animal-derived and processed foods, the PHD aims to keep the global food system within planetary boundaries, thus positively impacting global health. Research suggests that transitioning to a PHD could prevent millions of deaths annually. This dietary shift is crucial in addressing the challenges posed by climate change, rapid population growth, and the need to feed a projected 10.9 billion people sustainably. Implementing the PHD not only improves individual health but also contributes to protecting the environment, promoting biodiversity, and fostering a healthier planet for current and future generations.
What are the potential economic benefits of growing quinoa in Malawi?4 answersQuinoa has the potential to provide economic benefits in Malawi. The evaluation of quinoa genotypes in different environments showed promising results in terms of grain yield. The highest grain yields were achieved for genotypes such as Brightest Brilliant Rainbow, QQ74, Black Seeded, Multi-Hued, and Puno. Adoption potential of quinoa in central Malawi was found to be positive, with a focus on regular and consistent extension visits and participatory research. Quinoa varieties from different regions were evaluated for their yield and agronomic performance in Malawi, and significant differences were found for grain yield. Quinoa can provide more protein in the diet of vulnerable populations, and its introduction to Africa, especially in high-altitude and warm regions, can help diversify local diets. These findings suggest that quinoa production in Malawi can contribute to food and nutritional security, and with proper engagement of government and non-governmental organizations, quinoa can be integrated into the food systems of Malawi.
What is the right fertilizer for Quinoa plants and why this is the right one?4 answersThe right fertilizer for Quinoa plants is a combination of compost or bio-fertilizers with mineral fertilizers, specifically at a rate of 75 kg N + 150 kg P2O5 + 50 kg K2O per feddan. This combination has been found to increase the concentrations and uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in quinoa seeds, leading to improved plant length, seed weight, grain yield, protein content, carbohydrate content, oil content, and chlorophyll content. Additionally, the use of urea enriched with urease and nitrification inhibitors has been shown to enhance plant growth, nitrogen uptake, seed yield, and grain protein content in quinoa. Furthermore, the application of potassium fertilizer at a rate of 140 or 190 kg K2O/ha, combined with the spraying of seaweed extract at 3.0 ml/L, has been found to enhance the yield, mineral contents, and nutritional quality of quinoa grains. Overall, these fertilizers provide the necessary nutrients for quinoa plants to thrive and improve their yield and quality.
What are the benefits of eating a healthy diet?5 answersA healthy diet provides several benefits for human health. It reduces the risk of diet-related illnesses like cancer, arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease. It also plays an important role in cardiovascular health, with well-balanced diets like the Mediterranean or Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diets providing cardiovascular health benefits. Additionally, healthy eating can lead to medical savings, increased productivity, and prolonged life expectancy, associated with reductions in conditions like coronary heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, and osteoporotic hip fractures. Moreover, a healthy and sustainable diet contributes to both public and planetary health, as it can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, soil erosion, and water use, while also improving nutrient density and reducing post-harvest losses.
What are the different forms of phosphorus that are available to quinoa plants?3 answersQuinoa plants have access to different forms of phosphorus. The plants respond to changes in available phosphorus by modulating metabolites and genes implicated in glycerophospholipid, glycerolipid, glycolysis, and glyconeogenesis metabolism. The study conducted by Jorge Alvar-Beltrán et al. found that quinoa requires 1.6 kg/ha of phosphorus to produce one ton of biomass, and potassium nitrate (KNO3) is more suitable as a fertilizer than those with higher phosphorus concentrations. Another study by E. F. Gomaa showed that the application of chemical nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers, along with biofertilizers, increased the phosphorus content in quinoa seeds. Pedro M de Souza Campos et al. found that root biomass production plays a critical role in phosphorus acquisition by quinoa plants. Additionally, Hamza Bouras et al. demonstrated that phosphorus application under saline conditions improved the yield of quinoa plants.
How does phosphorous affect the growth and development of quinoa?4 answersPhosphorus plays a crucial role in the growth and development of quinoa. It is essential for promoting plant growth and increasing grain yield. Quinoa requires phosphorus for the production of biomass and the development of roots, shoots, and leaves. Phosphorus also contributes to the synthesis of nucleic acids, proteins, and enzymes, which are important for various physiological processes in the plant. Additionally, phosphorus helps in the efficient utilization of other nutrients, such as nitrogen and potassium, and enhances the plant's ability to tolerate abiotic stresses, such as salinity and drought. Studies have shown that the application of phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms and mineral-solubilizing bacteria can improve phosphorus availability in the soil and enhance the growth and yield of quinoa.