This project studies the impact of ultraviolet radiation on the physiology and biochemistry of maca, which lives above 4000 meters above sea level. There, intense radiation levels generate physiological stress in plant tissues and, as a consequence, alter photosynthesis and regulation of the synthesis of secondary metabolites such as anthocyanins, phenylpropanoids, flavonoids and potentially, the generation and transport of glucosinolates, compounds responsible for the nutraceutical properties of maca and origin of a number of important bioactive metabolites during postharvest. Due to climate change (change in drought patterns and in stratospheric ozone), it is necessary to know what the impact of these changes would be on high Andean crops and on their adaptability level.

• Eric G. Cosio (PI, PUCP)
• Norma Salinas (Co- investigator, PUCP)
• Thais Huaranca-Reyes (Co- investigator, UNIPI)
• Lorenzo Guglielminetti (Co- investigator, UNIPI)
• Eliana Esparza (Research associate, PUCP)
• Alma Ríos (Reasearch Assistant, PUCP)
• Rudi Cruz (Reasearch Assistant, PUCP)
• Gaia Crestani (Reasearch Assistant, UNIPI)

• Pontificia Universidad Católica del Peru
  • Institute for Nature, Earth and Energy
  • Chemical Section, Science Department
• University of Pisa (UNIPI), Italy
  • Agricultural, Food and Agro-Environmental Department