Hybrid Millet Research Articles

Optimizing Management Options through Empirical Modeling to Improve Pearl Millet Production for Semi-Arid and Arid Regions of Punjab, Pakistan

Low planting density and deficient nitrogen application are factors that significantly decrease the yield of pearl millet in Pakistan. Optimizing their management is imperative in increasing millet production efficiency, especially with N fertilization, which can strongly affect hybrid millet response. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted at the Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (semi-arid) and the Agronomic Research Station, Karor Lal Eason, District Layyah (arid) over two summer seasons (2015 and 2016). The experiment consisted of three intra-row spacings (10, 15, and 20 cm) as main plots, while four nitrogen rates (0, 150, 200, and 250 kg ha−1) were randomized in subplots. The treatments were triplicated each year at both locations. The results depicted a significant change in millet crop development with a change in planting density and nitrogen rate in semi-arid and arid environments. The decrease in planting density resulted 1–2 day(s) delay in 50% flowering, milking, and maturity in semi-arid and arid region during both years of study. Higher dry matter accumulation was observed at medium planting density (15 cm intra-row spacing) and higher levels of nitrogen (250 kg ha−1) at both locations and growing seasons. The yield and attributed yield performed well with 15-cm plant spacing coupled with N application from 150–200 kg ha−1, and resulted in high nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). The results of the quadratic relationship and economic analysis linked with yield and nitrogen levels at 15-cm spacing showed 176 and 181 kg N ha−1 optimum levels (mean of years) against the economic N levels of 138 and 137 kg N ha−1 for Faisalabad and Layyah, respectively. The benefit–cost ratio (BCR) showed 31% and 45% mean excessive N at 200 and 250 kg N ha−1, in Faisalabad and Layyah, respectively. So, it is concluded that the optimum economic level of N should be sought out according to the soil and climate of an area for the production of hybrid pearl millet on a sustainable basis.

Proteomic profiling of foxtail millet hybrid Zhangzagu10 and its parent lines using iTRAQ-based technique

Heterosis had been increasingly applied in crop production for nearly a century, but the molecular basis of it was poorly understood especially in foxtail millet (Setaria italica). Zhangzagu10 which derived from two-line hybrid breeding system has the characters of ultra-high yield, good stability and extensive disease and lodging resistance. To gain a better understanding of the molecular basis of S.italica heterosis, the isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification based quantitative proteomic analyses was performed between S.italica hybrid Zhangzagu10 and it parents (male parent Zhangzagu10fu and female parent A2). A total of 4015 proteins were detected, among which 610/276 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) between Zhangzagu10 and the female/male parent, respectively. The cluster analysis showed that the DEPs expression profiles of Zhangzagu10 were closer to those of the male parent. GO functional classification divided the DEPs into three functional categories (Cellular component, Biological process and Molecular function) and 26 subfamilies, among which three subfamilies had 100% difference between Zhangzagu10 and its parents. KEGG metabolic pathway exhibited significant enrichment of DEPs in Metabolic pathways, Carbon fixation in photosynthetic organisms and Photosynthesis. qRT-PCR verification confirmed the differential expression data and revealed that the expression level of 3 selected genes (such as peroxidase 5-like,G-type lectin S-receptor-like serine/threonine-protein kinase SD2-5,two-on-two hemoglobin-3, etc.) was higher in Zhangzagu10 than that in its male parent. The expression level of 7 selected genes (such as peroxidase 64-like, cysteine-rich receptor-like protein kinase 45, indole-3-acetaldehyde oxidase, etc.) was higher in Zhangzagu10 than that in its male parent, but significantly lower than that in A2. Thus, A2 can potentially optimise the agricultural qualities of Zhangzagu10. Taken together, we hope that this study provides valuable information for the further utilisation and study on the molecular mechanisms of heterosis in hybrid millet.

Precision orientation herbicide spraying against weeds in plastic-mulched fields of spring hybrid millet

Foxtail millet (Setaria italic [L.] P. Beauv.) is an important food and fodder crop that is cultivated worldwide. However, weeds severely inhibit the growth of spring foxtail millet, and no suitable herbicide or method is available for weed control in foxtail millet fields. Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of various herbicides and their safety toward hybrid foxtail millet, that is, ‘Zhangzagu 10’. The present study was conducted using seven herbicides applied by precision orientation spraying between plastic mulches in a foxtail millet field. All herbicide treatments exhibited no significant difference on foxtail millet shoot and root biomass. No difference in grain yield was observed among herbicide treatments, including MCPA (2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid), mesotrione, acetochlor, trifluralin, and pendimethalin, at the recommended dosage in field efficacy evaluation trial. For the same herbicide, the tendency of weed control increased with the increase in herbicide concentration. Following this finding, all herbicides applied at the highest dosage controlled weeds by 92.06% compared with the other treatments utilizing lower concentration. At the same concentration level, mesotrione controlled all weed populations was the highest observed among all herbicides, followed by prometryne and MCPA. Mesotrione controlled all weeds by at least 76.85%, exhibiting the highest weed injury among the herbicides and satisfying the requirement for weed species control. Finally, comprehensive analyses showed that mesotrione at 0.8 L ha-1, yielded the highest comprehensive evaluation value in foxtail millet field. Thus, this herbicide can be a good option in controlling weeds in foxtail millet field. This new model can aid in protecting hybrid ‘Zhangzagu 10’ foxtail millet seeds or seedlings against herbicide damage and is a good option in expanding the application range of herbicide in foxtail millet.

Effect of Harvest Time and Microbial Anaerobic Fermentation at Ruminal Degradability, In Vitro Digestibility to Milk Production and Milk Quality for Whole Plant Zhang Hybrid Millet in Dairy Cows.

Simple SummaryWith its drought tolerant and high productive characteristics, Zhang hybrid millet is becoming an important food source for both humans and animals. Whole plant Zhang hybrid millet has great potential in lowering feed cost while providing relatively high crude protein, vitamin, and mineral content. This study aimed to disclose whether harvest time and microbial anaerobic fermentation can improve ruminal degradability and intestinal digestibility of whole Zhang hybrid millet, and explore the effect of microbial anaerobic fermented whole Zhang hybrid millet as feedstuff on milk yield and milk quality. Results showed that the interaction effect of harvest time and microbial anaerobic fermentation had significant influence on the crude ash, Acid detergent fiber (ADF), water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC), and neutral detergent insoluble protein (NDIP) content and effective degradability of dry matter (EDDM) of whole Zhang hybrid millet. Early harvested whole Zhang hybrid millet with microbial anaerobic fermentation appeared to have a better chemical profile with lower content of crude ash, Neutral detergent fiber (NDF), ADF, and higher content of WSC, and a better ruminal degradability with lower EDDM, effective degradability of neutral crude protein EDCP, and effective degradability of neutral detergent fiber (EDNDF). Microbial anaerobic fermented whole Zhang hybrid millet as feedstuff did not significantly affect milk components, but significantly reduced somatic cell count ( SCC) compared with controls. Milk yield was numerically higher in whole Zhang hybrid millet groups. Collectively, harvest time and microbial anaerobic fermentation could further improve the nutritive value of whole Zhang hybrid millet. Microbial anaerobic fermented whole Zhang hybrid millet as an alternative feedstock for dairy diet was safe and feasible.This study assessed whether harvest time and microbial anaerobic fermentation could affect ruminal degradability and intestinal digestibility of whole Zhang hybrid millet, and estimate the effect of microbial anaerobic fermented whole Zhang hybrid millet as feedstuff on milk yield and milk quality. Protein degradation and intestinal digestion were determined using in situ nylon bag technique and three-step in vitro method, respectively. Results showed that harvest time, microbial anaerobic fermentation, or their interaction significantly affected EDDM, EDCP, and EDNDF (p < 0.05). In vitro fermentation was significantly influenced by harvest time. Early harvested samples appeared to have higher Total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) and lower acetate: propionate ratio than late harvested ones (p < 0.01). However, significant effect of harvest time and fermentation was failed to find in the estimation of rumen-undegradable protein (RUP) (p > 0.05). Microbial anaerobic fermented whole Zhang hybrid millet as feedstuff provided similar milk compositions compared with controls, and it significantly reduced SCC (p = 0.04). Milk yield was numerically higher in whole Zhang hybrid millet groups. In conclusion, harvest time and microbial anaerobic fermentation could further improve ruminal utilization of whole Zhang hybrid millet. Whole Zhang hybrid millet could be an alternative feedstock for dairy cows with acceptable safety profile and potential benefit in milk production.

Responses of the antioxidant system to fluroxypyr in foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.) at the seedling stage

Foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.) is an important food and fodder crop in semi-arid areas. However, there are few herbicides suitable for use on weed control in field-grown foxtail millet during the post-emergence herbicides stage. The present study was conducted using four concentrations (0.5, 1, 2, and 4 L ai ha−1) of foliar-applied fluroxypyr, and the effect of fluroxypyr on selected metabolic and stress-related parameters in foxtail millet were assessed after 15 days. In this study, increasing concentrations decreased plant height and accumulation of chlorophylls. Our results also showed that malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulated in response to fluroxypyr application, demonstrating increased lipid peroxidation due to excessive reactive oxygen species production. In response to this oxidative stress, the activities of antioxidant enzymes were generally enhanced. Non-enzymatic antioxidant defense systems, which function in concert with antioxidant enzymes, can also protect plant cells from oxidative damage by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS). In conclusion, the hybrid variety (Zhangzagu) exhibited a greater tolerance to fluroxypyr than did the conventional variety Jingu 21, which might be associated with the antioxidant mechanisms of Zhangzagu hybrid millet.

Photochemical changes and oxidative damage in four foxtail millet varieties following exposure to sethoxydim

In order to assess its response to the herbicide, sethoxydim (SEY), seedlings of two foxtail millet (Setaria italica) hybrids were exposed to 0.75, 1.5, 3, and 6 L(SEY active ingredient, ai) ha-1 for 7 and 15 d. Our results showed that SEY reduced photosynthesis and oxidative stress in the hybrid millet (Zhangza) at the dosage below 1.5 L(ai) ha–1 (i.e., recommended dosage), whereas it caused death of Jingu 21 at all treatment dosages. In addition, we further explored the effect of SEY on PSI and PSII; the hybrid millet showed a greater tolerance to SEY and also the ability to recover. In conclusion, the hybrid millet seems to possess certain photosynthetic protection mechanisms which could reduce or eliminate the herbicide stress by increasing nonphotochemical quenching for dissipating excessive light energy under SEY-induced oxidative stress.

Influence of drought stress on the photosynthetic characteristics and dry matter accumulation of hybrid millet

In order to elucidate the drought resistance and high-yield mechanism of hybrid millet, we studied the influence of drought stress on the photosynthetic characteristics and dry matter accumulation. Our results revealed that drought stress caused lesser reduction in the net photosynthetic rate, maximal quantum yield of PSII photochemistry, excitation energy capture efficiency of PSII reaction centers and in the yield of hybrid millet compared to normal millet. When drought stress occurred in the jointing stage, the percentage decrease of P N, Fv/Fm, Fv'/Fm', and the yield of Zhangzagu3 cultivar compared to control were 27.9%, 2.6%, 25. 5%, and 1.9%, respectively, the percentage decrease of Zhangzagu5 were 37.6%, 3.9%, 28.3%, and 16.7%, respectively, the decrease percentage of Datong29 were 60.1%, 6.4%, 4%, and 23.4%, respectively. Hybrid millet showed the similar reduction in the parameters referred above, when drought stress occurred at the heading stage, but the percentage decrease was much higher than that at the jointing stage. We concluded that hybrid millet showed higher drought resistance than normal millet.

An expression profiling analysis of hybrid millet and its parents at grain filling stage.

Heterosis has been widely used in crop breeding and production. However, a shortage of genes known to function in heterosis significantly limits our understanding of the molecular basis underlying heterosis. Here, we report 740 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the leaves of the hybrid millet Zhang No.5 and its parents at the grain filling stage determined using Solexa Illumina digital gene expression. Of the 740 DEGs, 546 were from the hybrid and its parents and most were up-regulated in the hybrid. Particularly, a large number of DEGs related to starch and carbohydrate metabolism and 2 DEGs encoding chlorophyll a/b binding proteins were up-regulated in hybrid millet. Moreover, all DEGs were enriched in the biological process and molecular function, and no DEGs were found to be enriched in the cellular component of GO terms. Pathway enrichment using KEGG showed that several DEGs were enriched in the circadian rhythm pathway. Further analysis revealed that the altered circadian rhythm, which mediates photosynthesis and carbohydrate accumulation, may play an important role in heterosis of the hybrid millet.

Growth, grain yield, and water use efficiency of rain-fed spring hybrid millet (Setaria italica) in plastic-mulched and unmulched fields

In order to analyze the effect of plastic mulching on water use efficiency of spring hybrid millet (Setaria italica), field experiments were conducted during the 2012 growing season, at an experimental station located in a semi-arid region of North China. Four treatments were applied: (i) plastic mulching of ridges and furrow sowing (T1), (ii) ridges and furrows without plastic mulch (T0), (iii) flat soil with plastic mulch (A1), and (iv) flat soil with no plastic mulch (A0) (control). Dynamics of soil moisture and soil temperature, together with crop growth, were monitored continuously in both mulched and unmulched fields. Changes in water consumption, soil temperature, and plant growth and development were analyzed. Results indicated that plastic mulching produced a 2–5-day advance in emergence of each growth stage. Soil temperature at 0–15cm depth increased by 1.25°C and 0.84°C under mulched treatments A1 and T1, respectively, while soil water content at a depth of 0–10cm increased by 1.42% and 1.29% in the same treatments. Leaf area index and plant height were also significantly higher in plastic-mulched treatments, except in later growth stages. Because plastic mulching improved tiller and ear numbers significantly, grain yield increased by 13.25% and 6.64%, in Al and T1 treatments, respectively. Water use efficiency at yield levels of plastic-mulched A1 and T1 plots was 24.44% and 3.6% higher than in unmulched flat and furrowed plots, respectively. Plastic mulching significantly reduced water consumption, retained soil water content, and increased soil temperature, to promote spring hybrid millet germination, and increased tiller numbers, and consequently, aboveground dry matter; it eventually significantly improved grain yield and water use efficiency. Plastic film mulching produced greater grain yield, water use efficiency, and benefits when used in flat planting patterns.

The Physiological Basis of Heterosis for Potassium Uptake of Hybrid Millet

Hybrid millet Zhang and its parental cultivars were studied for their potassium (K) uptake and accumulation characteristics and related physiological mechanisms. Hydroponic culture was performed with two K levels (i.e., high and low) set up. At high K level, hybrid millet showed heterobeltiosis in K accumulation and leaf K content, and it also had higher H+-ATPase activity, respiration rate, root oxidant activity and root K+ influx rate than its parental cultivars. All these lay the physiological foundation of heterosis for potassium uptake of hybrid millet. At low K level, the hybrid millet had a lower H+-ATPase activity and a higher K efflux rate than its parental cultivars, thus heterobeltiosis in K accumulation or leaf K content was not observed. Therefore, high level K fertilizer application is recommended for hybrid millet cultivation as it is favorable for hybrid millet to display heterosis in K uptake and K accumulation.

Introductory trial on hybrid millet ( Pennisetum glaucum L. R. Br.) at different locations of District Karak, KPK, Pakistan

An experiment was conducted on farmers’ fields to study the yield performance of hybrid millet “Badshah” at various locations of District Karak during Kharif 2010. The experiment was conducted in 6 union councils at 18 different locations of District Karak representing various micro agro climatic zones of the area. Data on days to flowering, days to maturity, plant population/m2, plant height (cm) and grain yield kg/ha were recorded. The investigations revealed that locations significantly affected all the parameters at P = 0.05%. Key words: Hybrid millet, crop performance, farmers’ fields, District Karak, Pakistan.

Alkaloid and Nitrate Concentrations in Pearl Millet as Influenced by Drought Stress and Fertilization with Nitrogen and Sulfur1

AbstractPearl millet [Pennisetum americanum (L.) Leeke] forage, which had been previously reported to become unpalatable under drought stress conditions, also contained high levels of nitrate and total alkaloids. This study was conducted to determine the effect of irrigation, drought stress, and drought stress elimination, as well as fertilization with 0 and 56 kg S ha−1, and 112, 224, and 336 kg N ha−1, on alkaloid and nitrate levels in pearl millet. ‘Millex 24’ hybrid millet was grown in the field during a hot, dry summer on a Darco soil (loamy, siliceous, thermic Grossarenic Paleudult) in East Texas. Chemical analyses for nitrate and total alkaloid levels were conducted on leaf blades and stems plus sheaths of vegetative plants. Alkaloid levels increased in pearl millet after extended drought and with increasing N fertilization rate. Total alkaloid concentration was higher in leaf blades (46 mg kg−1) than in stems plus sheaths (16 mg kg−1). Nitrate levels increased with improving plant water status and with increasing N fertilization. At the lowest N fertilization rate, nitrate concentrations were similar in irrigated and nonirrigated millet. At the highest N fertilization rate, nitrate was nearly two times higher in irrigated than in nonirrigated millet due to accumulation in stem portions. Nitrate concentration was higher in stems plus sheaths (14 g kg−1) than in leaf blades (5.1 g kg−1), but nitrate levels were highly correlated (r=0.90**; n=48) among plant parts. Sulfur application had no effect on either alkaloid or nitrate levels. A significant interaction between S and N rate occurred in stem plus sheath nitrate concentration (P&lt;0.01). Whole plant alkaloid and nitrate levels were significantly correlated under N fertilization and irrigation but were not correlated under moderate drought stress or under drought stress elimination.

Summer forages under irrigation. 3. The effect of nitrogen fertilizer on the growth, mineral composition and digestibility of a sorghum cross Sudangrass hybrid and Japanese barnyard millet

Sorghum bicolor x S. sudanense hybrid cv. Sudax ST6 and Echinochloa utilis cv. Shirohie were grown under irrigation at Trangie, New South Wales. Six rates of nitrogen (N) fertilizer were applied at sowing: 0, 25, 50, 120, 300, 450 kg N/ha. Height and dry matter yield were recorded at head emergence, together with the leaf hydrocyanic acid (HCN) potential, and leaf and stem dry matter digestibility, nitrogen, sulfur and sodium contents. Both the sorghum hybrid and the millet reached maximum forage yields (16.1 and 7.6 t/ha, respectively) at 350 kg N/ha. However, the tall-growing forage sorghum produced more dry matter than millet and consequently was more responsive to fertilizer nitrogen. In sorghum the leaf HCN potential increased linearly in response to N (8.5 x 10-4 %/kg N.ha). Since there was no compensating increase in the sulfur content (0.072%), and, assuming a requirement of 1.2 g S/g of HCN detoxified, sorghum lacked sufficient sulfur to detoxify the HCN potentially released in the rumen from sorghum receiving 150-200 kg N/ha. At this rate of nitrogen application, sorghum was producing only two-thirds of its forage yield potential. The sodium content of sorghum (0.013%) was not affected by nitrogen. In millet the nitrogen and sodium contents increased as applied nitrogen promoted growth. Plant sulfur was diluted initially but the nitrogen: sulfur ratio increased steadily (0.0067 units/kg N.ha). In contrast to sorghum, therefore, nitrogen fertilizer can be used to increase the dry matter yield of millet without jeopardizing forage quality and hence animal production.

Assessment of summer forage crops for sheep by the put-and-take grazing technique

During three summers a sorghum-Sudan grass hybrid (Sorghum bicolor x S. sudanense) and S. almum were grown at three levels of nitrogen fertilizer (0, 84, or 168 kg N/ha) in a cool temperate environment at Armidale, N.S.W. A pearl millet (Pennisetum typhoides) was included in the experiment during one summer and Japanese millet (Echinochloa crus-galli var. frumentacea) in two summers. Differences in dry matter production were non-significant except in one summer when Japanese millet produced almost twice as much as the sorghums. The forages were grazed by young sheep on the put-and-take method. Carrying capacity as judged by this technique was high on all crops except pearl millet but average daily gains were low, the performance on S. almum being generally the poorest. Total production (expressed as metabolizable energy intake) was significantly higher for S. almum than for the hybrid or pearl millet in the first year but there were no significant differences thereafter. Pre-sowing application of anhydrous ammonia did not increase the dry matter available at the first grazing and tended to depress animal performance. Liveweight gain per hectare was significantly reduced by nitrogen in one of the three summers. Residual soil nitrogen subsequently assessed by an oat crop was substantial on plots that had received ammonia. Crop performance measures were computed in various ways and differences between them are discussed. It is tentatively concluded that, of the four crops, Japanese millet has the most potential for use by sheep in this environment.