Panicum Miliaceum Research Articles

Evaluating Water Fertilizer Coupling on the Variations in Millet Chaff Size during the Late Seventh Century in Northwest China: Morphological and Carbon and Nitrogen Isotopic Evidence from the Chashancun Cemetery

Stable isotopic analyses of the remains of plants that have been unearthed from archaeological sites are often featured as key indicators of crop cultivation and the living environment. However, systematic archaeobotanical studies have not been applied widely in Chinese historical sites, especially in those from the Tang dynasty. This paper aims to use carbon and nitrogen isotopic analyses to reveal the potential influence of water and fertilizer conditions on the size of millet chaffs that were excavated from the Chashancun cemetery. To achieve this, >3600 uncharred broomcorn and foxtail millet chaff remains were measured. Furthermore, 30 broomcorn millet samples and 30 foxtail millet samples were selected to analyze the carbon and nitrogen isotopes, respectively. The widths and thicknesses of the broomcorn millet chaffs ranged from 1.11 to 2.38 mm and from 0.95 to 2.24 mm, respectively, while those of the foxtail millet chaffs ranged from 0.95 to 1.94 mm and from 0.69 to 1.90 mm, respectively. The δ13C and δ15N values of the broomcorn millet chaffs ranged from −13.0‰ to −12.0‰ and from 15.7‰ to 17.8‰, respectively, while those of the foxtail millet chaffs ranged from −14.0‰ to −12.9‰ and from 15.7‰ to 18.8‰, respectively. The results show correlations between the millet chaff size and the carbon/nitrogen isotopic values, suggesting that water and fertilizer conditions might have significantly affected millet grain yield during the late seventh century in northwestern China.

Deciphering the distinct mechanisms shaping the broomcorn millet rhizosphere bacterial and fungal communities in a typical agricultural ecosystem of Northern China

Deciphering the distinct mechanisms shaping the broomcorn millet rhizosphere bacterial and fungal communities in a typical agricultural ecosystem of Northern China

Detection of diagenetic alteration in bones and teeth for migration and dietary studies \u2014 a combined FTIR and C-N\u2013O-Sr isotope study on tenth century CE cemeteries in northern and northeastern Hungary

Stable isotope-based dietary information on the tenth century CE Hungarian population serves as a valuable comparative tool to other dietary stable isotope studies in the region. This study presents a multiproxy approach involving skeletal samples with the least diagenetic alteration and the best-preserved primary signals. Dental and bone samples collected from three cemeteries in northeastern Hungary were investigated using a combination of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), stable isotope geochemistry, and strontium isotope analysis. FTIR measurements were used to detect the addition of secondary carbonate to the skeletal apatite carbonate component and to differentiate diagenetically altered samples. Our results suggest that all but the bone apatite carbonate stable isotope values and 87Sr/86Sr ratios are trustworthy and may be used to interpret the diet and migration of the researched individuals. We also determined that the inhabitants of the three tenth century CE Hungarian settlements relied primarily on C3 plants, but that C4 plants, most likely broomcorn millet (P. miliaceum), comprised a moderate portion of their plant-based diet and that animal products were generally consumed in moderate-high amounts. Coupled analyses of carbonate oxygen and strontium isotope compositions revealed that most of the bone apatite carbonate was heavily altered, whereas enamel apatite carbonate samples largely preserved their primary compositions. The bones showing the least amount of diagenetic alteration may partially preserve their primary apatite carbonate compositions, as well as show a combination of primary and secondary signals, which should be taken into consideration when bone apatite carbonate data are interpreted.

Investigating the Plant Microremains on Ceramic Li Tripods to Ascertain Their Function and the Plant Resource Exploitation Strategies During the Lower Xiajiadian Culture Period in Chifeng, Northeast China

In undertaking a functional study of ceramic Li tripods, a common archaeological artifact in Northeast China during the Bronze Age, this study provides a crucial insight into both the function of these ceramics, plant resource strategies and human diets during this period. The precise function of the Li tripod has to date been controversial due to a lack of direct contextual evidence. Hence, this paper presents analyses of 10 Li tripods from six sites in the Chifeng area of Northeast China, all of which can be dated from their excavation contexts to the Lower Xiajiadian cultural period (3,900–3,400 cal a B.P.). The interior and exterior surfaces of the tripods were analyzed using starch grain analysis, phytolith analysis and microfossil charcoal analysis. A total of 133 starch grains were recovered, of which 111 (83.46%) were found on 80% of the interior surfaces examined. Further analysis found that these starch grains had damage features specifically gelatinised characteristics, which were consistent with the starch grains that had been boiled in our cooking simulations. In addition, there were obvious soot traces on the surfaces of the tripods, 2,835 microfossil charcoal grains not completely burned were identified, and 70% of the exterior surface samples had a higher frequency of contact with fire. These findings serve to confirm that Li tripods were used in the cooking of food. Of the 133 starch grains found, only 62 could be identified to species level. These were foxtail millet (Setaria italica) and broomcorn millet (Panicum milliaceum) and plants from Triticeae taxa, as well as roots and tubers. The 3,424 phytoliths recovered from the 10 tripods were found to belong to the Panicoideae and Pooideae genera, of which the husks from foxtail and broomcorn millets from the Panicoideae genus accounted for 6.19% of the total. These results indicate that millets, the Triticeae, roots, and tubers, in addition to plants from Panicoideae and Pooideae genera, were utilized in the Chifeng area of Northeast China during the Bronze Age. This study deepens our understanding of the local subsistence patterns and the social context of early Bronze age civilization in the region.

The integration of millet into the diet of Central Asian populations in the third millennium BC

Stable isotope analyses demonstrate that C4plants played an important dietary role in Eurasian prehistory. Uncertainty remains, however, about when and how crops were integrated into the diet of Central Asian populations. Here, the authors present δ13C and δ15N stable isotope analysis of human and animal bone collagen from Kyrgyzstan, revealing C4plant—likely broomcorn millet—consumption in the third millennium BC. Combining this evidence with AMS radiocarbon dating and animal collagen peptide fingerprinting demonstrates that broomcorn millet was consumed by humans and animals during the earliest episodes of the westward spread of this crop plant. The results contribute to debates about the timing and means by which domesticated millets were dispersed across Eurasia.

An Assessment of Proso Millet as an Alternative Summer Cereal Crop in the Mediterranean Basin

Proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) is a cereal well known for its ability to be successfully grown under drought and intense heat conditions, thus sustaining food security in arid regions. Considering that a trend of increasing drought severity is expected in the future in Southern Europe, solutions need to be found to enhance the resilience of agroecosystems to the effects of climate change. From this perspective, proso millet re-introduction could represent an interesting tool in reducing water consumption for grain production and in providing a new resource to farmers. The aim of this study was to characterize proso millet adaptability to drought and low-input field conditions in the Mediterranean environment, especially considering water-related traits, such as water use efficiency. Limited water-demanding crops and yield stability can contribute to the resilience of agroecosystems and their adaptation to climate change. A three-year field crop experiment was conducted in northern Italy to assess proso millet’s performance in terms of productivity and water status in rainfed agriculture conditions. It was compared to a conventional irrigated corn, a typical summer cereal of the area. All years of experimentation were characterized by adverse meteorological trends, in the full manifestation of the uncertainties of climate change. Despite such different conditions from an agro-meteorological point of view, proso millet showed, in non-irrigated conditions, stable yield and water use efficiency (on average 0.30 kg/m2 and 1.83 kg/m3, respectively), and good agronomic performance. Proso millet, therefore, seems to offer interesting traits for reintroduction on the European side of the Mediterranean Basin, representing a resource for farmers. Moreover, the shortness of the proso millet life cycle (on average 108 days) allows it to be used as a catch crop in the event of major crop failure, an event becoming more likely in the climate change scenario. Furthermore, the possibility of producing grain while saving water (and other production inputs), even in very hot and dry years, increases the sustainability of agricultural production and the resilience of agroecosystems.

Eco-geographic patterns of child malnutrition in India and its association with cereal cultivation: An analysis using demographic health survey and agriculture datasets.

Background:High prevalence of maternal malnutrition, low birth-weight and child malnutrition in India contribute substantially to the global malnutrition burden. Rural India has disproportionately higher levels of child malnutrition. Stunting and wasting are the primary determinants of child malnutrition and their district-level distribution shows clustering in different geographies and regions. Cereals, particularly millets, constitute the bulk of protein intake among the poor, especially in rural areas in India where high prevalence of wasting persists. Methods:The previous round of National Family Health Survey (NFHS4) has disaggregated data by district, enabling a more fine-scale characterisation of the prevalence of markers of malnutrition. We used data from NFHS4 and agricultural statistics datasets to analyse relationship of prevalence of malnutrition at the district level and area under cereal cultivation. We analysed malnutrition through data on under-5 stunting and wasting by district. Results:Stunting and wasting patterns across districts show a distinct geographical and age distribution; districts with higher wasting showed relatively higher prevalence at six months of age. Wasting prevalence at district level was associated with higher cultivation of millets, with a stronger association seen for jowar and other millets (Kodo millet, little millet, proso millet, barnyard millet and foxtail millet). District level stunting was associated with higher district level cultivation of wheat. In multivariable analysis, wasting was positively associated with women's body mass index and stunting with women's short stature. Conclusions:Well-designed intervention studies will be required to confirm causal pathways contributing to ecogeographic patterns of child malnutrition. The cultivation of other millets has a strong association with prevalence of wasting. State-of-the-art studies that improve our understanding of bio-availability of amino acids and other nutrients from the prevalent dietary matrices of rural poor communities will be needed to confirm causal pathways contributing to potential eco-geographic patterns.

Succession patterns of aroma components during brewing process of broomcorn millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) Huangjiu

The flavor of Huangjiu is closely related to its brewing technology. Patterns of aroma component succession during the process of brewing broomcorn millet Huangjiu were investigated by solvent-assisted flavor evaporation combined with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and chemometrics. During fermentation, esters, alcohols, acids, ketones, acetals, sulfur compounds, furans, and lactones were formed mostly in the chief fermentation stage; nitrogenous and phenolic compounds increased in the primary fermentation stage and then decreased; aldehydes decreased after fermentation started; and terpenes decreased after five days. During aging, acids, alcohols, ketones, lactones, phenols, and nitrogenous and sulfur compounds first decreased and then increased; and esters, acetals, aldehydes, and furans always increased, while terpenes decreased continuously. Key odorants, including acetic acid, 3-methylbutanoic acid, 1,1-diethoxyethane, and 3-methylbutanal, were produced in large quantities in the primary fermentation stage; ethyl lactate, β-phenylethanol, and 2/3-methyl-1-butanol were generated in large quantities in the chief fermentation stage; and sotolon and methional were generated in the aging stage. This study is of great significance for the quality control of Huangjiu production.

Modern Processing of Indian Millets: A Perspective on Changes in Nutritional Properties.

Globally, billions of people are experiencing food insecurity and malnutrition. The United Nations has set a global target to end hunger by 2030, but we are far from reaching it. Over the decade, climate change, population growth and economic slowdown have impacted food security. Many countries are facing the challenge of both undernutrition and over nutrition. Thus, there is a need to transform the food system to achieve food and nutrition security. One of the ways to reach closer to our goal is to provide an affordable healthy and nutritious diet to all. Millets, the nutri-cereals, have the potential to play a crucial role in the fight against food insecurity and malnutrition. Nutri-cereals are an abundant source of essential macro- and micronutrients, carbohydrates, protein, dietary fiber, lipids, and phytochemicals. The nutrient content and digestibility of millets are significantly influenced by the processing techniques. This review article highlights the nutritional characteristics and processing of Indian millets, viz. foxtail, kodo, proso, little, and pearl millets. It also envisages the effect of traditional and modern processing techniques on millet’s nutritional properties. An extensive literature review was conducted using the research and review articles related to processing techniques of millets such as fermentation, germination, dehulling, extrusion, cooking, puffing, popping, malting, milling, etc. Germination and fermentation showed a positive improvement in the overall nutritional characteristics of millets, whereas excessive dehulling, polishing, and milling resulted in reduction of the dietary fiber and micronutrients. Understanding the changes happening in the nutrient value of millets due to processing can help the food industry, researchers, and consumers select a suitable processing technique to optimize the nutrient value, increase the bioavailability of nutrients, and help combat food and nutrition security.

Re-identification of plant impressions on prehistoric pottery from Ukraine

In this paper, we report newly obtained data on cereals from the Neolithic to Bronze Age from the northern side of the Black Sea. One part of the North Pontic area, located within present-day Ukraine, is one of the focal points of discussions on the agricultural dispersal between West and East Eurasia; however, existing reliable cereal data are scarce. In this study, we employed an improved silicone casting method to obtain impressions from pottery artifacts and conducted a survey of more than 30,000 pottery samples from different times. Observations of seed surface texture using scanning electron microscopy further improved the identification accuracy. The results showed no reliable cereal impressions in Ukrainian sub-Neolithic pottery, despite the predicted exceptionally early start of arable agriculture prior to the 6th millennium BC. In contrast, in Linear Band and Eneolithic pottery, cereals originating from West Asia were identified, although Chinese millet was absent. Meanwhile, abundant Panicum miliaceum impressions appeared abruptly with incidental barley and wheat in Late Bronze Age pottery. The Chinese millet species Setaria italica, which is clearly distinguishable from P. miliaceum using our method, was not identified. The archaeobotanical dataset obtained in this survey is an important achievement in examining food globalization that crossed the east and west of Eurasia.

Manure for millet: Grain δ15N values as indicators of prehistoric cropping intensity of Panicum miliaceum and Setaria italica

Broomcorn and foxtail millet are the only major domesticated plants indigenous to prehistoric Eurasia to rely on the C4photosynthetic pathway. Here we study the impact of animal manure (AM) on broomcorn millet (Panicum miliaceum) and foxtail millet (Setaria italica), grown in the Askov Long-Term Experiment, using unmanured soil and soil dressed with phosphorus plus potassium (PK) as reference treatments. Animal manure had a marked effect on yields and on the δ15N values of grains. For broomcorn millets grown on manured soil, the average δ15N value was 5.8‰. When grown on unmanured and PK-treated soils, the δ15N values were 0.4‰ and 0.2‰, respectively. For foxtail millet the δ15N values also differed between grains from unmanured (-1.0‰), PK (0.7‰) and manured (6.3‰) treatments. Thus, when compared to unmanured soil, the offset due to manure was 7.3‰ for Setaria and 5.3‰ for the two Panicum varieties. In accordance with previous studies on C3 crops, our study suggests that δ15N values in charred millet grains recovered from archaeological sites could provide a robust indicator of prehistoric manuring intensity.

施氮量对宁夏引黄灌区麦后复种糜子生长、产量及氮素利用的影响

<p id="C3">The objective of this study is to clarify the growth rule, yield, and nitrogen utilization efficiency of proso millet under different nitrogen rates, the relationship between morphological characteristics and grain yield and nitrogen utilization was explored, and the suitable nitrogen rate for multiple cropping proso millet after spring-wheat in Irrigation Area of Ningxia was determined. The field experiments were conducted by single factor randomized block design, with four nitrogen rates [0 (N0), 90 (N1), 120 (N2), and 150 kg hm ^-2 (N3)] were set in 2019, and six nitrogen rates [180 (N4) and 210 kg hm ^-2 (N5) were added] in 2020. The results showed that the plant height, stem diameter, leaf area, root morphology, and dry matter accumulation at the key growth stages of proso millet were significantly promoted by nitrogen application, however, nitrogen application rate exceeded 150 kg hm ^-2, these indexes declined slightly except for the stem diameter and leaf area. With the increase of nitrogen rate, the root-shoot ratio decreased first and then increased and then decreased slightly, and it reached the minimum under N2 treatment at most growth stages. The root-shoot ratio at jointing, heading, grain-filling and maturity stage under N2 treatment were 0.119, 0.087, 0.054, and 0.052, respectively. The grain yield, 1000-grain weight, and grain number per plant were significantly increased by nitrogen application, and with the increase of nitrogen application rate, the yield increased initially then slightly decreased, and achieved the best effect in N2 and N3 treatments. The grain yields of N2 and N3 treatments were 2979.41 kg hm ^-2 and 3084.67 kg hm ^-2, respectively, which were 76.22% and 83.21% higher than those of N0 treatment. Nitrogen harvest index (NHI), nitrogen fertilizer apparent recovery rate (NRE), agronomic efficiency (NAE), and partial productivity (NPFP) under N2 treatment were 60.23%, 61.81%, 10.77 kg kg ^-1, and 24.83 kg kg ^-1, respectively. Furthermore, grain yield was significantly positively correlated with each growth index, and there was significant positive correlation between each growth index, and the root morphological characteristics were significantly positively correlated with nitrogen accumulation. These results revealed that nitrogen application could improve the root morphological characteristics of proso millet to promote the absorption of nitrogen, and further promote the growth of canopy, which was conductive to yield formation. In view of the growth, grain yield and nitrogen utilization, the reasonable nitrogen rate for multiple cropping proso millet in Irrigation Area of Ningxia was 120-150 kg hm ^-2.

NUTRACEUTICAL POTENTIAL OF VERMICELLI PREPARED BY GLUTEN-FREE COMPOSITE FLOUR

Objective: Nutritional, phytochemical and antioxidant properties of all ratios of gluten free composite flour-based Vermicelli was evaluated in this study. The blend of proso millet flour (PF), adzuki bean flour (AF) and basil seeds flour (BF) was used in composite flour.&#x0D; Methods: The variations of three composite flours were prepared as, A being (PF: AF: BF=50:45:5), B being (PF: AF: BF=60:35:5) and C being (PF: AF: BF=70:25:5), respectively. The macronutrients like moisture, ash, fat, fiber, protein and carbohydrate were assessed in this study. Minerals such as calcium, iron, phosphorus and zinc were analyzed in micronutrients.&#x0D; Results: The result of macronutrient and micronutrient of a ratio were moisture (5.2±0.1), ash (2.1±0.2), protein (13.0±0.0), fat (1.6±0.0), fiber (3.0±0.0) and carbohydrate (60.0±0.2g/100g) respectively. Calcium (150.0±0.3), iron (3.5±0.1), zinc (2.0±0.3) and phosphorus (250.6±0.6 mg/100g) were also there in gluten-free Pasta. The current study revealed that various macro and micronutrients were present in gluten-free Vermicelli. In the prepared products, flavonoids, saponins, tannin, glycocides, alkaloids and steroids are the few phytochemicals present. The study results also show that gluten-free Vermicelli has good antioxidant activity. In the A ratio, overall, all nutrients are found. It was found by the sensory evaluation Vermicelli on a 9 point hedonic scale that A ratio was more acceptable than the B and C ratio.&#x0D; Conclusion: Therefore, it can be useful for celiac diseases as well as patients suffering from diseases like hypertension, anemia and diabetes.

Phytolith evidence for the pastoral origins of multi-cropping in Mesopotamia (ancient Iraq)

Multi-cropping was vital for provisioning large population centers across ancient Eurasia. In Southwest Asia, multi-cropping, in which grain, fodder, or forage could be reliably cultivated during dry summer months, only became possible with the translocation of summer grains, like millet, from Africa and East Asia. Despite some textual sources suggesting millet cultivation as early as the third millennium BCE, the absence of robust archaeobotanical evidence for millet in semi-arid Mesopotamia (ancient Iraq) has led most archaeologists to conclude that millet was only grown in the region after the mid-first millennium BCE introduction of massive, state-sponsored irrigation systems. Here, we present the earliest micro-botanical evidence of the summer grain broomcorn millet (Panicum miliaceum) in Mesopotamia, identified using phytoliths in dung-rich sediments from Khani Masi, a mid-second millennium BCE site located in northern Iraq. Taphonomic factors associated with the region’s agro-pastoral systems have likely made millet challenging to recognize using conventional macrobotanical analyses, and millet may therefore have been more widespread and cultivated much earlier in Mesopotamia than is currently recognized. The evidence for pastoral-related multi-cropping in Bronze Age Mesopotamia provides an antecedent to first millennium BCE agricultural intensification and ties Mesopotamia into our rapidly evolving understanding of early Eurasian food globalization.

Comparative analysis of drought-responsive physiological and transcriptome in broomcorn millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) genotypes with contrasting drought tolerance

Climate change has caused severe drought, affecting global crop production. Broomcorn millet is a drought-tolerant crop preferred for water-saving agriculture because of its short life cycle and high water use efficiency. This study evaluated the drought tolerance of 300 broomcorn millet varieties from 21 sources under well-watered, semi-arid conditions (Yulin, Shaanxi, China) and unwatered, arid conditions (Dunhuang, Gansu, China). Two broomcorn millet varieties with contrasting drought tolerance attributes, DT 43 (drought-tolerant) and DS 190 (drought-sensitive), were selected for comparative physiological and transcriptional assessment under the two drought stress conditions (polyethylene glycol 6000 [PEG-6000] and soil drought) and corresponding melatonin treatments. The two forms of drought stress decreased photosynthetic capacity and triggered transcriptome reprogramming in both broomcorn millet cultivars. However, PEG induced a more ‘severe’ and ‘rapid’ drought stress than the ‘milder’ and ‘slower’ soil moisture drought stress. Moreover, PEG stress caused severe growth arrest and photosynthesis inhibition, especially for DS190. About 61.38% and 48.78% differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were up-regulated in DT 43 under PEG and soil drought stresses, respectively. Moreover, 74.31% and 54.59% DEGs were up-regulated in DS 190 under PEG and soil drought stresses, respectively. Most DEGs in DT 43 were significantly enriched in hormone signal transduction, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling, and carbon metabolism pathways. However, most DEGs in DS 190 were enriched in plant photosynthesis, chlorophyll metabolism, and nitrogen metabolism pathways. Moreover, melatonin enhanced the drought resistance of the two genotypes, increasing photosynthetic and antioxidant enzyme activity and thus mitigating transcription response. Therefore, these unique mechanisms of enhancing drought resistance can improve bioenergy crops, especially for the cultivation of drought-tolerant varieties.

Reconstructed Paleodiets and Subsistence Strategies of the Central Ciscaucasian Population (1000 BC to 1000 AD), Based on Collagen Isotope Analysis of Bone Samples from the Kichmalka II Burial Ground

Settlement and economy patterns of the Iron Age and early medieval population of the Central North Caucasus evidence complex cultural processes in the region. The ecological approach including the evaluation of carbon and nitrogen isotopes in the local biota opens up new prospects in the study of environments, climate, anthropogenic effect, land use, and nutrition. We analyze the isotopic composition of collagen in 19 human and 11 animal bone samples from Kichmalka II—a cemetery successively used by the Koban people, those of the Sarmatian stage, and Alans. The isotopic composition of the Alanian sample indicates a heavy predominance of plants with the C3-type photosynthesis in the diet of humans and animals. People who lived during the Koban and Sarmatian stages consumed also C4-plants, such as common millet (Panicum miliaceum), suggesting the rise of the trophic step for carbon (Δδ13Chuman-animal). Statistically signifi cant differences in the isotopic composition of carbon were found within the Koban population, apparently evidencing two dietary models. The Δδ15Nhuman-animal values fall within the trophic step, mirroring a focus on meat and dairy products in the diet of all groups. Comparison with respective data on the Klin-Yar III cemetery revealed differences in isotopic signatures in the diet of both humans and domestic animals during the Koban period. The possible reason is climatic change in the Iron Age and the variable share of millet in the diet of the Koban people. The low proportion of δ15N (below 4 ‰) in the bone collagen of goat, sheep, and horse of the Alanian period may attest to vertical transhumance.

Evaluation of forage production, feed value, and ensilability of proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.).

Whole-plant corn (Zea may L.) and sorghum-sudangrass hybrid [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] are major summer crops that can be fed as direct-cut or silage. Proso millet is a short-season growing crop with distinct agronomic characteristics that can be productive in marginal lands. However, information is limited about the potential production, feed value, and ensilability of proso millet forage. We evaluated proso millet as a silage crop in comparison with conventional silage crops. Proso millet was sown on June 8 and harvested on September 5 at soft-dough stage. Corn and sorghum-sudangrass hybrid were planted on May 10 and harvested on September 10 at the half milk-line and soft-dough stages, respectively. The fermentation was evaluated at 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, and 45 days after ensiling. Although forage yield of proso millet was lower than corn and sorghum-sudangrass hybrid, its relative feed value was greater than sorghum-sudangrass hybrid. Concentrations of dry matter (DM), crude protein, and water-soluble carbohydrate decreased commonly in the ensiling forage crops. The DM loss was greater in proso millet than those in corn and sorghum-sudangrass hybrid. The in vitro dry matter digestibility declined in the forage crops as fermentation progressed. In the early stages of fermentation, pH dropped rapidly, which was stabilized in the later stages. Compared to corn and sorghum-sudangrass hybrid, the concentration of ammonia-nitrogen was greater in proso millet. The count of lactic acid bacteria reached the maximum level on day 10, with the values of 6.96, 7.77, and 6.95 Log10 CFU/g fresh weight for proso millet, corn, and sorghum-sudangrass hybrid, respectively. As ensiling progressed, the concentrations of lactic acid and acetic acid of the three crops increased and lactic acid proportion became higher in the order of sorghum-sudangrass hybrid, corn, and proso millet. Overall, the shorter, fast-growing proso millet comparing with corn and sorghum-sudangrass hybrid makes this forage crop an alternative option, particularly in areas where agricultural inputs are limited. However, additional research is needed to evaluate the efficacy of viable strategies such as chemical additives or microbial inoculants to minimize ammonia-nitrogen formation and DM loss during ensiling.

Differentiation of fatty acid, aminno acid, and volatile composition in waxy and non-waxy proso millet

The unique flavor of the proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) is one of the key reasons why consumers prefer it. Fatty acids and amino acids have an important influence on the nutrition and flavor of proso millet. In this study, we identified fatty acids, amino acids, and volatile compositions in waxy and non-waxy proso millet porridge by a headspace headspace solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) method in conjunction with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). We identified 8 fatty acids, 7 essential amino acids, and 59 volatile compounds from the proso millet. The results of principal component analysis (PCA) clearly demonstrated the profiles of waxy and non-waxy samples and it was observed that better clustering of waxy proso millet porridge can be achieved. There were also some correlations between fatty acids, amino acids and aroma substances. This study will provide the basis for the research of volatile components of proso millet and promote the application of proso millet in food industry.

Dose-dependent Spasmolytic, Bronchodilator, and Hypotensive Activities of Panicum miliaceum L.

Panicum miliaceum L. is a medicinally effective plant used in indigenous system of medicine for a variety of ailments. However, there is no comprehensive study explaining its effectiveness in gastrointestinal tract, respiratory, and cardiovascular system ailments. This study was designed to validate the pharmacological basis for the folkloric use of Panicum miliaceum L. in diarrhea, asthma, and hypertension. Panicum miliaceum extract was analyzed to detect the presence of bioactive compounds by HPLC. The isolated rabbit jejunum, trachea, and aorta were used for in vitro experiments using tissue bath assembly coupled with Power Lab data acquisition system to explore their relative effects. In-vivo experiments were performed for anti-diarrheal activity. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of gallic acid, butylated hydroxytoluene, catechin, and quercetin. Concentration dependent activities were observed by relaxing K+ (low) induced contractions having spasmolytic effect with EC50 = .358 ± .052, bronchodilator (EC50 = 2.483 ± .05793), and vasorelaxant (EC50 = .383 ± .063), probably due to the ATP dependent potassium channel activation. It was confirmed through pre-exposure of glibenclamide (specific ATP-dependent K+ channel blocker) having similarities with cromakalim. Pm.Cr revealed its antidiarrheal via in vivo experiments on rats. This study indicates that Panicum miliaceum has antidiarrheal, spasmolytic, bronchodilator, and vasorelaxant activities probably due to the ATP dependent K+ channel activation.

Heading percentage estimation in proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) using aerial imagery and deep learning

AbstractProso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.), one of the major cultivated millets, serves as a complement to major cereal crops due to its drought tolerance and low input demands. Timing of heading is one of the key agronomic traits associated with its adaptation to a target environment and a major focus in breeding. Conventionally, heading percentage of a plot (genotype) was rated visually by breeders in field. Despite many successful studies reported in automatic head detections in other small grain species, little progress had been made to estimate heading percentage especially when multiple tillers exist. This study aimed to develop a method for automatic proso millet panicle detection and, more importantly, heading percentage estimation using regular red‐green‐blue images collected by an unmanned aerial vehicle. Aerial images of two dates were collected at heading stage in 2020 in Scottsbluff, NE. Faster regions with convolutional neural network models were trained to detect and count proso millet panicles in each plot. Then, using a sigmoid model, the number of detected panicles was converted to heading percentage without having the information of stand count and the number of tillers. Overall, the system achieved the highest coefficient of determination of 0.728 for proso millet heading percentage estimation, and an accuracy of 92.4% in determining whether a plot reached a certain threshold of heading (50% in this study). The methods developed in this study on heading percentage estimation can directly aid in decision making in proso millet breeding and can be ultimately incorporated into an automated proso millet high‐throughput phenotyping pipeline.