Echinochloa Utilis Research Articles

Antibacterial Agent of Echinochloa esculenta-Mediated ZnO Nanoparticles on Urinary Infection-Causing Bacteria

Background: Echinochloa esculenta is the Indian Barnyard millet which is a grass type of species. This study focused on the evaluation of the antibacterial activity of Echinochloa esculenta-mediated zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) against urinary tract infection (UTI) microbes, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), Enterobacter aerogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Proteus vulgaris. Methods: The millet Echinochloa esculenta-mediated ZnONPs are synthesized using a green method. Synthesized ZnONPs are characterized by ultraviolet (UV), Fourier transform-infrared resonance spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) to determine the functional groups, crystalline size, shape, and elemental composition of the synthesized NPs. Results: The UV and FTIR results of Echinochloa esculenta-mediated ZnONPs preliminarily confirmed the formation of ZnONPs. The XRD and SEM results also confirmed that the synthesized ZnONPs are well-crystalline in nature, and the average size was observed to be 23.38 nm with a spherical shape. Echinochloa esculenta-mediated ZnONPs contained 73.33% of zinc and 26.77% of oxygen, which was examined by EDX. Synthesized ZnONPs were tested against the five UTI pathogens, and they exhibited a greater zone of inhibitions than zinc acetate and plant extract. Especially against S. aureus, Echinochloa esculenta-mediated ZnONPs performed well with an inhibitory effect. Conclusions: Therefore, this study had the potential value of developing new eco-friendly, low-cost, and less toxic nanomaterials that can be used as a bio-control for diseases.

Elicitation of nutritional, antioxidant, and antidiabetic potential of barnyard millet (Echinochloa esculenta (A. Braun) H. Scholz) sprouts and microgreens through in vitro bio-accessibility assessment

This study has redirected focus towards the untapped potential of millets, exploring their utilization as small-scale vegetables like sprouts and microgreens. This study assessed the metabolite profiles and therapeutic efficacy of barnyard millets as sprouts and microgreens for antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and bioaccessibility properties. Based on the study, sprouts contained 456.52 mg GE/g of starch and microgreens contained 470.04 mg GE/g of carbohydrates, whereas the gastric phase of microgreens showed 426.85 mg BSAE/g, 397.6 mg LE/g, 348.19 g RE/g, and 307.40 g AAE/g of proteins, amino acids, vitamin A and vitamin C respectively. Secondary metabolites were significantly concentrated in the microgreen stage which is responsible for their increased antioxidant and antidiabetic potential than sprouts. This study validated the therapeutic and nutritional value of millet sprouts and microgreens by demonstrating their significant nutritional composition.

Utilization of thermal indices for production of nutri-cereals in non-traditional areas of Bihar

An experiment was conducted during summer seasons of 2017 and 2018 on clay-loam soil of the ICAR-Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna, Bihar, to study the performance of different nutri-cereals and their heat-unit requirements to complete their phenological cycles. Significantly higher grain yield, i.e. 1.92, 1.76 and 1.53 t/ha, was achieved in barnyard millet (Echinochloa esculenta (A. Braun) H. Scholz) followed by sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] and pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.], respectively. Whereas the higher straw and biological yields were observed in sorghum (8.91 and 10.8 t/ha), pearl millet (7.14 and 8.67 t/ha) and little millet (Panicum sumatrense Roth ex Roem. & Schult.) (5.50 and 6.67 t/ha). Barnyard millet also showed the maximum crop productivity (24 kg/ha/day). Remarkably higher biomass productivity was noted in sorghum (114.7 kg/ha/day), followed by pearl millet and little millet (96.3 and 85.5 kg/ha/day). Pearl millet (702.9°C-day) accumulated the minimum growing degree-days (GDD) to attain 50% flowering. Further, pearl millet (4,111. 4°C day-hr) being at par with proso-millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) (4,280.3°C day-hr) and little millet (4,295.7°C day hr) attained significantly lower heliothermal units (HTU) to reach 50% flowering. Barnyard millet (1.25 kg/ha °C-day), followed by sorghum and pearl millet (1.01 and 0.91 kg/ha °C-day) acquired considerably higher HUE for grain production. Sorghum (6.11 kg/ha °C-day) followed by pearl millet (5.17 kg/ha °C-day) and little millet (4.48 kg/ha °Cday) captured significantly maximum HUE for biomass production. Our results indicated that, cultivation of nutri-cereals such as barnyard millet, sorghum, pearl millet and little millet is a viable option to utilize the fallow period (summer season) for achieving the nutritional security and realizing the livelihood improvement in this region.

Functional and Tableting Properties of Alkali-Isolated and Phosphorylated Barnyard Millet (Echinochloa esculenta) Starch.

The functional and tableting properties of barnyard millet starch (Echinochloa esculenta) were investigated in its native (alkali-treated) and chemically modified (phosphorylated) states. The grains were pulverized, soaked, and ground before filtration to separate starch and protein. Multiple NaOH treatments were performed. The starch was washed, neutralized, and dried. Sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) and sodium sulfate were used to modify the starch, followed by maceration, washing, and drying to remove unreacted chemicals. The amylose content of alkali-treated barnyard millet starch increased by 19.96 ± 3.56% w/w. The amount of protein, the kind of starch used, and the size of the starch granules, all affected the ability of the starch granules to swell up. It was observed that alkali-extracted barnyard millet starch (AZS) has a swelling power of 194.3 ± 0.0064% w/w. The swelling capacity of treated starch was lesser as compared to the native alkali barnyard millet starch. Decrement in swelling power of phosphorylated starch was observed due to tightening of bonds in the molecular structure. The moisture content of the excipients may affect the overall stability of the formulation. The moisture content of the AZS was found to be 15.336 ± 1.012% w/w. Compared to AZS, cross-linked barnyard millet starch had a moisture content that was up to 20% lower than AZS. The Hausner ratio for phosphorylated starch was found to be 1.25, which indicates marked flow property. Similar morphologies could be seen in the alkali-isolated barnyard millet starch and the cross-linked/phosphorylated barnyard millet that was cross-linked using a mixture of sodium sulfate and sodium tripolyphosphate. The modest degree of substitution would have no effect on the surface morphology as shown by the scanning electron microscopic study. The crushing and compacting abilities of modified barnyard millet starch were also improved, but its friability and rate of disintegration were decreased. The whole study revealed that after cross-linking, barnyard millet had good tableting properties and it can be used as an excipient in drug delivery.

Use of six annual companion crops to establish alfalfa–timothy mixtures at different seeding dates

AbstractOat (Avena sativa L.) is the main species used as a companion crop when establishing perennial forages in eastern Canada, and, although other annual species are used, they have not been systematically evaluated. A field study was conducted across five environments to contrast the use of six annual species (berseem clover, Trifolium alexandrinum L.; forage peas, Pisum sativum L.; annual ryegrass, Lolium multiflorum Lamarck; oat; Japanese millet, Echinochloa esculenta [A. Braun] H. Scholz; sudangrass, Sorghum × drummondii [Nees ex. Steud.] Millsp. & Chase) as companion crops for the establishment of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)‐timothy (Phleum pratense L.) mixtures. The control treatment consisted of the perennial species seeded without companion crop. Treatments were seeded at three dates and evaluated during the seeding and post‐seeding years. The performance of the six companion crops evaluated herein varied depending on the seeding date and the environment. For a mid‐May to early June seeding total seeding year forage mass was greatest with use of oat, Japanese millet, or sudangrass as companion crops; for a mid‐June to late June seeding with Japanese millet or sudangrass; and for a late July to early August seeding with oat or Japanese millet. These species, however, reduced in some environments seeding year alfalfa or timothy mass compared to a control seeded without a companion crop. Such reduction was also observed in some environments in the first post‐seeding year. Companion crop choice to establish alfalfa–timothy mixtures needs to take into consideration seeding date and forage needs on the short term versus the long term.

Pathogenicity and infection behaviour of Exserohilum rostratum on wheat and associated collateral hosts

Exserohilum leaf spot is a newly arising fungal disease that primarily affects monocots. The isolate collected from diseased wheat leaves produced typical dark brown lesions upon inoculation to healthy plants. Thirty-two plant species of 14 families were evaluated for susceptibility to Exserohilum rostratum as a potential pathogen. The artificial inoculation using detached leaf assay showed symptoms on major cereals like Triticum aestivum, Oryza sativa, Echinochloa esculenta, Panicum miliaceum and Eleusine coracana. The symptoms were reddish-brown in members belonging to Poaceae. Histopathological studies revealed that conidia produce the appressoria within 24 h and penetrate the host through stomata or epidermal cells after germination. Study shows that collateral hosts serve as an infection reservoir, allowing it to survive without its primary host. These secondary hosts aid the pathogen in continuing the infection cycle and spreading the disease. The infections on major cereals like wheat and rice indicate its importance as an emerging plant pathogen.

Development and validation of microsatellite markers for Barnyard Millet obtained by partial genome assembly

Barnyard millet (Echinochloa esculenta L.)  is grown for human consumption as well as fodder. Barnyard millet is the second most important small millet after finger millet. An Ion S5 Next Generation Sequencer (NGS) was used to sequence the 400bp DNA library of barnyard millet to obtain a draft genome and for mining of microsatellite markers. The De novo assembly yielded assembled reads of 59,67,79,933 bp with 11,39,481 contigs. A total of 46,157 SSRs were identified from 11,39,481 contigs examined. The number of sequences containing SSR were 41,591 and the number of sequences containing more than 1 SSRs were 3,867.  Fifteen SSR markers were validated among the 30 accessions of barnyard millet. The average percentage polymorphism of markers was 66.54 % with average polymorphism information content (PIC) of 0.28 and average SSR primer index (SPI) of 0.57.  These microsatellite markers can be used for fine linkage mapping and genes/QTLs tagging for genetic improvement of target traits in barnyard millet and related crops.&nbsp

Chemical, functional, rheological and structural properties of broken rice–barnyard millet–green gram grits blend for the production of extrudates

AbstractBroken rice is an underutilized by‐product of the rice milling industry. It was added with green gram and barnyard millet to investigate as a source of nutrition‐based value‐added food product. The study was carried out to examine the influence of formulated composite flour obtained from broken rice (Oryza sativa) (50%–80%), barnyard millet (Echinochloa esculenta) (10%–30%), and green gram (Vigna radiata) (10%–30%) on the chemical properties, functional properties, pasting properties, oscillatory test, flour behavior, and microstructure of extrudate. The ash, crude fiber, crude protein, fat, and carbohydrate of the extrudate ranged from 1.62%–1.78%, 1.88%–2.43%, 13.47%–14.57%, 4.9%–7.48%, and 66.86%–70.8%, respectively. The water absorption index (WAI) and water solubility index (WSI) for the flour ranged from 5.06%–6.18 g/g and 2.34%–3.99%. The formulated composite flours having a higher percentage of broken rice showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in their pasting properties, pasting temperature, peak viscosity, breakdown viscosity, and setback and final viscosity. The pasting properties gave better results using a twin‐screw extruder with operating conditions of barrel temperature of 110°C, screw speed of 290 rpm, and 14% moisture content (w.b.). The microstructure of the extrudate obtained from 80% broken rice, 10% barnyard millet, and 10% green gram grits flour possessed a more integrated, well‐defined porosity, indicating a completely gelatinized structure.Practical applicationDetermination of biochemical, structural, and rheological properties of ingredients are essential for the production desirable ready‐to‐eat snacks. In this context, the present study evaluated the functional and rheological properties of broken rice–barnyard millet–green gram blend for the production of nutritious snacks with desirable physical and textural properties. The findings of the study would be useful for food products industries using millets and broken rice as a major raw material.

Critical period of weed control in an interseeded system of corn and alfalfa

AbstractAlfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) hectares in Michigan are declining partly due to reliance on corn (Zea mays L.) silage as a continuous feed source. By interseeding corn and alfalfa, farmers can replace the low alfalfa yield in the establishment year with corn silage while simultaneously establishing alfalfa. A randomized split-block field study was conducted in East Lansing, MI, over 3 yr (2019 to 2021) to determine the critical period of weed control (CPWC) in the interseeded corn and alfalfa system using two corn hybrids with differing leaf architecture (pendulum vs. upright). Whole plots were assigned to corn hybrids interseeded with alfalfa, and subplots were assigned to a surrogate weed, Japanese millet [Echinochloa esculenta (A. Braun) H. Scholz], for the duration of competition treatments. Weed-free and weedy plots were included as controls. At the end of the interseeding year, corn was harvested, while alfalfa was harvested the following year. The CPWC is made up of two components: the critical timing of weed removal (CTWR) and the critical weed-free period (CWFP). Corn hybrid had no impact on the CTWR or CWFP for interseeded corn or alfalfa. Averaged across hybrids, the CTWR was 303 growing degree days (GDD), and CWFP was estimated to be greater than the study duration. The CTWR in the first cutting of alfalfa was estimated to be 369 GDD. The CWFP was estimated to be 394 GDD for a 5% acceptable yield loss for the first alfalfa cutting. Identification of the CPWC in the interseeded system will increase adoption and interest in other interseeded systems that can mitigate potential negative environmental and economic impacts of monoculture agriculture.

Formulation and Analysis of Nutrients, Antioxidants and Phytonutrients in Millet Barfi Using Finger and Barnyard Millets Incorporated With (Cardiospermum Halicacabum and Ocimum Tenuiflorum)

Barfi has a high nutritional value such as calcium and proteins with higher biological value. It also provides almost all necessary essential oils to maintain good health. In this study, Barfi was prepared with calcium rich millets and antioxidant-rich medicinal plants in different concentrations. The millets such as Eleusine coracana and Echinochloa esculenta was used to prepare barfi. Eleusine coracana is the ragi in Indian region which contains a high amount of calcium, a protein with well-balanced essential amino acid composition along with Vitamin A, Vitamin B and phosphorous. Echinochloa esculenta is a Japanese millet with good source of highly digestible protein and the least caloric dense compared to all other cereals. The herbals used in this study to enhance the millet barfi was Cardiospermum halicacabum and Ocimum tenuiflorum. The phytochemical and the antioxidant activity of the herbal extracts were performed before inducing them into the barfi. The formulation of the millet barfi was done in the manmade traditional technique. The nutritional tests in terms of fat, protein, and the physiochemical properties such as pH, moisture content of the barfi were also analyzed. The shelf life of the millet barfi enhanced with plant extracts was analyzed through microbial analysis. These parameters were tested in the storage interval of 0, 5, and 10 days which was stored at the refrigerator. The study aims to prepare the calcium-rich unpolished millet barfi enhanced with herbs. Keywords: Millet Barfi, Eleusine coracana, Echinochloa esculenta, Ocimum tenuiflorum, Antioxidant, Physiochemical

Growth Rate and Biomass Accumulation in Forage Maize (Zea mays), Forage Millet (Echinochloa utilis), Elephant Grass (Pennisetum purpureum) and Gamba Grass (Andropogon gayanus)

Background: Understanding the biomass accumulation and growth rate of the forages to feed the animal throughout the year is critical for improved earnings and long-term livestock production. This was found in forage maize (Zea mays), forage millet (Echinochloa utilis), elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) and Gamba grass (Andropogon gayanus). The experiment was place at Federal University Oye Ekiti in Ekiti State, Nigeria, in latitude N 07° 48.308, longitude E 005° 29.573 and elevation 548.4 meters above sea level, with an annual rainfall of 1778 mm. Methods: Planting four rows in a complete randomized design (CRD with four replications) was used to test the forage crops. Before planting, the soil in the experimental field had 49.96% organic matter and 33.59% after the crops were harvested. During the growth season, Pennisetum purpereum had the maximum plant height and sward height. Result: The Zea mays plant had the maximum leaf breadth (5.44 cm at 8 weeks) and the most leaves. Zea mays had the largest biomass accumulation (BC) of 113.80% after 8 weeks, followed by Andropogon gayanus with 67.15 per cent, Pennisetum purpureum with 56.24 per cent and Echinochloa utilis with 51.63%. Although there were no significant differences p£0.05 in the crude protein levels of the different species, samples from the latest cuts (8th week) had the greatest crude protein content (11.88% in Andropogon gayanus). Crude protein levels were shown to rise in lockstep with grass growth. Although there was no significant difference between the grass species, the crude fibre content of the three grass species was discovered to vary with the growth phase. The greatest fibre content of 13.58% in Zea mays was reported during the 6th week, which might be attributable to lignin encrustation in grasses that were harvested late. All of the plant samples of crops showed the same irregular pattern in crude fiber, moisture content and fat content, with no significant variance.

A study on incorporation of water chestnut (Eleocharis dulcis) flour and barnyard millet (Echinochloa esculenta) flour in samosa sheets to prepare high-fiber ready to eat samosa

With the aim to prepare high fibre and low gluten ready-to-eat samosa, the refined wheat flour (RWF) used for samosa sheet preparation was fortified with water chestnut flour (WCNF) and barnyard millet flour (BMF), precisely 25% (R1), 30%(R2) and 35% (R3). The effect of incorporation was studied on water used (ml), dough development time (DDT), gluten content, elasticity, stickiness, spread ratio (SR), spreadibility factor (Sf) and air frying time (AFT) for all samples. The results displayed an increase in the water used in the process from 88 ml to 140 ml with decreased DDT (8.05 ± 0.4 to 7.08 ± 0.2 min) from sample R to R3 respectively. Gluten formation decreased from 10.26 ± 1.08% in sample R to 4.89 ± 0.89 in R1 and 2.06 ± 1.02% in R2 while there was no gluten formation in R3. Elasticity and stickiness were done on sensorial basis. SR were 3.25, 46.47 and 90.21 & 357.85, Sf were 64.99, 85.50, 110.73 and 131.35 with AFT at 180 ºC to be 18, 15, 13 and 10 min for sample R, R1, R2 & R3 respectively. Sensory evaluation of product revealed no significant difference (p>0.05) in the sensory attributes due to incorporation of WCNF and BMF as a healthy replacement for high cholesterol and high gluten traditional samosa.

Hypoxia tolerance of four millet species is attributable to constitutive aerenchyma formation and root hair development of adventitious roots

ABSTRACT The purpose was to elucidate the hypoxia tolerance mechanism of millet species by focusing on the oxygen acquisition mechanism of adventitious roots. Brachiaria ramosa, Echinochloa utilis, Eragrostis tef, and Setaria italica were used. Thirty-day old plants were hydroponically cultivated for 28 days as the control, where aeration was continued and a hypoxia treatment was applied, where nitrogen gas was flushed to reduce the oxygen concentration. From the stress susceptibility index based on plant growth rate, it was clarified that E. utilis and E. tef had higher hypoxia tolerance than B. ramosa and S. italica. Root growth rate, nitrogen concentration of leaves and stems, and sodium concentration per plant of the higher hypoxia-tolerant species did not change with hypoxia treatment. In hypoxia-susceptible millet species, the root growth rate and nitrogen concentration in the leaf and stem decreased, and the sodium concentration in the whole plant increased. The proportion of the stele area of the adventitious root of the hypoxia-tolerant millet species was smaller than that of the hypoxia-susceptible millet species, and the lysigenous aerenchyma was constitutively developed. Furthermore, root hairs were observed near the root tip in the hypoxia-tolerant millet species. In conclusion, we deduced that the hypoxia tolerance of the millet species is mainly attributable to the supply of oxygen to the root tip via the lysigenous aerenchyma along the adventitious root. Lower oxygen consumption by a smaller proportion of the stele area might be an important genetic trait. Furthermore, root hair may contribute to nutrient absorption.

Response of Cover Crops to Phytopythium vexans, Phytophthora nicotianae, and Rhizoctonia solani, Major Soilborne Pathogens of Woody Ornamentals

Management of plant diseases is a subject of concern for researchers as well as growers. Different management practices are being developed and used to combat the rising number of plant pathogens, which threaten nursery crop production. Use of cover crops for sustainable management of soilborne diseases is being explored as an alternative strategy to the chemicals. However, the potential threat of these cover crops acting as a secondary host of these devastating soilborne pathogens has not been described. We studied the response of the major cover crops being used by woody ornamental growers in the Southeastern United States to Phytopythium vexans, Phytophthora nicotianae, and Rhizoctonia solani in greenhouse conditions to identify the effective cover crops that can be used in a nursery field production system. Data related to post-emergence damping-off and plant growth parameters (plant height increase and fresh weight) were recorded. Similarly, cover crop roots were assessed for root rot disease severity using a scale of 0–100% roots affected. Among the tested cover crops, the grass cover crops triticale (×Triticosecale Wittm. ex A. Camus.), annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.), Japanese millet (Echinochloa esculenta (A. Braun) H. Scholz), and the legumes Austrian winter pea (Pisum sativum var. arvense (L.) Poir) and cowpea ‘Iron and Clay’ (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.), showed lower root rot disease severity and post-emergence damping-off in the soil inoculated with P. nicotianae, R. solani, or P. vexans compared to the other crops. Since these cover crops can act as non-host crops and benefit the main crop in one way or another, they can be used in the production system. Further research is recommended to evaluate their performance in a natural field setting.

Old and new nomenclatural combinations for <em>Echinochloa esculenta</em> (Japanese millet) and <em>E. frumentacea</em> (Indian millet) (Poaceae)

Echinochloa esculenta and E. frumentacea are crops derived from the wild E. crus-galli and E. colona respectively. They are currently treated at the species rank, although different infraspecific ranks have been proposed for both taxa in the past. After some considerations on domestication of Japanese and Indian millets, we propose to follow the concept by Harlan and De Wet, which implies the subspecific rank for the domesticated plants. Accordingly, the existing combination for Echinochloa esculenta is recovered and a new combination for E. frumentacea is here established.

Influence of γ‐irradiation on antioxidant, thermal and rheological properties of native and irradiated whole grain millet flours

SummaryMillets of different types like Barnyard (Echinochloa utilis), Finger (Eleusine coracana), Foxtail (Setaria italic), Kodo (Paspalum setaceum) Little (Panicum sumatrense), Pearl (Pennisetum glaucum) and Proso millets (Penicum miliaceum) are staple foods for Indian and African diets. The germination, fungal and microbial contamination leads to postharvest losses mainly due to poor warehouse storage in Asia and Africa. Six millet varieties conditioned at 12% and 14% moisture content and irradiated at a dosage of 2.5 and 5 kGy and then milled into flours. The flour was analysed for composition, antioxidant and the rheological and thermal properties. Pearl, Proso, Finger Kodo at 12% moisture contents showed significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase in Phenolic contents at 2.5 kGy level of irradiation treatments compared with native and 5% irradiation treatment level. The DPPH activity showed an interesting results (42.77–72.65%) with wide variation and a mixed trend of high and low results with irradiation. Thermal transition temperatures showed that the irradiation decreased the transition temperatures primarily due to loss of the crystalline and amorphous starch structure due to radiation that lead to rapid water uptake and shorter time to reach peak viscosity. We are further studying the application of the irradiated flours in different food products to understand the influence of irradiation on nutritional, sensory and functional properties in cereal‐based products.

Growth Characteristics of Summer Cover Crop Grasses and their Relation to Soil Aggregate Stability and Wind Erosion Control in Arid Southwest

HighlightsFour summer cover crops under two irrigation regimes were tested for soil wind erosion control.Soil aggregate stability and wind erosion losses were improved with plant cover in the peak summer.Sorghum sudan is a prominent summer species for wind erosion control in the arid southwest. Abstract. Cover crops can have significant impacts on minimizing soil erosion by wind, which is a common problem in the arid southwest. A study was conducted at NMSU Leyendecker Plant Science Center, Las Cruces, New Mexico, to evaluate the impacts of selected summer cover crops on soil loss during wind erosion events. Four summer grass species [Japanese millet (Echinochloa esculenta), pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), brown top millet (Urochloa ramosa (L.) Nguyen), and sorghum sudangrass (Sorghum bicolor × S. bicolor var. Sudanese)] were randomly assigned to four blocks under two irrigation regimes (full-irrigation and deficit-irrigation). Results showed significant effect of grasses on horizontal soil flux compared to control under both irrigation regimes. When comparing the grasses, sorghum sudan grass performed better than the other tested summer cover crops for soil surface protection from wind erosion with its higher ground coverage, higher plant density, taller plant height and higher amount of biomass, while brown top millet was least effective in terms of plant and erosion control characteristics (P=0.05). Pearl millet and Japanese millet performed better than brown top millet, but was as effective as sorghum sudan as barriers against the wind erosion. Therefore, sorghum sudan is a prominent cover crop for summer in the arid zones of desert southwest. Producers of this region can be significantly benefited from the current research recommendations about cover crops choices for summer season. Keywords: Arid climates, Cover cropping, Summer grasses, Wind erosion control.

Conjoint Analysis for Optimizing the Level of Ingredients in Millet and Pulse based Ready-To-Eat (RTE) Extruded Product

The present study was performed using conjoint analysis for optimizing the ingredients level in the development of millet and pulse-based Ready-To-Eat (RTE) extruded products. Conjoint analysis is a multivariate technique used to understand the preference of the product by the consumer, and it is helpful to formulate the prediction about the different ingredient levels in the product. Also, it is called “Trade-off analysis”. The experimental design of treatments with several card ID lists about 9 numbers with different levels of ingredients used for developing the extruded product. The primary level of raw material was barnyard millet (Echinochloa esculenta) (40 %, 50 %, 60 %), chickpea (Cicer arietinum) (10 %, 20%, 30%) and Maize Zea mays (40 %, 50%, 60%). These principle levels of ingredients give more combinations so sensory panel members may give irresponsible and inappropriate results. The statistical tool conjoint analysis will reduce the number of treatments for optimizing the product. The selection of ingredients level in the development of millet and pulse based RTE extruded products was based on relative importance and utility estimate of quality attributes, which was given by conjoint analysis software program through panelist rank for sensory attributes using of 9 point hedonic scale. Hence, the ingredients combinations were found to be barnyard millet (60%), chickpea (20 %), and Maize (40 %). These combinations were optimized based on their higher level of relative importance and utility estimate.

Barnyard Millet for Food and Nutritional Security: Current Status and Future Research Direction.

Barnyard millet (Echinochloa species) has become one of the most important minor millet crops in Asia, showing a firm upsurge in world production. The genus Echinochloa comprises of two major species, Echinochloa esculenta and Echinochloa frumentacea, which are predominantly cultivated for human consumption and livestock feed. They are less susceptible to biotic and abiotic stresses. Barnyard millet grain is a good source of protein, carbohydrate, fiber, and, most notably, contains more micronutrients (iron and zinc) than other major cereals. Despite its nutritional and agronomic benefits, barnyard millet has remained an underutilized crop. Over the past decades, very limited attempts have been made to study the features of this crop. Hence, more concerted research efforts are required to characterize germplasm resources, identify trait-specific donors, develop mapping population, and discover QTL/gene (s). The recent release of genome and transcriptome sequences of wild and cultivated Echinochloa species, respectively has facilitated in understanding the genetic architecture and decoding the rapport between genotype and phenotype of micronutrients and agronomic traits in this crop. In this review, we highlight the importance of barnyard millet in the current scenario and discuss the up-to-date status of genetic and genomics research and the research gaps to be worked upon by suggesting directions for future research to make barnyard millet a potential crop in contributing to food and nutritional security.

The influence of pH on the sodium removal rates of three crops grown in a brewery effluent treatment system

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea), saltbush (Atriplex nummularia) and Japanese millet (Echinochloa esculenta) were grown in recirculating hydroponic systems to determine their capacity to remove sodium from brewery effluent (BE). Each treatment was irrigated with post-anaerobically digested effluent, where the pH was either adjusted to 6.5 or unadjusted. The irrigation solutions from the hydroponic systems planted with saltbush had the lowest concentration of sodium (708.54 ± 6.18 mg/l), whereas the systems planted with millet and cabbage had a similar sodium concentration (729.01 ± 5.17 mg/l). The pH adjustment of BE significantly decreased the sodium leaf content of cabbages, saltbush and millet plants by an average of 633.33 mg/kg. This could have been due to two reasons; firstly the addition of H + would decrease the ratio of Na/positively charged ions thus, decreasing the sodium electrochemical gradient between the root plasma and rhizosphere; and secondly, the addition of H + may enhance sodium efflux. Halophytes such as saltbush have been shown to assimilate sodium from soil water complexes. Saltbush planted hydroponic systems resulted in the lowest increase in effluent sodium concentration which corresponded to saltbush leaf tissue having the highest sodium concentration. However, the sodium concentration in all hydroponic systems increased during each cycle. The rate of sodium assimilation into the halophyte plant tissue was slower than the concentrating effect caused by evapotranspiration, which accounted for the increase in sodium in all the treatments. Hydroponic systems, which aim to remove sodium from effluent, need to be designed to minimize evaporation.