Foxtail Millet Setaria Italica Research Articles

Population growth rate of Setaria viridis in the absence of herbicide: resulting yield loss in foxtail millet Setaria italica

Wang T, Shi Y, Li Y, Song Y & Darmency H (2010). Population growth rate of Setaria viridis in the absence of herbicide: resulting yield loss in foxtail millet Setaria italica. Weed Research50, 228–234.Summary Setaria viridis (green foxtail) is a common weed and is the putative ancestor of foxtail millet (Setaria italica). Population densities of S. viridis and its effect on foxtail millet yield were studied for 4 years in two locations, with three cultivars, under monoculture and no use of selective herbicide. Each year the density of S. viridis plants increased in all fields at a population growth rate λ = 1.13. The stability of the λ estimate in monoculture could serve as a reference value to predict the fate of a weed population in multi‐year demographic models, using corrective factors to account for specific effects of given crop rotation and cropping practices. The low λ value was due to a very low reproduction rate, around 6 10−4 adults per seed, which suggests high dormancy and seed predation. The yield of millet decreased linearly as the infestation increased, with the same slope whatever the cultivars. The yield loss was 0.58 tonne ha−1 for each additional plant m−2, indicating high sensitivity to competition from the wild relative. The close relationship between the weed and the crop, which could lead to similar biological responses to environmental conditions, could explain these results.

Breeding strategy in foxtail millet, Setaria italica (L.P. Beauv.), following interspecific hybridization

An interspecific cross between foxtail millet Setaria italica and its wild relative Setaria viridis was undertaken in order to introduce from the latter triazine resistance in the cultivated plant. Four backcross generations obtained with S. italica as recurrent parent were studied. Results show that only two backcross generations associated with selection are enough to eliminate weedy characters and to return to the cultivated type. S. viridis could thus be an interesting source for improvement of foxtail millet without a complex and time consuming breeding strategy.

Le millet Setaria italica, une plante à découvrir (étude bibliographique)

Foxtail millet Setaria italica is an autogamous plant of Panicoïdés tribe, which seems to be one of the first cultivated cereal in Europe and Asia. Although China seems to be the oldest birthplace of foxtail millet, recent studies would point out that this part of the world is not its only center of origin (with Harlan's meaning). Indeed, foxtail millet would not only have been domesticated in Europe and China, but also in India, Japan and South of Russia, at different times and independantly. Migrations and introgressions would have occured afterwards ; and so have been created the current geographical groups. The extension of foxtail millet is due to its agronomical (autogamy, hardiness...) and nutritional advantages (high protein and fatty acid contents...). Actually, foxtail millet is, among other uses, a cereal of high nutritive value. Foxtail millet is still widely cultivated in Asia for human food, but it has nearly disappeared in Europe except for bird food because of maize introduction and because of a lack in genetic improvment. Nevertheless, in the current context of overproduction and diversification, a wide and unused variability and a high nutritive value make of foxtail millet an interesting culture for the futur.