Growth Of Millet Research Articles

Integrating dynamic high-throughput phenotyping and genetic analysis to monitor growth variation in foxtail millet

BackgroundFoxtail millet [Setaria italica (L.) Beauv] is a C4 graminoid crop cultivated mainly in the arid and semiarid regions of China for more than 7000 years. Its grain highly nutritious and is rich in starch, protein, essential vitamins such as carotenoids, folate, and minerals. To expand the utilisation of foxtail millet, efficient and precise methods for dynamic phenotyping of its growth stages are needed. Traditional foxtail millet monitoring methods have high labour costs and are inefficient and inaccurate, impeding the precise evaluation of foxtail millet genotypic variation.ResultsThis study introduces a high-throughput imaging system (HIS) with advanced image processing techniques to enhance monitoring efficiency and data quality. The HIS can accurately extract a range of key growth feature parameters, such as plant height (PH), convex hull area (CHA), side projected area (SPA) and colour distribution, from foxtail millet images. Compared with traditional manual measurements, this HIS improved data quality and phenotyping of the key foxtail millet growth traits. High-throughput phenotyping combined with a genome-wide association study (GWAS) revealed genetic loci associated with dynamic growth traits, particularly plant height (PH), in foxtail millet. The loci were linked to genes involved in the gibberellic acid (GA) synthesis pathway related to PH.ConclusionThe HIS developed in this study enables the efficient and dynamic monitoring of foxtail millet phenotypic traits. It significantly improves the quality of data obtained for phenotyping key growth traits. The integration of high-throughput phenotyping with GWAS provides new insights into the genetic underpinnings of dynamic growth traits, particularly plant height, by identifying associated genetic loci in the GA synthesis pathway. This methodological advancement opens new avenues for the precise phenotyping and exploration of genetic resources in foxtail millet, potentially enhancing its utilisation.

Effect of Land Configuration and Rainfall on Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br. under Saline Irrigation

Field experiment was conducted in Eastern Block Farm of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore to evaluate the effect of land configuration and rainfall on growth and yield of pearl millet under saline water irrigation in summer, 2024. The study was carried out in split plot design with three main plots (flatbed (M1), ridges and furrows (M2) and raised bed paired row planting (M3)) along with four subplot treatments (direct sowing (S1), 10 Day Old Seedlings (DOS) (S2), 15 DOS (modified dapog) (S3) and 20 DOS (S4)) which was replicated thrice. Water availability is a critical factor in influencing the length of the growing period while water quality significantly influences crop growth and yield. Consequently, rainfall received during the growing period affects plant height, Leaf Area Index (LAI), effective tillers and yield. The cumulative rainfall received 208 mm in 22 days and with 10 rainy days during the crop growth period. Rainfall between 40 to 60 Days After Sowing/Planting (DAS/P) corresponded with Crop Growth Rate (CGR). Among main plot treatments, ridges and furrows (M2) recorded higher plant height (173 cm) and effective tillers (2.6) at harvest. Grain and stover yields (t ha-1) were also higher in ridges and furrows (M2) (3.31 and 6.12, respectively) which was statistically on par with raised bed paired row planting (M3) (3.31 and 6.12, respectively).

Optimizing Irrigation and Nitrogen Application to Enhance Millet Yield, Improve Water and Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Reduce Inorganic Nitrogen Accumulation in Northeast China

Enhancing irrigation and nitrogen fertilizer application has become a vital strategy for ensuring food security in the face of population growth and resource scarcity. A 2-year experiment was conducted to determine to investigate the effects of different irrigation lower limits and nitrogen fertilizer application amounts on millet growth, yield, water use efficiency (WUE), N utilization, and inorganic nitrogen accumulation in the soil in 2021 and 2022. The experiment was designed with four irrigation lower limits, corresponding to 50%, 60%, 70%, and 80% of the field capacity (FC), referred to as I50, I60, I70, and I80. Four nitrogen fertilizer application were also included: 0, 50, 100, and 150 kg·hm−2 (designated as F00, F50, F100, and F150), resulting in a total of 16 treatments. Binary quadratic regression equations were established to optimize the irrigation and nitrogen application. The results demonstrated that the plant height, stem diameter, leaf area index, aboveground biomass, yield, spike diameter, spike length, spike weight, WUE, and nitrogen agronomic efficiency for millet initially increased before subsequently decreasing as the irrigation lower limit and nitrogen fertilizer application increased. Their maximum values were observed in the I70F100. However, the nitrogen partial factor productivity (PFPN) exhibited a gradual decline with increasing nitrogen application, reaching its peak at F50. Additionally, PFPN displayed a pattern of initial increase followed by a decrease with rising irrigation lower limits. The accumulation of NO3−-N and NH4+-N in the 0~60 cm soil layer increased with the increase of nitrogen fertilizer application in both years, while they tended to decrease as the irrigation lower limit increased. An optimal irrigation lower limit of 64% FC to 74% FC and nitrogen fertilizer application of 80 to 100 kg ha−1 was recommended for millet based on the regression equation. The findings of this study offer a theoretical foundation and technical guidance for developing a drip irrigation and fertilizer application for millet cultivation in Northeast China.

Response of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) to crop residue application and potassium management options under rainfed condition

A field experiment was conducted during rainy (kharif) seasons of 2021 and 2022 at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi to study the impact of crop residue mulching and potassium management options on growth and yield attributes of pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br]. The experiment was conducted in a split plot design (SPD) with three mains plots, viz. C0, No residue mulching; C1, Crop residue mulching @3 t/ha; and C2, Crop residue mulching @3 t/ha + Pusa decomposer; and five potassium management in sub plot, viz. K0, No potassium application; K1, 40 kg K2O/ha; K2, 40 kg K2O/ha + potassium solubilising bacteria (KSB); K3, 30 kg K2O/ha + KSB; and K4, 20 kg K2O/ha + KSB. Pearl millet variety Pusa Composite 701 was used for the experiment. Significant variation among growth and yield parameters were observed under crop residue as well as potassium management options. Under crop residue mulching these were recorded maximum in treatment C2 (crop residue mulching @3 t/ha + Pusa decomposer). However, under potassium management options plant height (11.8–13.3%), ear head length (9.5 and 9.8%) and yield (26.7 and 24%) of pearl millet was recorded maximum in treatment K2 (40 kg K2O/ha + KSB) during the consecutive year over the control. These finding highlights the synergistic effects of potassium and residue management demonstrating that the presence of KSB enhanced potassium uptake by the plants, resulting in improved outcomes.

Combined transcriptome and physiological analysis reveals exogenous sucrose enhances photosynthesis and source capacity in foxtail millet

Foxtail millet (Setaria italica (L.) P. Beauv.) is an environmentally friendly crop that meets the current requirements of international food security and is widely accepted as a photosynthesis research model. However, whether exogenous sucrose treatment has a positive effect on foxtail millet growth remains unknown. Here, we employed physiological and molecular approaches to identify photosynthesis and source capacity associated with exogenous sucrose during the growth of Jingu 21 seedlings. RNA-seq analysis showed that some differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to photosynthesis and carotenoid biosynthesis were induced by exogenous sucrose and that most of these genes were up-regulated. An increase in gas exchange parameters, chlorophyll content, and chlorophyll fluorescence of Jingu 21 was noted after exogenous sucrose addition. Furthermore, exogenous sucrose up-regulated genes encoding sucrose and hexose transporters and enhanced starch and sucrose metabolism. More DEGs were up-regulated by sucrose, the nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) content in the leaves increased and energy metabolism and sucrose loading subsequently improved, ultimately enhancing photosynthesis under normal and dark conditions. Further analysis revealed that WRKYs, ERFs, HY5, RAP2, and ABI5 could be key transcription factors involved in growth regulation. These results indicate that exogenous sucrose affects the normal photosynthetic performance of foxtail millet by increasing NSC transport and loading. They improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of the effects of exogenous sucrose on photosynthesis in foxtail millet, providing an effective measure to enhance source–sink relationships and improve yield.

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 neem coated urea and Sulphur on growth, yield and economics of pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br. emend Stuntz

Impact of neem coated urea and Sulphur on growth, yield and economics of pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br. emend Stuntz

Effect of nano DAP on growth and yield of finger millet

Effect of nano DAP on growth and yield of finger millet

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

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.

Role of organic amendments in improving the morphophysiology and soil quality of Setaria italica under salinity

Salinity negatively impacts soil fertility by impairing the development and physiological functions of foxtail millet plants. Organic amendments have emerged as a viable solution in the reclamation and management of salinity inflicted soils and improve the performance of crop. In this regard, a pot experiment was carried out to examine the effect of organic amendments (OAs) on soil quality and its influence on the growth and physiology of foxtail millet under saline and non-saline condition. The findings indicated that under salt stress conditions, the levels of proline, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and electrolyte leakage (EL) risen, whilst other physiological parameters decrease in foxtail millet. However, the addition of OAs, particularly dhaincha and biochar (BC), has shown a promising salt tolerant amendment among others. Its addition improved the growth performance of salinity-stressed plants, including plant height, fresh and dry biomass, simultaneously decreased sodium ion (Na+) and improved calcium (Ca2+), potassium (K+), and nitrate ion (NO3−). They also increased proline build up by 6–17 %, reduced H2O2 (19–38 %) and malondialdehyde (16–18 %). Furthermore, they elevated the relative water content (RWC) (25 %), chlorophyll content, and reduced EL (29–50 %). Once more, dhaincha and BC enhanced the number of rhizobia, phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and overall bacterial population in the soil. In saline soil, daincha and BC could enhance soil organic matter (628 %), total nitrogen (1630 %), available phosphorus (32–38 %), and exchangeable potassium (54–73 %). A potential strategy for improving setaria italica performance under salt is suggested to be the following order, dhaincha > biochar > vermicompost > duckweed. The study would assist stakeholders in these salinity-prone areas in strategizing the use of OAs to their fallow land for cultivation and agricultural activities.

Effects of Phosphorus Application Levels on Its Uptake and Utilization in Foxtail Millet

Foxtail millet is a traditional minor crop in China, known for its strong resistance to stress, tolerance to barren lands, and wide adaptation. Phosphorus is an essential element for crop growth and development, and the appropriate application of phosphorus can enhance crop yield and quality. However, the optimal phosphorus fertilization levels for the growth of foxtail millet have yet to be determined. This study aims to explore the effects of different phosphorus application levels (T1, T2, T3, and T4), on phosphorus accumulation and use efficiency and crop yield and quality in the foxtail millet cultivars ‘B376’ and ‘B27’, which have different phosphorus efficiencies. Additionally, we investigated the effects of phosphorus accumulation and use efficiency on the heading and filling stages of these cultivars. The results show that the total phosphorus content and accumulation levels in the ‘B376’ and ‘B27’ cultivars vary at different developmental stages and in different plant parts. Furthermore, crop yield and quality in both cultivars vary in response to the different phosphorus application levels. In terms of yield, the phosphorus-tolerant variety ‘B376’ reaches its highest at T2, while the phosphorus-sensitive variety ‘B27’ achieves its maximum yield at T3. For quality, ‘B376’ exhibits the highest moisture and crude fat content under T4, and the highest protein and the lowest amylose content under T3. On the other hand, ‘B27’ achieves its highest moisture content under T4, its highest crude fat and protein levels under T3, and its lowest amylose content under T2. Therefore, the response to different phosphorus application levels differs between the two cultivars with different phosphorus use efficiencies. Moreover, under different phosphorus fertilization levels, the average crop yield, moisture, fat, and amylose content averages of the phosphorus-tolerant ‘B376’ cultivar are 16.1%, 1.2%, 7.0%, and 4.1% higher than those of the phosphorus-sensitive ‘B27’ cultivar. Additionally, phosphorus use efficiency is positively correlated with the moisture and crude fat contents of foxtail millet. In conclusion, the phosphorus-tolerant cultivar demonstrates superior phosphorus accumulation, absorption, and utilization capacities compared to the phosphorus-sensitive cultivar. These results suggest that in the phosphorus-tolerant ‘B376’, optimal phosphorus fertilization levels enhance the development of roots, stems, and leaves at the T2 (P45) level, and promote the accumulation of moisture and crude fat in foxtail millet grains, thereby improving their taste and quality. Our findings provide a theoretical basis for phosphorus fertilizer utilization in foxtail millet cultivation and will help determine the optimal fertilization levels for foxtail millet growth.

To assess the impact of agronomical biofortification on growth, yield and quality of pearl millet

To assess the impact of agronomical biofortification on growth, yield and quality of pearl millet

Agrometeorological indices, physiological growth parameters and performance of finger millet as influenced by different cultivars under hot and sub humid region of Odisha

Present-day agriculture is under tremendous pressure due to various factors such as climate change, degradation of soil and water quality, and yield plateauing of major food crops. Under these scenarios, there is an urgent need to choose a climate-resilient and ecologically hardy crop which can perform under adverse conditions with low input requirements. In this regard, millets can be suitable crops for agricultural sustainability. Among various millets, finger millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn) is cultivated mainly in India and Africa. However, most farmers grow finger millet with local cultivars, and improved ones can be replaced to enhance productivity. The present investigation conducted at the Post Graduate Research Farm of Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha, focused on evaluating suitable cultivars of finger millet. The study revealed that cultivars significantly influenced finger millet growth, productivity, and economics. The physiological growth parameters, namely, crop growth rate, relative growth rate, net assimilation rate and leaf area duration were significantly influenced by finger millet cultivars. The growing degree days (GDD), helio-thermal units (HTU) and photothermal units (PTU) of the finger millet showed a great variation among the cultivars. The Maximum total GDD (2169 °C day), HTU (18141 °C day hours) and PTU (24297 °C day hours) were recorded in the cultivar Hima(w) VR 936. The cultivars Indravathi VR 1101, Sri Chaitanya VR 847 (1.73) and Hima (W) VR 936 (1.60) were superior to other cultivars in expression of the grain yield and economics of finger millet. The study concluded that the cultivation of Indravathi and Sri Chaitanya could be considered as short-duration cultivars; however, Hima can be chosen as long duration crop for successful finger millet cultivation with higher net returns and benefit-cost ratio under hot and sub-humid regions of Odisha.

Mycorrhizal inoculation and fertilizer microdosing interactions in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) under greenhouse conditions.

Soil fertility is a major constraint to agricultural development in the Sahel region of Africa. One alternative to reducing the use of mineral fertilizers is to partially replace them with microbes that promote nutrition and growth, such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). Mineral fertilizer microdosing is a technique developed to enhance fertilizer efficiency and encourage smallholder farmers to adopt higher mineral fertilizer applications. A pot experiment was set up to study the effects of AMF inoculation on the mineral nutrition of pearl millet under mineral fertilizer microdosing conditions. The experimental setup followed a randomized complete block design with five replicates. The treatments tested on millet were an absolute control and eight microdoses derived from the combination of three doses of 15- 10-10 [nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK)] mineral fertilizer (2 g, 3 g, and 5 g per pot), three doses of urea (1 g, 2 g, and 3 g per pot), and three doses of organic manure (OM) (200 g, 400 g, and 600 g), combined with and without AMF (Rhizophagus irregularis and Rhizophagus aggregatum). The parameters studied were growth, root colonization by AMF, and mineral nutrition. Plant height, stem diameter, root dry biomass, and percentage of root mycorrhization were measured. The results revealed a significant effect of the fertilizers on the growth of pearl millet compared to the control. AMF and OM treatments resulted in the highest biomass production. AMF combined with microdoses of NPK improved N and calcium (Ca) concentrations, while their combination with organic matter mainly improved the K concentration. Combining AMF with microdosed NPK and compost enhanced zinc (Zn) and nickel (Ni) concentrations. Root colonization varied from 0.55 to 56.4%. This investigation highlights the positive effects of AMF inoculation on nutrient uptake efficiency when combined with microdosing fertilization.

Soil microbiomes from the groundnut basin of Senegal contain plant growth-promoting bacteria with potential for crop improvement in arid soils.

The principal methods to maintain soil fertility in Sahel soils are largely allowing fields to go fallow and manure addition. These methods are not currently sufficient to improve soil fertility. To promote biological amendments, we aimed to understand the plant-growth promoting traits of various soil microbial isolates. The soils collected in different areas in Senegal exhibited a similar eDNA profile of bacteria; the dominant microbes were Firmicutes, followed by Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria. Of 17 isolates identified and tested, the vast majority solubilized rock phosphate and a large number grew on culture medium containing 6% salt, but very few degraded starches or hydrolysed carboxymethyl cellulose or produced siderophores. Upon single inoculation, Peribacillus asahii RC16 and Dietzia cinnamea 55 significantly increased pearl millet growth and yield parameters. For cowpea, plant shoot length was significantly increased by Pseudarthrobacter phenanthrenivorans MKAG7 co-inoculated with Bradyrhizobium elkanii 20TpCR5, and nearly all rhizobacteria tested significantly improved cowpea dry weight and pod weight. Additionally, the double inoculation of Dietzia cinnamea 55 and MKAG7 significantly increased shoot length, dry weight, and seed head weight of pearl millet. These isolates are promising inoculants because they are ecologically-friendly, cost-effective, sustainable, and have fewer negative effects on the soil and its inhabitants.

Crop Safety and Weed Control of Foliar Application of Penoxsulam in Foxtail Millet.

Grass damage has become an important factor restricting foxtail millet production; chemical weeding can help resolve this issue. However, special herbicides in foxtail millet fields are lacking. Penoxsulam has a broad weed control spectrum and a good control effect. In this project, Jingu 21 was used as the test material, and five different concentrations of penoxsulam were used for spraying test in the three-five leaf stage. In this experiment, the effects on the growth of foxtail millet were discussed by measuring the agronomic characters and antioxidant capacity of foxtail millet after spraying penoxsulam. The results showed that: (1) penoxsulam is particularly effective in controlling Amaranthus retroflexus L. (A. retroflexus) and Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv. (E. crus-galli), but is ineffective in controlling Chenopodium album L. (C. album) and Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop. (D. sanguinalis); (2) the stem diameter, fresh weight, and dry weight of the above-ground parts decreased with the increase in spraying amount; (3) as the spraying dosage increased, the superoxide (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) activities in the foxtail millet initially increased and subsequently decreased; the malonaldehyde (MDA) content increased. Our experiment found that 1/2X and 1X spraying dosages had certain application value in controlling gramineous weeds in foxtail millet field. Other spraying dosages are not recommended as they may harm the crops. Our findings provide reference for identifying new herbicides in the foxtail millet field.

Effect of foliar application of nano urea on growth, yield and profitability of summer pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.)

Effect of foliar application of nano urea on growth, yield and profitability of summer pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.)

Effect of zinc and nano urea on growth and yield of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.)

Effect of zinc and nano urea on growth and yield of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.)

Effect of various establishment methods and solid and liquid organic manures on growth of finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.)

Effect of various establishment methods and solid and liquid organic manures on growth of finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.)