The performance of seed metering mechanisms in planters is strongly influenced by the physical and engineering properties of seeds, which affect seed flow, singulation and placement uniformity. This study evaluated nine crop seeds—paddy, maize, groundnut, wheat, soybean, chickpea, linseed, mustard and finger millet—representing large, medium and small seed categories, with three varieties of each crop. The measured parameters included seed length, breadth and thickness, arithmetic and geometric mean diameters, sphericity, surface area, volume, thousand grain mass, moisture content, true density, bulk density, angle of repose and coefficient of static friction. The results showed considerable variability among crops and varieties. Groundnut recorded the greatest mean seed length (12.9 mm), followed by maize (9.25 mm) and paddy (8.08 mm), whereas finger millet had the smallest seed dimensions. Soybean showed relatively high sphericity, with a mean value of about 0.80, indicating a more rounded seed shape. Thousand grain mass differed markedly among crops, with groundnut showing the highest variability (standard deviation 59.87 g), while mustard and finger millet recorded the lowest mean values. Density, angle of repose and coefficient of friction also varied among crop groups, indicating differences in hopper filling, seed flow and interaction with planter components. Groundnut exhibited the lowest angle of repose, suggesting comparatively better flowability, while wheat showed greater variation in flow-related properties. The findings indicate that seed dimensions, shape, mass, density and frictional behaviour should be considered when selecting groove dimensions, hopper slope, material surfaces and metering-cell geometry for inclined plate seed metering mechanisms intended for multi-crop planting.

Effects of wheatgrass powder on the rheology, microstructure, and functional chemistry of 3D-printed sprouted finger millet meat analogues.

This study comparatively evaluated the inhibitory effects of two ethnomedicinal cereals, Panicum sumatrense and Eleusine coracana, on carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes associated with postprandial hyperglycemia. Aqueous extracts of the cereals were prepared and tested for their inhibitory activities against α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes at concentrations ranging from 1–5 mg/ml. Acarbose served as the standard reference drug. The results showed that both extracts exhibited inhibitory activities against α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes in a concentration-dependent manner. For α-amylase inhibition, Panicum sumatrense and Eleusine coracana showed IC₅₀ values of 3.25 mg/ml and 5.00 mg/ml respectively, while acarbose exhibited a lower IC₅₀ of 1.28 mg/ml. In the α-glucosidase assay, Eleusine coracana demonstrated stronger inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ = 3.87 mg/ml) compared to Panicum sumatrense (IC₅₀ = 4.30 mg/ml), although both were less potent than acarbose (IC₅₀ = 0.30 mg/ml). The findings suggest that these ethnomedicinal cereals possess significant enzyme inhibitory activities which may contribute to their traditional use in the management of diabetes mellitus.

Zinc plays an essential role in glucose metabolism, insulin storage, and antioxidant defense, and its deficiency has been linked to impaired pancreatic β-cell function and increased oxidative stress. In this study, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were synthesized through a green, plant-mediated approach using aqueous extracts of three commonly consumed millets (Eleusine coracana (finger millet), Pennisetum glaucum (pearl millet), and Panicum sumatrense (little millet)). The millet extracts acted as natural reducing agents during nanoparticle formation, leading to the production of crystalline ZnO nanoparticles under alkaline conditions.The synthesized ZnO NPs were characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM/TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and zeta potential analysis to confirm their phase purity, morphology, crystallinity, and colloidal stability. The nanoparticles exhibited a hexagonal wurtzite ZnO structure with crystallite sizes in the nanometer range, while the hydrodynamic sizes were larger due to surface hydration and aggregation effects.In vitro biological evaluation showed that millet-derived ZnO NPs exhibited dose-dependent inhibition of carbohydrate-digesting enzymes (α-amylase and α-glucosidase) along with moderate inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV). Cellular studies using INS-1 pancreatic β-cells and 3T3-L1 adipocytes demonstrated enhanced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and increased glucose uptake at non-cytotoxic concentrations. In addition, the nanoparticles showed antioxidant activity, as indicated by reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and increased activities of endogenous antioxidant enzymes.Overall, this study demonstrates that millet extracts can be effectively used for the green synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles, producing nanomaterials with promising in vitro antidiabetic and antioxidant properties. The comparative evaluation across different millets also provides useful insight into how phytochemical composition influences nanoparticle characteristics and biological performance.

Comparative study of raw and solid-state fermented finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) on the quality, microstructure and in vitro starch digestibility of wheat noodles.

Purpose This study aimed to develop blast disease resistant finger millet (Eleusine coracana) mutants through gamma irradiation, focusing on agro-morphological traits, antioxidant enzyme activity, SSR marker-based genetic analysis, and gene expression profiling. This work addresses the challenge of blast disease and its impact on finger millet production and productivity. Materials and Methods In present study, gamma ray induced mutagenesis using a cobalt-60 source (Co60: BARC, Mumbai) was employed to the seeds of finger millet var. Rajendra Madua-1 at doses of 100, 200, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 550, and 600 Gy and evaluated across M1–4 generations. Nearly 41,032 M2 plants were screened against blast disease under field conditions. Based on their differential response to blast infection, 125 M2 plants showing a high degree of resistance/tolerance along with enhanced yield attributing traits compared to the unirradiated parent (Rajendra Madua-1) were selected for further evaluation in the M3 and M4 generation. Blast disease resistance was assessed through morphological evaluation of leaf, neck, and finger blast symptoms under field conditions. Antioxidant enzyme activity such as peroxidase (POX), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalases (CAT) were quantified spectrophotometrically. Genetic diversity among mutants along with checks were analyzed using SSR markers. Gene expression of the blast-responsive gene EcNBLRR30 was evaluated via qRT-PCR analysis. Results Among the 125 M3 mutant lines evaluated, 7 mutants were classified as highly resistant (HR), 44 as resistant (R), and 24 as moderately resistant (MR), 7 and 10 were susceptible (S) and highly susceptible (HS), respectively, under field conditions. Three lines (e.g., M3_400Gy_62, M3_450Gy_84, M3_450Gy_101) showed higher resistance across all blast types with superior agronomic traits under field conditions. Antioxidant enzyme assays revealed the highest enzymatic activity in HR lines, followed by R, MR, S, and HS. SSR analysis confirmed genetic polymorphism among mutants. Expression of EcNBLRR30 was significantly upregulated in HR mutants upon Magnaporthe grisea challenge, correlating with enhanced resistance. Conclusion This study demonstrates the efficacy of gamma irradiation in inducing genetic variability for blast resistance in finger millet. Integration of phenotypic, biochemical, molecular, and gene expression approaches provides valuable strategies for resistance breeding, offering a sustainable solution to manage blast disease.

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana) is a nutritionally important and climate-resilient cereal cultivated in rainfed regions of India and Eastern Africa, yet its genetic improvement has been limited by the lack of efficient and reproducible transformation systems. In this study, we developed a rapid and efficient Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation and regeneration system using shoot apical meristem (SAM) explants, enabling direct, callus-free shoot organogenesis. Optimal regeneration and shoot elongation were achieved on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 3.5mg L⁻1 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), 1.5mg L⁻1 kinetin, 0.1mg L⁻1 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), and 0.2mg L⁻1 gibberellic acid (GA₃). Genotype-dependent responses were observed, with PR-202 requiring 2mg L⁻1 AgNO3 to reduce phenolic browning, whereas VL-376 regenerated efficiently without AgNO3. Transformation efficiencies of 30-32% were achieved in PR-202 and VL-376, respectively, by optimising infection and co-cultivation conditions, including reduced MS salt strength and pre-incubation of Agrobacterium. Molecular analyses, including PCR and Southern blot hybridisation, confirmed stable T-DNA integration in independent lines, while segregation analysis of T₁ progenies demonstrated Mendelian inheritance of the transgene. In addition, CRISPR/Cas9 constructs targeting EcCKX2 were successfully introduced via Agrobacterium, demonstrating the suitability of this system for genome engineering applications. Overall, this optimised SAM-based protocol provides a rapid (45-50days), efficient, and reproducible platform for stable genetic transformation in finger millet and establishes a strong foundation for transgenic research and future genome editing studies in this underutilized crop.

Cordyceps militaris (CM) is one of the most valuable edible mushrooms, treasured for its health promoting properties, largely due to cordycepin and adenosine. In the present experiments CM was cultivated on four different substrates (brown rice, finger millet, barnyard millet and barley) to evaluate growth dynamics, cordycepin and adenosine content. The most suitable substrate was supplemented with increasing concentrations of iron sulfate nanoparticles (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 ppm), to evaluate their effects on growth, nucleoside production and iron biofortification. Fresh and dry biomass of CM showed a biphasic response, with increase at lower nanoparticle concentrations (5–10 ppm) and declining at higher concentrations (15–30 ppm). Maximal increase in fresh (99%) and dry weight (10%) was recorded on substrate supplemented with 10 ppm iron sulfate nanoparticles. Iron sulfate nanoparticles led to a pronounced enhancement in bioactive nucleosides. Adenosine and cordycepin contents increased by up to 72% and 370%, respectively, at 20 ppm nanoparticle treatment, while iron content in fruiting bodies rose by up to 92% on iron nanoparticle supplemented substrate. The current study establishes an environmentally benign, solid-state cultivation strategy to enhance cordycepin and adenosine production in Cordyceps using iron sulfate nanoparticles, enabling iron biofortification.

Integrating path analysis and molecular markers to understand genetic diversity in finger millet, Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.

Cereal grains constitute the principal dietary staples for a large proportion of the global population and serve as important sources of macronutrients, micronutrients, and diverse biologically active phytochemicals. Beyond their nutritional importance, cereal grains have gained considerable scientific attention for their pharmaceutical and nutraceutical potential owing to the presence of phenolic acids, flavonoids, dietary fiber, β-glucans, vitamins, minerals, and other secondary metabolites. These bioactive constituents exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, gastroprotective, immunomodulatory, and chemopreventive effects. Consequently, regular consumption of cereal-based functional foods may contribute significantly to the prevention and management of chronic non-communicable diseases such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, certain cancers, and gastrointestinal disorders. Major cereal grains such as rice (Oryza sativa), wheat (Triticum aestivum), oats (Avena sativa), barley (Hordeum vulgare), maize (Zea mays), finger millet (Eleusine coracana), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) and Barnyard Millet or Bhagar (Echinochloa frumentacea) possess distinct phytochemical compositions that support their therapeutic relevance. For instance, oats and barley are rich in β-glucans known for cholesterol-lowering and glycemic control effects, while millets are abundant in polyphenols and dietary fiber with strong antioxidant and antidiabetic potential. Similarly, pigmented rice and maize varieties contain anthocyanins and carotenoids that demonstrate protective effects against oxidative stress and degenerative disorders. This review critically summarizes the major bioactive compounds found in commonly consumed cereal grains and highlights their pharmacological significance as functional foods, nutraceutical ingredients, and potential adjuncts in preventive healthcare strategies..

Deciphering genetic variability and trait associations in Nepalese finger millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn) landraces for yield improvement

This study aimed to assess the rheological, physical, and sensory properties of instant idli premixes formulated with finger millet (30–70%), as a partial or full substitute for rice. The attractiveness and convenience of pre-prepared foods led the food industry to reformulate traditional, time-consuming foods into modern, ready-to-cook options. Rheological assessments revealed that incorporating finger millet significantly improved water absorption (up to 65.5%) and accelerated starch gelatinization, with the onset temperature recorded at 71.0°C for the 60% millet blend. Optimal dough stability (17.6–18.3 min) and extensibility (1638 mm) were observed at 50% millet inclusion, contributing to a soft, well-aerated texture. In contrast, higher substitution levels (70%) impaired structural integrity and increased dough resistance, indicating reduced viscoelastic performance. Physical analysis demonstrated consistent batter viscosity (~2500 cP) across formulations, while color metrics (ΔE*: 14.9–17.5) showed only minor shifts. Organoleptic properties confirmed high consumer acceptability of idlis containing 50–60% finger millet, as assessed in terms of softness, flavor, and appearance. These results highlight the potential of finger millet as a valuable, gluten-free ingredient for improving the nutritional profile of idlis without sacrificing their texture or flavor.

Finger millet (FM; Eleusine coracana) has gained recognition as a potent dietary intervention for managing Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) due to its rich nutritional value and bioactive profile. This review focuses on the enhanced antidiabetic potential of fermented FM, emphasizing improvements in the bioavailability of these natural polyphenols and dietary fibers (DFs), via fermentation as well as the modulatory effects on gut microbiota. Finger millet (FM) is rich in complex carbohydrates-specifically dietary fibers like arabinoxylan and resistant starch-and phenolic compounds, such as ferulic acid, catechins, and tannins. These constituents provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and glucose-regulating properties, which collectively contribute to its potent antidiabetic activity. Fermentation processes increase the release of bound phenolics and reduce antinutritional factors, such as phytic acid and tannins, via microbial enzymes, including feruloyl esterases and tannases, thereby enhancing mineral bioavailability and the efficacy of bioactive compounds. Additionally, fermentation enhances the growth of beneficial gut microorganisms, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which ferment fiber into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as butyrate and propionate. These SCFAs are crucial for enhancing glucose and lipid metabolism via pathways such as AMPK activation and GLUT4 translocation. In vivo studies reported that fermented FM products outperform non-fermented forms in lowering fasting blood glucose, improving lipid profiles, and protecting pancreatic beta-cell function, thereby substantiating their role as functional foods for T2DM management. These findings support the integration of fermented FM into dietary strategies aiming to mitigate diabetes and its complications, highlighting the importance of fermentation in unlocking its full nutraceutical potential.

The fungal pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae poses a major threat to the global production of cereals such as rice, wheat, and millets. Similar to other fungal pathogens, it secretes effector proteins to manipulate host immune responses, enabling successful colonization and infection. In this study, M. oryzae strains were collected from diseased finger millet plants and wild grasses in Uganda. A candidate effector gene-Mo2928Fm-was identified from a highly virulent finger millet strain and found to be strongly induced at 2 days postinoculation, suggesting a role in the early infection process. In silico analysis indicated that Mo2928Fm is present only in a subset of M. oryzae genomes and encodes a protein with two domains connected by a serine-rich linker. Confocal microscopy confirmed its nuclear localization in host cells, and gene deletion significantly reduced fungal virulence. Transient expression of Mo2928Fm suppressed the transcription of key plant immune response genes. Further analyses also revealed a potential interaction between Mo2928Fm and the plant mitogen-activated protein kinase 3 (MAPK3) protein. Based on these findings, we propose that the Mo2928Fm-MAPK3 complex interferes with basal plant immune signaling and promotes susceptibility to blast disease. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2026 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license.

A study on molecular composition and nutritional profiling of finger millet (Ragi) cake developed for menopausal women

Abstract Biofortification is an effective strategy to improve the micronutrient content of staple crops. However, biofortification of finger millet ( Eleusine coracana L .) with zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) has not been adequately investigated under biochar amendment. Pot experiments were conducted in Gulu, Uganda, during the years 2022 and 2023 to evaluate the effects of soil and foliar application of Zn and Fe fertilizers on grain yield and quality of finger millet grown in biochar‐amended Alisol and Ferralsol. Treatments included Zn and Fe fertilizers applied individually and in combination through soil and foliar methods under biochar amendment. Biochar application significantly increased grain yield by 79% in Alisol and 185% in Ferralsol compared to the non‐biochar control. Foliar applications of a combination of Zn and Fe fertilizers increased grain yield by 61% and 24% under Alisol and Ferralsol, respectively, compared to soil application. Zinc fertilization significantly enhanced grain Zn concentration relative to the untreated control in both soil types. In Ferralsol, foliar application improved grain Zn content by 11% compared to soil application, whereas no difference was observed in Alisol. Grain Fe concentration showed variable responses depending on soil type and treatment. Overall, while biochar improved grain yield, its effect on Zn and Fe enrichment was not consistent across treatments and soil types. These findings suggest that the effectiveness of Zn and Fe biofortification in finger millet under biochar amendment depends on soil type and fertilizer application method.

Background: Millets are small grains grown in arid climates and are rich in minerals, vitamins, and phytochemicals, making them highly nutritious. Their nutritional profile, which includes vitamins, dietary fibre, protein, and antioxidants, supports health and helps prevent disease. Aim: Millets are beneficial for managing lifestyle diseases because of their therapeutic properties, which include anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-Alzheimer’s agent properties. Methods: Additionally, their low glycemic index, gluten-free status, and ability to tolerate a variety of climates make them ideal for a range of nutritional needs and environmental sustainability. Results: The polyphenolic content of millets, namely finger millet, highlights their pharmacological potential by exhibiting antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-diabetic properties. Conclusion: More research and studies into the use of millets in the food and pharmaceutical industries are necessary to fully realise their potential as nutrient-rich crops with significant health benefits. Major Findings:Millets, known for their high nutritional value of proteins, dietary fibres, vitamins, and minerals, are also valuable substances for improving human health and well-being. This study also reports the effects of millets on intestinal health and their possible future contributions to sustainability and global food security

Foot rot of Finger millet caused by Sclerotium rolfsii is a leading constraint for the farmers under both irrigated and rainfed conditions. For the management of this problem an eco-friendly approach was taken up using chitosan and biocontrol agents, as they are known to have spin-off benefit of activating innate defense mechanisms and promoting higher yields. To evaluate the effect of chitosan and bio-agents on foot rot disease in ragi crop, a field experiment was taken up with 15 different treatments in combination of different chitosan (0.15%, 0.20% and 0.25%) concentration and bio-control agents and also chitosan alone with control. Chitosan @ 0.25% with bio-control agents, was proven effective in reducing the percent disease incidence. The disease incidence was 1% @ 30DAT, 2.68% @ flowering and 6.84% @ maturity stages. Among 15 different treatments, treatment T15 also promoted higher productivity with 41.33g seed weight/5 ear head. The results revealed that Chiotosan @ 0.25% with biocontrol agents can be one of the eco-friendly management practice’s for the control of Sclerotium rolfsii in Finger millet.

The present investigation was conducted to assess genetic variability, correlations among characters, direct and indirect effects and genetic divergence among 20 finger millet genotypes, with the aim of identifying promising lines for yield improvement. The genotypes were evaluated for 12 quantitative traits and their mean performance was recorded. The Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) revealed significant differences among genotypes for all studied traits, indicating sufficient genetic variability in the experimental material. High estimates of Genotypic Coefficient of Variation (GCV) and Phenotypic Coefficient of Variation (PCV) were observed for traits like grain yield per plant (GYPP), number of fingers per ear (NFPE) and ear weight (EW), suggesting potential for genetic improvement. Moderate GCV and PCV were found for traits such as finger length (FL), number of productive tillers and plant height (PH). High heritability (Hbs), coupled with high GA, was observed for GYPP, FL, NFPE, EW and the number of productive tillers per plant (NPTPP), indicating the predominance of additive gene action for these characters. Grain yield per plant showed a significant positive association with EW, NFPE and NPTPP at both phenotypic and genotypic levels. Path coefficient analysis revealed that EW exhibited the highest direct positive effect on GYPP, trailed by NPTPP, FL and NFPE. Mahalanobis D2 analysis divided the genotypes under study into three clusters, with clusters II and III exhibiting the maximum inter-cluster distance. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified the first five components %, which together explained 76.52 % of the total variation, with GYPP, EW, NFPE and FL as major contributors, further validating their importance in selection strategies.

Disposable plastic makes up approximately 50 per cent of the total plastic waste, contributing considerably to pollution and harming ecosystems worldwide. Some entrepreneurs are attempting to find a solution for disposable plastic by introducing options that can be biodegradable or eaten. Little grains that are heterogeneously grouped under the umbrella word "millet" are referred to as "coarse cereals" together with maize and sorghum. Although millets are not very important in the west, they are a staple in the diets of people in Asia and Africa. The three treatments (WR1, WR2, WR3), (LM1, LM2, LM3), (FM1, FM2, FM3) and refined wheat flour edible cutlery (Control) were made with 20, 30, and 40 per cent of white finger millet, little millet and foxtail millet flour incorporation and other ingredients are mixed together with the addition of water used to achieve a highly acceptable product. Four formulations were standardized by incorporating 40 percent of refined Wheat flour (RWF) and millet flours like White Finger Millet Flour (WFMF), Little millet flour (LMF), and Foxtail Millet Flour (FMF) to develop different millet based edible cutlery (Control, WFEC, LMEC and FMEC).After, standardization, the edible cutlery with 40 per cent of white finger millet, little millet and foxtail millet flour incorporation was best accepted among three formulations attributed with higher sensory scores for all the sensory attributes compared to 20 and 30 per cent flour of incorporation. Consumer survey data showed, the millet based edible cutlery were highly (95 per cent) accepted. The cost of production of refined wheat flour, white finger millet, little millet and foxtail millet based edible cutlery was approximately Rs.168.71rs/kg. Whereas the selling price of millet based edible cutlery could be approximately Rs.800.0/kg. This edible cutlery could also be called as ready to eat product because they do not need any further preparation.