Finger Millet Research Articles

Effect of foliar sprays of organic and inorganic nutrients on growth, yield and quality of finger millet (Eleusine coracana L)

Effect of foliar sprays of organic and inorganic nutrients on growth, yield and quality of finger millet (Eleusine coracana L)

Impact of irradiated chitosan and biofertilizers on growth and yield of kharif finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) in Konkan region of Maharashtra

Impact of irradiated chitosan and biofertilizers on growth and yield of kharif finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) in Konkan region of Maharashtra

Revolutionizing nutrition: Exploring the transformative impact of amaranth integration on composite millet flakes

This study focuses on the development and comparative analysis of multi-millet flakes comprising amaranth, finger millet, and foxtail millet. Two drying methods, baking and dehydration, were employed to produce the flakes. Physicochemical, structural, and thermal properties were evaluated, along with changes observed during soaking in various media. Baked flakes exhibited larger dimensions and a more porous internal structure compared to dried flakes. Baking induced gelatinization and protein denaturation, enhancing water holding capacity and resulting in lower water activity (0.24) conducive to long-term storage. Dehydrated flakes had slightly higher water activity (0.41) and exhibited higher color values with a glossy outer surface. Flakes soaked in hot milk, milk, and water displayed distinct structural properties, crystallinity shifts, and thermal degradation patterns. The nutritional analysis revealed a significant carbohydrate content (55 %), moderate protein (11 %), and notable levels of fat (4.4 %) and total dietary fiber (6.88 %). Fatty acid profiling indicated low levels of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fats, with no trans-fat or cholesterol. Sensory evaluation favored baked flakes, indicating higher acceptability. This research underscores the potential of multi-millet flakes as a nutritious and palatable food option.

Development of garlic bread enriched with finger millet: Analysis of physical properties

Development of garlic bread enriched with finger millet: Analysis of physical properties

Development of ready-to-eat nutri bar from black soybean (Kala Bhatt) and millets: Exploring traditional foods of Uttarakhand

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition, particularly insufficient intake of certain micronutrients, limits a child’s ability to survive, grow, and develop. It increases the rate of morbidity and mortality among the most vulnerable populations, which significantly lowers their productivity as an adult. While adopting strategies to tackle malnutrition, regional diets must also be considered. METHODS: Based on the nutritive values, some staple ingredients from Uttarakhand, such as black soybean, finger millet, and foxtail millet, have been utilized to develop a ready-to-eat (RTE) packaged nutri-bar. A sensory characteristic evaluation of the product has been carried out. The product has been evaluated in the laboratory for its proximate composition, some minerals, presence of heavy metals, pesticide, and shelf-life. RESULTS: The proximate composition of RTE nutri-bar includes protein content 18.16%, carbohydrate content 54.82%, total fats 12.13%, moisture 12.21%, and an ash value of 2.68%. Dietary fiber content is found to be 8.09%, and the energy evaluated for a 100-g sample is 401.09 Kcal. Calcium is present in very good amounts, that is, 478.44 mg/100 g. The amount of pesticide residues and added anti-oxidants are found below the level of quantification. CONCLUSION: The use of traditional foods in local communities has declined, but it may be revived with an appropriate framework, policy, and information sharing in conjunction with contextual food-based treatments.

Drought Adaptation Strategies Among Smallholder Cereal Farmers In Makueni County, Kenya

Increasing frequency and severity of drought increase vulnerability of smallholder cereal farmers globally. Arid and Semi-Arid Lands cover 80% of Kenya and location around the equator are major factors in drought development in the country. Frequent droughts result in fluctuations in cereal yields hence food insecurity in Makueni County. This study evaluated community-based and indigenous knowledge drought adaptations practiced by smallholder cereal farmers in Makueni County, Kenya. This study adopted explanatory sequential mixed methods research design. Household surveys (N=225) and key informant interviews (N=16) were used. Descriptive techniques were used in data analysis. The study found that frequent droughts in Makueni County resulted in adoption of small farm sizes for production of maize, sorghum and finger millet. Majority of the farmers produced between 1 and 10 bags of cereals. Majority (50.2%) of the smallholder cereal farmers who adopted community-based adaptations and indigenous knowledge-based drought adaptations strategies recorded an in increase in cereal yields in Makueni County. Early planting (66.7%), timely weeding (61.4%), manure application (57.0%), improving land tillage (56.1%), seed spacing (55.3%) and planting droughtresilient seeds (44.7%) led to the high annual cereal yields ranging between 1 and 10 bags in Makueni County. The drought adaptation strategies are commendable for upscaling in agro-ecological zones with similar climatic conditions in order to improve food production in the country. Information and data generated by this study is expected to result in improvement in drought adaptation policy formulation and adaptive capacity of smallholder cereal farmers hence, improvement in food production and security.

Effect of Organic Nutrient Sources on Economics, Soil Micro Nutrient Status and Microbial Growth of Ragi under Guni Method of Cultivation

A field experiment was conducted during the kharif-2019 at the farmers field of Mylandahalli in Chikkaballapura distict of Karnataka, to study the effect of organic nutrient sources on soil micro nutrient status, microbial count and economics of finger millet under guni method. The trial was framed out in randomized blocked design with twelve treatments reproduced thrice. The results of different organic nutrient sources were showed that supplement of sericulture waste compost (SWC) @ 50% N eq. + Enriched biodigested liquid manure (EBDLM) @ 50% N eq. ha-1 + panchagavya (PG) spray @ 3% (T9) had a significant effect on micro nutrient status in soil and their values were statistically higher than all the other treatments. The findings of study reported that supplement of sericulture waste compost (SWC) @ 50% N eq. + Enriched biodigested liquid manure (EBDLM) @ 50% N eq. ha-1 + panchagavya (PG) spray @ 3% (T9) recorded significantly higher Diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) extractable iron, zinc, manganese and copper in soil. Likewise, the same treatment had recorded significantly superior in population of bacteria (49.96 colony forming units (CFU) x 106 g-1), fungi (27.36 CFU x 103 g-1) and actinomycetes (14.44 CFU x 103 g-1) were noticed compared to others and found to be highest economic returns during cropping period of kharif 2019.

Effect of nano DAP on growth and yield of finger millet

Effect of nano DAP on growth and yield of finger millet

Profile of finger millet growers and their perceived prospects: Production, processing, and marketing of finger millet and value-added products

Profile of finger millet growers and their perceived prospects: Production, processing, and marketing of finger millet and value-added products

Processing untraditional healthy crackers formula by using sprouted flour mixes for children

This study aimed to improve the nutritional content of crackers made from a germinated flour mixture for children affected by Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Chemical, physical, and sensory properties of crackers processed from germinated grain composite flours (maize, quinoa, finger millet, and fenugreek seeds) were compared to 100% maize crackers. Chemical analysis revealed that germinated mixture flour crackers (GMFCs) were higher in ash (2.14–2.40%), fiber (1.26–1.75%), protein (5.59–8.31%), and energy (379.64–404.77 kcal/100g) but lower in carbohydrates (70.51–61.05%). Five cracker formulas were prepared. Formula F5 (75% maize, 10% millet, and 5% fenugreek) had the highest calcium, magnesium, and total phenolic content. Formula F3 (85% maize, 10% quinoa, 10% millet, and 5% fenugreek) had the highest iron content, while Formula F4 (85% maize, 20% millet, and 5% fenugreek) had the highest zinc content and antioxidant activity. Maize crackers exhibited higher color characteristics (L*, a*, and b*) compared to the other GMFCs. Mean sensory evaluation indicated that the GMFCs were generally accepted by panelists. Overall acceptability and taste of crackers in Formula F4 were preferred by the panelists, particularly with the increased ratio of millet flour. This study demonstrated the potential of composite flours from GMFCs to produce acceptable, healthy, and nutritious crackers. All cracker formulas significantly contributed to the recommended dietary allowances for key nutrients in children, compared to the control. Therefore, it is recommended to use the studied grains to develop healthy bakery products suitable for people with celiac disease and ADHD.Graphical abstract

EFFECT OF RABBIT MANURE AND ROW ARRANGEMENT ON CROP YIELD UNDER FINGER MILLET AND GROUNDNUT INTERCROPPING SYSTEMS IN A SEMI-ARID NIGERIA

Field trials were conducted at the Research and Training farm of the Centre for Dryland Agriculture, Bayero University Kano (Latitude 11º 58' N and Longitude 8º26' E and 475 m above sea level) and at community-based demonstration farm, Dawakin Kudu (Latitude 11º 84 N and Longitude 8º 59” E) Kano State, Nigeria during the 2019 rainy season, to investigate the effects of rabbit manure (RM) and row arrangement (RA) on finger millet and groundnut intercropping system. The treatments consisted of six row arrangements (1:1, 1:2, 2:1, 2:2, 2:4, and alternate stand) and four levels of rabbit manure (0, 1.5, 2.5, and 3.5 t ha-1) and one level of NPK fertilizer. The treatments were laid out in a split-plot design, with row arrangement (RA) occupying the main plot and rabbit manure (RM) occupying the sub plot, which were replicated three times. Findings revealed that Rabbit manure application significantly (P < 0.05) affected most finger millet and groundnut yield parameters, except for row arrangement which had minimal impact. The optimal rate of rabbit manure application depended on the specific parameter, location, and crop. For finger millet, application of RM increased spike weight, panicle weight, 1000-grain weight, and total grain yield at Dawakin Kudu but only affected spike weight at BUK. For groundnut, RM application increased the number of pods per plant, mean pod weight, and 100-kernel weight at Dawakin Kudu, while only affecting the number of pods per plant at BUK. Intercropping was generally more productive than sole cropping, with the most productive combinations varying by location. Therefore, it could be recommended for farmers in the Sudan savanna to consider the possible adoption of the application of rabbit manure at a rate of 2.5–3.5 t ha-1 to increase finger millet and groundnut yields.

Formulation and Evaluation of Nutraceutical Dosage Form Derived from Vigna aconitifolia, Eleusine coracana and Chenopodium quinoa

Formulation and Evaluation of Nutraceutical Dosage Form Derived from Vigna aconitifolia, Eleusine coracana and Chenopodium quinoa

Comparative Metagenomic Analysis of Seed Endobiome of Domesticated and Wild Finger Millet Species (Eleusine spp.): Unveiling Microbial Diversity and Composition.

Domestication, which involves selective breeding, modern agricultural practices, and specific growing conditions, can influence the microbial and endophytic communities in crop plants. In this study, we examined the microbial diversity and community composition in the seeds of wild and domesticated finger millet species. We employed a metagenomic approach to investigate the seed microbial diversity and community composition of wild (Eleusine africana) and domesticated finger millet species (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn) grown in the same habitat. While our findings indicated no significant change in seed endobiome diversity due to domestication, there were differences in microbial community composition between wild and domesticated species. Seeds of domesticated species had higher relative abundance of certain bacterial genera including Helicobacter, Akkermansia, Streptococcus, Bacteroides, and Pseudomonas, whereas seeds of wild species had higher relative abundance of unclassified Streptophyta. The seed-associated microbiota also varied among domesticated finger millet accessions. Co-occurrence network analysis revealed a strong relationship between bacteria and fungi in domesticated compared to wild species. We discuss the results obtained in the larger context of the importance of seed endobiome and how domestication processes in crop plants may have impacted the seed endobiome diversity, composition, and function compared to their wild counterparts.

Millets: a nutritional powerhouse for ensuring food security.

Millets are important food source to ensure global food and nutritional security and are associated with health benefits. Millets have emerged as a nutritional powerhouse with the potential to address food security challenges worldwide. These ancient grains, which come in various forms, including finger millet, proso millet, and pearl millet, among others, are essential to a balanced diet, since they provide a wide range of nutritional advantages. Millets have a well-rounded nutritional profile with a high protein, dietary fiber, vitamin, and mineral content for optimal health and wellness. In addition to their nutritional advantages, millets exhibit remarkable adaptability and durability to various agroecological conditions, making them a valuable resourcefor smallholder farmers functioning in resource-poor regions. Promoting the growth and use of millet can lead to several benefits that researchers and development experts may discover, including improved nutrition, increased food security, and sustainable agricultural methods. Therefore, millets are food crops, that are climate smart, nutritional, and food secured to feed the increasing global population, and everyone could have a healthier, more resilient future.

Effect of Nano Urea on Growth, Yield and Nutrient uptake of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L.)

Aim: The foliar application of nano urea is aimed at reducing the soil application of conventional urea. Nano fertilizers enhance crop growth and yield while enhancing nutrient uptake and reducing costs. They provide precise nutrient management, match crop growth stages, and offer an increased surface area for metabolic reactions. This boosts photosynthesis, leading to higher dry matter production and crop yield. Foliar application of nano urea (liquid) at tillering and booting stages in finger millet fulfills the nitrogen requirement and reflects higher crop productivity. Higher productivity of crops in a sustainable manner could be achieved by applying an appropriate combination of conventional fertilizers and nano fertilizers. Study Design: The experiment was laid out in split design with three replications. Place and Duration of Study: A field experiment was conducted in deep black soils at Agricultural Research Station, Siruguppa, during kharif 2022. Methodology: There were sixteen treatment combinations, consisting of different doses of nitrogen (no nitrogen, 50% RDN, 75% RDN and 100% RDN) with different concentrations of nano urea and conventional urea sprayed at tillering and booting stages for HR-13 variety of finger millet. Results: Application of 100% RDN has recorded significantly higher plant height, tillers plant-1, total dry matter accumulation, grain yield and straw yield (129.82 cm, 10.10, 36.17 g plant-1, 36.87 q ha-1 and 71.72 q ha-1, respectively) in comparison to no nitrogen and 50% RDN. However, 75% RDN (123.04 cm, 9.61, 34.02 g plant-1, 34.84 q ha-1 and 68.01 q ha-1, respectively) found on par with 100% RDN. Among foliar nitrogen, spray of nano urea @ 4 ml L-1 recorded significantly higher plant height (121.59 cm), tillers plant-1 (9.37), total dry matter accumulation (33.16 g plant-1), grain yield (31.97 q ha-1) and straw yield (65.52 q ha-1) compared to 0.5% and 1% conventional urea. However, nano urea @ 2 ml L-1 was on par with 4 ml L-1 nano urea and 1% conventional urea. Similar trend was recorded with regard to nutrient uptake by finger millet. Conclusion: Foliar application of nano urea reduced the dosage of conventional urea by 25 per cent.

Clay Minerals and Long-Term Fertilization Effects on Soil Organic Carbon Stocks, Soil Carbon Pools, and Soil Enzymes in an Inceptisol of Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu

ABSTRACT Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) is an important indicator for soil health and quality. The present study was conducted in five-decade-old Long-Term Fertilizer Experiment involving the finger millet−maize cropping sequence in an Inceptisol to examine the effects of inorganic fertilizers and manures on soil organic carbon stock in relation to C sequestration. This study was based on 10 treatments: 50%NPK, 100%NPK, 150%NPK, 100%NPK + HW, 100%NPK + ZnSO4, 100%NP, 100%N, 100%NPK + FYM, 100%NPK (− S), and control. We assess the clay mineral interaction with soil organic carbon stock and soil enzyme activity. The semi-quantification and characterization of clay minerals were sourced from X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and the SOC stock was calculated based on SOC concentration, Bulk density, and Depth. From the study, results revealed that clay minerals were studied by XRD and FTIR spectroscopy analysis. The results revealed that dominant clay minerals in the experimental soil were in the order of Montmorillonite, 2:1 interstratified minerals, Vermiculite, and Illite, and the buildup of SOC stock raised from 6.3 Mg C ha−1 to 12.9 Mg C ha−1 over five decades. The maximum SOC stock of 12.9 Mg ha−1 was recorded in 100% NPK + FYM while the control registered 7.5 Mg C ha−1. The study conclude that balanced fertilization of 100% NPK with FYM contributed toward the increase in SOC, SOC stock, and carbon sequestration for improving soil fertility status.

Finger Millet (<i>Eleusine Coracana</i> (L.) Gaertn) Production Status, Challenges, and Seed Source in Ethiopia; A Review

Similar to other cereal crops finger millet is being produced in a large volume in Ethiopia, as they are the principal staple food crop. Finger millet is considered as underutilized cereal crop which is commonly grown in the northern, west-northern, and western parts of the country and it is considered as a crop which is important to overcome malnutrition. Regions including Tigray, Amhara, Oromiya, Benishangul-Gumuz, Southern Nation and Nationalities Peoples (SNNP) and Gambela are considered as the potential regions for the production of finger millet in Ethiopia. Relatively, it is considered as drought tolerant as compared to other major cereals such as rice, wheat, and barley. In addition to this finger millet is considered as a highly resilient crop which can grow in different weather conditions, including drought, floods, and marginal soils. In Ethiopia it is commonly grown for the preparation of local foods like ‘injera’ and porridge and local drink such as ‘areki’ or ‘tella’. About 26 varieties of finger millet are cultivated in main season in the country. In Ethiopia, there are a limited source of cereal crop seeds which includes, farmer’s own saved seeds and government seed distributing companies. In this review the status of production, seed source and nutritional importance of finger millet in Ethiopia is presented.

Relative Economic Profitability of Millet based Crop Rotations with Chickpea in Hisar District of Haryana

Background: Millets and pulses are the most important dryland crops grown in both Kharif and Rabi seasons in the semi-arid regions of the country for food, feed and animal fodder. These crops also show considerable resilience to changing climate (drought, heat and nutrient stresses). For diversification of Pearl millet-Chickpea rotation, adoption of small millets (finger millet, foxtail millet, proso millet, little millet, brown top millet, barnyard millet and kodo millet) in addition to pearl millet may be viable option. Methods: A field experiment was carried out at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana, India during 2022-23 in randomized block design in Kharif and Rabi season, replicated thrice with eight treatments (foxtail millet, little millet, brown top millet, proso millet, kodo millet, barnyard millet, finger millet and pearl millet) in Kharif season and eight crop rotations (foxtail millet-chickpea, little millet- chickpea, brown top millet- chickpea, proso millet- chickpea, kodo millet-chickpea, barnyard millet- chickpea, finger millet- chickpea and pearl millet- chickpea) in Rabi season to evaluate economic profitability of eight millet based crop rotations with chickpea. Result: During Kharif season among all millets (foxtail millet, little millet, brown top millet, proso millet, kodo millet, barnyard millet, finger millet and pearl millet) tested, Pearl millet was found most suitable, which produced significantly higher grain yield (2462 kg/ha), biological yield (10066 kg/ha), net energy returns (121552 MJ/ha), energy intensiveness (14.0 MJ/USD), human energy profitability (133.3 MJ/ha) compared to all other millets. In Rabi season chickpea sown after Foxtail millet recorded significantly higher seed yield (2080 kg/ha), biological yield (8923 kg/ha), net returns (Rs. 66713/ha), B:C (2.44), net energy returns (120497 MJ/ha), energy ratio (19.27), energy productivity (0.31 kg/MJ), energy profitability (18.27 MJ/ha) and human energy profitability (134.2 MJ/ha).

El Niño and positive Indian Ocean Dipole conditions simultaneously reduce the production of multiple cereals across India

Abstract Natural climate phenomena like El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) influence the Indian monsoon and thereby the region’s agricultural systems. Understanding their influence can provide seasonal predictability of agricultural production metrics to inform decision-making and mitigate potential food security challenges. Here, we analyze the effects of ENSO and IOD on four agricultural production metrics (production, harvested area, irrigated area, and yields) for rice, maize, sorghum, pearl millet, and finger millet across India from 1968 to 2015. El Niños and positive-IODs are associated with simultaneous reductions in the production and yields of multiple crops. Impacts vary considerably by crop and geography. Maize and pearl millet experience large declines in both production and yields when compared to other grains in districts located in the northwest and southern peninsular regions. Associated with warmer and drier conditions during El Niño, >70% of all crop districts experience lower production and yields. Impacts of positive-IODs exhibit relatively more spatial variability. La Niña and negative-IODs are associated with simultaneous increases in all production metrics across the crops, particularly benefiting traditional grains. Variations in impacts of ENSO and IOD on different cereals depend on where they are grown and differences in their sensitivity to climate conditions. We compare production metrics for each crop relative to rice in overlapping rainfed districts to isolate the influence of climate conditions. Maize production and yields experience larger reductions relative to rice, while pearl millet production and yields also experience reductions relative to rice during El Niños and positive-IODs. However, sorghum experiences enhanced production and harvested areas, and finger millet experiences enhanced production and yields. These findings suggest that transitioning from maize and rice to these traditional cereals could lower interannual production variability associated with natural climate variations.

Biotechnological studies towards improvement of finger millet using multi-omics approaches.

A plethora of studies have uncovered numerous important genes with agricultural significance in staple crops. However, when it comes to orphan crops like minor millet, genomic research lags significantly behind that of major crops. This situation has promoted a focus on exploring research opportunities in minor millets, particularly in finger millet, using cutting-edge methods. Finger millet, a coarse cereal known for its exceptional nutritional content and ability to withstand environmental stresses represents a promising climate-smart and nutritional crop in the battle against escalating environmental challenges. The existing traditional improvement programs for finger millet are insufficient to address global hunger effectively. The lack of utilization of high-throughput platforms, genome editing, haplotype breeding, and advanced breeding approaches hinders the systematic multi-omics studies on finger millet, which are essential for pinpointing crucial genes related to agronomically important and various stress responses. The growing environmental uncertainties have widened the gap between the anticipated and real progress in crop improvement. To overcome these challenges a combination of cutting-edge multi-omics techniques such as high-throughput sequencing, speed breeding, mutational breeding, haplotype-based breeding, genomic selection, high-throughput phenotyping, pangenomics, genome editing, and more along with integration of deep learning and artificial intelligence technologies are essential to accelerate research efforts in finger millet. The scarcity of multi-omics approaches in finger millet leaves breeders with limited modern tools for crop enhancement. Therefore, leveraging datasets from previous studies could prove effective in implementing the necessary multi-omics interventions to enrich the genetic resource in finger millet.