Finger Millet Research Articles

Genetic structure of Ethiopian finger millet landraces and genome-wide association mapping for agronomic and nutritional traits

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana subsp. coracana) (2n = 4x = 36) remains one of the most important millets in East Africa (EA), where it was most likely domesticated along the highlands of Ethiopia and Uganda. The goal of the current study was to understand the population structure of the Ethiopian finger millet landraces and identify quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) and haplotypes associated with agronomic and nutritional traits. In a field evaluation across three environments, 448 genotypes were assessed for days to flowering (DTF), days to maturity (DTM), thousand seed weight (TSW), grain yield (GY), stay-green score (STG), and drought score (DrtSc). The harvested grain was analyzed for Fe and Zn contents. A subset of 391 genotypes was skim-sequenced, generating 24,112 high-quality SNPs that were employed for population structure, association mapping, and haplotype analysis. Seventy marker-trait associations were detected including 15 major QTNs with more than 30% phenotypic variance explained (PVE) for all traits except STG and GY. Pleiotropic major QTNs were identified for DTM/DTF and Fe/Zn on chromosomes 9B and 2B, respectively. Haplotype analysis of major QTNs identified 54 significant haplotype blocks and 2 additional haplotypes for a multidrug ABC transporter gene family like protein on chromosome 4A that was associated with PTH. Favorable haplotypes from pleiotropic DTM/DTF and Fe/Zn QTNs were present in 13 and 12 genotypes respectively, majority from Tigray region. Two genotypes from Tigray and one from Amhara harbored favorable haplotypes for DTM/DTF and Fe/Zn. These findings provide invaluable insights for targeted breeding to enhance finger millet resilience, nutritional profile, and yield.

Techno-economic Evaluation of Power Operated OUAT Finger Millet Thresher: A Case Study in Chhattisgarh, India

Finger millet is a nutritionally important and drought-tolerant crop widely cultivated across India, yet its traditional processing remains labor-intensive and time-consuming. This research addresses the need for mechanized solutions by evaluating a finger millet thresher (OUAT model) at KVK Kanker, IGKV. The investigation began with a comprehensive analysis of the physical and engineering properties of finger millet, which are critical for the effective design and development of threshing machinery. The tested thresher is an axial-flow driven by a 1 hp single-phase electric motor, and is equipped with a semi-circular concave, shaker mechanism, sieves, and an aspirator blower. Peg and canvas type threshing mechanism was used for threshing finger millet. To optimize operational performance and assess the influence of key parameters, Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed. the research determined that a 100 kg/h feed rate, 12 m/s peripheral speed, and 14% moisture content yielded maximum threshing efficiency (98.3%), while maximum cleaning efficiency (98.9%) was achieved at 60 kg/h feed rate, 7.5 m/s peripheral speed, and 10% moisture content, and the lowest broken grain percentage (1.3%) occurred at 120 kg/h feed rate, 12 m/s peripheral speed, and 14% moisture content; these findings offer valuable insights for enhancing farmer livelihoods.

Nutritional composition, antioxidant, and sensory characteristics of gluten-free biscuits produced from malted finger millet (Eleusine coracana) flours

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana) is a gluten-free and nutrient-rich cereal grain which has been recognised for its prospective health benefits. To promote the use of finger millet (FM), the impact of malting on the nutritional content, antioxidant, and sensory characteristics of light and dark brown FM biscuits was evaluated. The two varieties of FM grains were germinated for 0, 24, 48, and 72 h and kilned for 8 h at 30 °C. Malting time significantly increased the ash, fibre, protein and carbohydrate contents of FM biscuits while fat content decreased. Furthermore, malting increased the majority of the macro and micro minerals, polyphenols and antioxidant activity of light and dark brown FM biscuits. In terms of colour, malting time significantly decreased the L* values of both FM biscuits, while low a* and chroma values were only observed in light brown biscuits. Weight, diameter, thickness, and spread ratio significantly decreased (p < 0.05) with increased malting time in both FM biscuits. The hardness of the biscuits increased with the malting period with values varying from 762.53 to 1720.28 g (light brown) and 747.50 to 1918.71 g (dark brown). The panelists preferred gluten-free 24 h malted FM biscuits because they exhibited superior sensory attributes. Malted FM flour (up to 72 h) can be used to prepare nutritious, antioxidant-rich, and healthier gluten-free bakery products such as biscuits.

Kinetic and thermodynamic analyses of pyrolysis of finger millet (Eleusine coracana) straw through both model-free and model-based methods and application of ANN-based machine learning model to predict thermal degradation

Kinetic and thermodynamic analyses of pyrolysis of finger millet (Eleusine coracana) straw through both model-free and model-based methods and application of ANN-based machine learning model to predict thermal degradation

Characterization of sprouted pearl and finger millet incorporated spreads for enhanced nutrition

Characterization of sprouted pearl and finger millet incorporated spreads for enhanced nutrition

Plant development influences dynamic shifts in the root compartment microbiomes of wild and domesticated finger millet cultivars

BackgroundPlant-microbe interactions in the rhizosphere and endosphere are crucial for maintaining plant health and ecosystem dynamics. These interactions are shaped by several factors, including the plant’s developmental stage, domestication, and specific root compartments. Different plant cultivars influence unique microbial communities by secreting root exudates that either support beneficial symbionts or inhibit pathogens. This study examined the microbial community structures in the endosphere and rhizosphere of wild-type finger millet and five domesticated cultivars at two developmental stages.ResultsOur results revealed that the plant developmental stage, root compartment, and domestication significantly influence the root-associated microbiomes. Interestingly, only about 8% of the core microbiota was consistently shared between the soil and plants, indicating that 92% shifted dynamically depending on plant type and developmental stage. Pseudomonadota, Actinomycedota, and Bacteroidota were the dominant bacterial phyla, while Ascomycota and Basidiomycota were the primary fungal phyla across all samples, displaying distinct abundance patterns. Notably, an increase in Actinomycedota in the endosphere correlated with a reduction in Pseudomonadota. The most significant shifts in microbial community composition occurred in the rhizosphere during the flowering stage, primarily driven by the genus Pseudomonas. These findings demonstrate that plant developmental stages and domestication influence the recruitment of specific microbial taxa to meet the plant’s needs, particularly in various root compartments. This selective recruitment highlights the active role of plants in shaping their microbiomes, providing insights into the potential for manipulating these communities to enhance crop productivity sustainably.ConclusionOur results indicate that both the host developmental stage and domestication significantly influence the assembly and structure of the plant microbiome. Plant root compartments can selectively recruit specific taxa from associated core microbial communities to meet their needs, depending on the plant’s developmental stage and the particular root compartment involved. These findings demonstrate that the deterministic selection pressures exerted by plants during their growth and development greatly affect their microbial communities. This has important implications for developing sustainable farming practices, reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and enhancing future crop productivity.

Optimizing spacing, varietal selection and weed management for enhanced growth and yield of finger millet crop

An experimental trial was conducted during Kharif 2023 and 2024 at the research farm of the Advanced Centre for Rainfed Agriculture, Dhiansar, SKUAST-Jammu, to evaluate the impact of spacing, varieties and weed management practices on the productivity of finger millet. Among the tested spacings, 20 cm × 5 cm recorded the lowest total weed density and dry weight of weeds compared to 30 cm × 10 cm spacing. This closer spacing also resulted in higher crop growth and yield parameters, suggesting its suitability for enhancing productivity. However, while 20 cm × 5 cm spacing improved plant density and yield per unit area, it may also lead to increased competition for nutrients and moisture, necessitating balanced nutrient and water management for sustainable cultivation. Among the varieties tested, VL Mandua 379 exhibited significantly superior growth and yield performance. In terms of weed management, the application of Oxyfluorfen @ 80 g ha-1 as a pre-emergence herbicide followed by Bispyribac sodium @ 20 g ha-1 as a post-emergence herbicide effectively suppressed weed density and biomass, leading to significantly higher growth and yield. This treatment also recorded the maximum weed control efficiency and lowest weed index, highlighting its effectiveness in reducing weed competition. These findings emphasize the importance of optimized spacing, variety selection and integrated weed management in improving finger millet productivity under rainfed conditions in the Jammu region.

Direct Shoot Regeneration from the Finger Millet's In Vitro-Derived Shoot Apex and Genetic Fidelity Study with ISSR Markers.

Globally, people are cultivating finger millet, an important cereal, to improve food availability and health benefits for humans. However, the biotechnological research on this millet is limited and insufficient in this field. The primary focus of this study is to optimize an efficient regenerated protocol for initiating further plant transformation studies, using the shoot apex as an explant and various growth regulators. For example, three cytokinins (BAP, TDZ, and Kin) at different concentrations were used to induce multiple shoots of finger millet. Among these, TDZ (4.5 µM) provided the maximum number (17.3) of shoots as compared to BAP and Kin. IBA (2.46 µM), along with MS medium, was used for the induction of roots, where 5.6 roots were produced in an individual shoot and the length of the root was longer with a size of 8.2 cm after two weeks of incubation. The clonal fidelity of the in vitro regenerated plantlets of finger millet was confirmed by ISSR primers. Overall, the present work developed a robust and reliable procedure for the establishment of efficient and reproducible regeneration through the shoot apex that will be useful for the genetic improvement of this crop. The genetic enhancement of these millets as well as the successful creation of transgenic plant varieties modified for resistance to biotic and abiotic challenges in the near future would be aided by this study.

Induction of resistance by enhancing silicified cells against shoot fly and stem borer pests of barnyard (Echinochloa frumentacea) and finger millet (Eleusine coracana)

Field experiments were conducted at Annapannai, Kudumiyanmalai and Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai in barnyard and finger millets to explore the efficacy of organic and inorganic sources of silica against borer pests. The per cent dead heart damage due to shoot fly in barnyard millet ranged from 4.16 to 7.67 among the treatments, the lowest was recorded in the treatment with basal application of 75% of 60 kg of calcium silicate/ha along with Trichogramma chilonis 5 cc/ha. But the incidence of dead heart due to stem borer was significantly less in the treatment with basal application of 75% of 60 kg of silica/ha along with neem formulation 2 mL/L and release of Trichogramma chilonis (5.53%) which was on par with 50% of 60 kg of silica/ha along with application of neem formulation 2 mL/L and release of T. chilonis (5.57%) and basal application of 60 kg of silica as calcium silicate alone (5.72%). Similarly, the white ear incidence ranged from 4.97 to 13.86% among treatments. The lowest incidence was recorded in the treatment with basal application of either 75% of 60 kg of silica as calcium silicate/ha along with need-based application of neem formulation 2 mL/L and release of T. chilonis. The number of silicified cells (7.11 Nos./sq.cm) and phenol content (4.16 mg/g) were significant in the treatment using 60 kg of silicon as calcium silicate which was on par with 75% of 60 kg of silicon as calcium silicate with neem formulation 2 mL/L. Regarding yield of barnyard millet, yield varied from 0.65 to 1.82 t/ha, the maximum in the treatment with basal application of 75% of 60 kg of silica/ha along with application of neem formulation 2 mL/L and release of Trichogramma chilonis (1.82 t/ha) with BC ratio of 2.20. In finger millet also, the same trend was observed. Observation on dead heart damage due to stem borer was recorded on 40 DAT. The per cent damage ranged from 4.14 to 10.23 among the treatments. The lowest incidence of dead heart was recorded in the treatment with basal application of 60 kg of calcium silicate/ha (4.14%) which was on par with basal application of 75% of 60 kg of silica/ha along with application of neem formulation 2 mL/L and release of Trichogramma chilonis (4.57%) and 50% of 60 kg of silica/ha along with application of neem formulation 2 mL/L and release of T. chilonis (4.61%). Similarly, the white ear incidence ranged from 5.21 to 17.20% among treatments. The lowest incidence was recorded in the treatment with basal application of either 75% of 60 kg of silica as calcium silicate/ha along with need-based application of neem formulation 2 mL/L and release of T. chilonis. The number of silicified cells (5.07 nos./sq.cm) and phenol content (3.20 mg/g) were significant in the treatment using 60 kg of silicon as calcium silicate. In finger millet, yield was maximum in the treatment with basal application of 75% of 60 kg of silica/ha along with application of neem formulation 2 mL/L and release of T. chilonis (2.56 t/ha) with BC ratio of 2.10.

Identification and characterization of Eco-miR 169-EcNF-YA13 gene regulatory network reveal their role in conferring tolerance to dehydration and salinity stress in finger millet

The finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn) genome, comprised 166 conserved microRNAs (miRNAs) belonging to 39 families and three novel miRNAs. The miR169 is one of the most conserved miRNA families, while Eco_N1 is a species-specific miRNA prevalent in finger millet. Its members regulate the expression of genes encoding the Nuclear Factor-Y subunit A (NF-YA) via transcript cleavage. However, the role of miRNA genes in regulating the expression of NF-YA transcription factors in finger millet needs to be deciphered. The present study characterized 166 conserved and novel miRNAs (Eco_N1, Eco_N2 and Eco_N3). Further, secondary structures were predicted, and the potential miR genes targeting the NF-YA transcription factors regulating abiotic stress tolerance were analysed. Twenty-three Eco-miR169 members and one Eco_N1 miRNA targeting EcNF-YA13 were identified in the finger millet genome. The presence of relevant cis-elements such as ABRE (abscisic acid-responsive elements), DRE (dehydration-responsive element), and MYB (myeloblastosis) indicates that the target of Eco-miR169 might be involved in abiotic stress responses. The tissue-specific RNA-seq transcriptomic expression pattern of Eco-miR169 showed variable fold of expression in seedlings compared to the control. At the same time, the expression of EcNF-YA13 (target genes of Eco-miR169 members and Eco_N1) presented a downregulated trend under salinity and dehydration conditions compared to the control. Tissue-specific RNA-seq followed by expression analysis confirmed the antagonistic effect of Eco-miR genes on EcNF-YA13. In a nutshell, the results of this study could be utilized as a platform for further exploration and characterization of finger millet Eco-miR169-EcNF-YA13gene regulatory network.

Identification of quantitative trait loci for zinc deficiency tolerance in finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn) by linkage mapping and in silico analysis of candidate genes

Identification of quantitative trait loci for zinc deficiency tolerance in finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn) by linkage mapping and in silico analysis of candidate genes

Problem and Prospects of Finger Millet Production in India: A Review

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.), locally known as ragi or mandua, holds a significant agricultural and nutritional importance, especially in regions like southern India and hilly areas in the north. This grain boasts a unique composition with a five-layered testa and high dietary fiber content, making it a valuable source of protein (7.3g), carbohydrates (72g), minerals (2.7g), iron (3.9mg), calcium (344mg) and phosphorus (283mg). Despite its nutritional properties, finger millet cultivation has seen a decline in India over the past decades, primarily due to challenges such as drought, heat stress, low productivity, and limited access to certified seeds, Cultural Barriers, Market Support, and Research &amp; Innovation. Additionally, pests and diseases, notably blast caused by Magnaporthe oryzae, pose significant threats to yield. Looking ahead, finger millet holds promise as a climate-resilient crop, but research gaps persist, particularly in genomic resources and trait dissection. None the less, there is a growing resurgence of interest in millets globally due to their nutritional benefits and resilience to environmental stressors, driving efforts to promote their cultivation through improved varieties such as GPU-28 lead’s to significant production of ragi and agronomic practices. Moreover, implementing effective government policies, such as better market facilities and minimum support prices and effective nutrient management, bio fertilizer application, initiatives in fortified crop and stress resilient trait development research initiatives will incentivize farmers to cultivate finger millet.

Development of Moisture Sorption Isotherm and Mathematical Modeling of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana)

In the literature, only a limited number of studies have explored the sorption characteristics of finger millet-based products.Moisture sorption isotherms provide information on the interaction between food and the storage environment. The sorption isotherms of finger millet based food product were studied with dynamic vapor sorption method, isopiestic Method and static gravimetric methods at different temperatures ranging from 25–70◦C with humidity ranges from 5-100%. Additionally, no research has been conducted on whole grains concerning their storage for further processing. This study deals with the sorption properties of whole finger millet grains. Methodically, the equilibrium moisture content of whole finger millet grains was determined by the dynamic humidity chamber method. The Guggenheim–Andersen–de Boer (GAB), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), Henderson, and Halsey sorption models were applied to describe the relationship between detected water activity and equilibrium moisture content. The study was conducted at three different temperature levels of 25◦C, 30◦C, and 35◦C. The relative humidity ranged from 10% to 90%, with an increment of 10%. Thevalue of average R2 for each model is 0.9103, 0.7226, 0.9123 and 0.8853, respectively. Furthermore, a new mathematical model incorporating exponential and power-law (nonlinear) relationships was developed, achieving an average R2 value of 0.9720. Furthermore, this study validates the developed mathematical model for fitting sorption isotherms across different millet varieties and temperature levels. Experimental data from EX-BORNO millet were utilized for model validation. The results demonstrate high accuracy, with the coefficient of determination R2 values for adsorption at 30°C, 40°C, 50°C, 60°C, and 70°C recorded as 0.976, 0.968, 0.963, 0.951, and 0.977, respectively. Similarly, the R2 values for desorption at these temperatures were 0.978, 0.970, 0.963, 0.954, and 0.963. These findings confirm the robustness of the developed model in capturing moisture sorption behavior, providing a reliable tool for optimizing storage and processing conditions for millet. The developed mathematical model enhances the accuracy of moisture equilibrium predictions, facilitating the development of improved storage systems and drying strategies. These findings contribute to extending the shelf life and optimizing the processing efficiency of finger millet grains in the food industry. Additionally, this study offers a comprehensive analysis of the moisture sorption behavior of whole finger millet grains.

Effect of Organic Amendments and Micronutrient Foliar Application on Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L.) Productivity under Calcareous Soil of Tamil Nadu

Aims: To study the effect of organic amendments and micronutrient foliar sprays on the growth and yield of finger millet in calcareous soils, which suffer from low organic matter and limited availability of essential micro and macro nutrients, hindering crop growth and productivity. Study Design: Factorial Randomised Block Design. Place and Duration of Study: The field experiment was carried out during the rabi season from September 2024 – December 2024 at Instructional south farm in Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. Methodology: The field trial was laid out with three replications, and the treatments comprised soil amendments in factor (S) viz., S1- Pongamia seed cake @ 1.46 t ha-1 +100 %RDF, S2 - Neem seed cake @ 1.25 t ha-1 + 100 % RDF, S3- Castor seed cake @ t ha-1 + 100 % RDF, S4 - FYM @ 12.5 t ha-1 + 100 % RDF, S5- 100% RDF alone (Control) and foliar application of micronutrients in factor F viz., F1- Fe-EDTA 0.2% @ 30 and 45 DAS, F2- Zn-EDTA 0.5% @ 30 and 45 DAS, F3- Mn-EDTA 0.5% @ 30 and 45 DAS, F4- No spray (Control). Results: The results showed that the application of Pongamia seed cake @ 1.46 t ha-1+100% RDF + Fe-EDTA 0.2% @ 30 and 45 DAS significantly improved the physiological parameters, such as RGR and NAR, and the growth characteristics, such as LAI, number of leaves per plant, and stem girth, with higher grain yield (2891 kg ha-1) and straw yield (5752 kg ha-1).

Analysis of Genetic Diversity in Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L.)

The current study was conducted at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Shenda Park, Kolhapur during kharif, 2023-24. The investigation consists of thirty seven (37) genotypes of finger millet. These genotypes were evaluated on the basis of twelve morphological characters for the diversity analysis. The diversity analysis distributed all genotypes into twelve consecutive clusters using tochers method. The D2 values were computed as inter and intra cluster distance which ranged from 46.37 to 1613.13. The highest value was seen between clusters X and XII, while the lowest value was found between clusters II and IX (46.37). Cluster X and XII (1613.13), Cluster IX and X (1498.81), Cluster III and XII (1359.00) had the largest inter-cluster distance, hence the genotypes present in this cluster viz., KFMG-2234, KFMG-2235, KFMG-2236, KFMG-2237, KFMG-2216, KFMG-2208 and KFMG-2208 could use in breeding programs to exploit the heterosis in terms of the hybrid progeny. The character productive tillers per plant, weight of 1000 grains, flag leaf blade width and peduncle length contribute mostly to the divergence. So the selection of parents can also rely on these characters in a breeding programme.

Traditional ritual musicking as a medium for communicating ideals for social cohesion among the Zezuru communities of Zimbabwe

The paper interrogates how musicking and other ritual activities in traditional ceremonies help mitigate social disparities and discontent among the Zezuru people of Zimbabwe. The paper presents views and constructions on how these ceremonies and their associated musical practices act as sources of social cohesion and contribute to the sustainability of a society&amp;rsquo;s hegemony and social fabric. The discussion is grounded in field notes collected from culture bearers in Chikoma district through a qualitative ethnographic study of performances during the Zezuru traditional ceremonies, such as the ritual for cleansing the deceased&amp;rsquo;s spirit (kurova guva), finger millet threshing event (jakwara), and the rain-making ceremony (mukwerera). Findings indicated that musicking, as an integral part of these rituals, plays a crucial role in instilling the spirit of oneness (unhu/ubuntu) among community members. Elements such as dance (kutamba), singing (kuimba), ululating (kupururudza), spirit possession (kusvikirwa), and instrument playing (kuridza) form a sonic nexus in which participants engage collectively, reinforcing social harmony beyond the ceremonial context. The involvement in musicking during these ceremonies also helps resolve social and political tensions within the community. Community leaders, including spirit mediums, kraal heads, and chiefs, act as gatekeepers for these traditional ceremonies and strive profusely to uphold their significance by enforcing norms, values, and continued reverence for the ceremonies. However, these efforts face challenges from external influences such as Christianity, migration, urbanization, and modern technology, which threaten the continuity of these cultural practices.

Review on Nutritional and Functional Benefits of Replacing Refined Wheat Flour with Millet Flour in Bakery Products

The replacement of refined wheat flour with millet flour in bakery products has gained significant attention due to the potential nutritional and functional benefits. This review aims to evaluate the comprehensive impact of millet flour substitution on the quality, nutritional profile, and consumer acceptability of bakery products. Millet flours, including finger millet, pearl millet, and foxtail millet, kodo millet, sorghum millet, barnyard millet, little millet, proso millet are rich in dietary fiber, essential minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, offering superior nutritional and dietary benefits compared to refined wheat flour. The functional properties of millet flour, such as water absorption, dough rheology, and baking performance, are critically examined to understand their influence on the texture, flavor, and shelf-life of bakery products. the most important aspect of nutrition is protein which is found in good amount in all kind of millets here are the content of protein percentage in different kind of millets, Pearl millet 8 -18, Finger millet 7.7 – 12.3, Foxtail millet 8 -12, Proso millet 10 – 15, Little millet 7 – 12, Kodo millet 8 – 11, Barnyard millet 6 – 11. Additionally, the potential health benefits associated with millet consumption, including improved glycemic control and reduced risk of chronic diseases, are discussed. The review also addresses consumer perceptions and acceptance of millet-based bakery products, highlighting sensory evaluations and market trends. Technological challenges and solutions for incorporating millet flour into bakery products are explored, providing insights into processing techniques and formulation adjustments. Furthermore, the economic and environmental implications of transitioning to millet flour are assessed, emphasizing sustainable agriculture and food security. This comprehensive evaluation underscores the promise of millet flour as a viable alternative to refined wheat flour in enhancing the nutritional and functional quality of bakery products.

Response of organic and inorganic sources of nitrogen on growth and yield of finger millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn.) under rainfed condition

Response of organic and inorganic sources of nitrogen on growth and yield of finger millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn.) under rainfed condition

Enhancing finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) productivity through organic nutrient management: A review

Enhancing finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) productivity through organic nutrient management: A review

Effect of Hydrogel and Zinc on growth and yield of Finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.)

Effect of Hydrogel and Zinc on growth and yield of Finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.)