Chapter 10 - Proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.)

Abstract

Proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) is a C4 short-duration crop grown for food and forage purposes. It is also known as common millet, broomcorn millet, panivaragu, hog millet, french white, etc. This millet is believed to be domesticated around 10,000years ago in China. The crop is distributed globally in Asia, Australia, Africa, North America, South America, Europe, and the former USSR. It is a tetraploid crop of family Poaceae with a chromosome number of 2n=4x=36. The plant grows to 45–130cm and has a shallow fibrous root system. The resemblance of the mature panicle to a broom gives it the common name broomcorn millet. Primary mode of pollination is self-pollination. Due to the crop's remarkably high water-use efficiency and short growing season (60–100days), it can escape drought. These attributes also make it suitable for crop rotation. Proso millet grows well on marginal lands with low input and water. The millet is rich in protein, minerals, vitamins, fiber, carbohydrates, etc. The gluten-free protein, low glycemic index, and high antioxidants contribute to its nutraceutical property. Considering the nutritional superiority and climate-resilient features of proso millet, it can be a better climate-smart alternative to the predominant cereals. Around 28,000 germplasm lines are maintained at various gene banks around the world, and Russia has the biggest collection. However, these resources remain underexploited. More efforts to characterize these sources and mine them for trait-based donors are essential. The primary objective of crop improvement programs in the crop is increasing yield and making cultivation more remunerative. Developing nonshattering and nonlodging genotypes are also being focused. Further improving the nutritional content, abiotic and biotic stress tolerances of the crop and considering regional consumer preferences can increase the adaptability and acceptability of the corp. The availability of the nuclear and chloroplast genome sequence information and SSR and next-generation sequencing-based genomic tools and genetic maps is expected to accelerate these breeding programs. Collaborative and intensive efforts into crop improvement, creating awareness among consumers and improving ease of postharvest handling can realize the true potential of this crop for food and nutritional security. This chapter discusses the distribution, botany, nutritional aspects, genetic resources, crop improvement programs, and future prospects of proso millet toward climate smart agriculture.