Major Cereals Research Articles

Provitamin A Biofortification of Durum Wheat through a TILLING Approach.

Macro- and micronutrients, essential for the maintenance of human metabolism, are assimilated daily through the diet. Wheat and other major cereals are a good source of nutrients, such as carbohydrates and proteins, but cannot supply a sufficient amount of essential micronutrients, including provitamin A. As vitamin A deficiency (VAD) leads to several serious diseases throughout the world, the biofortification of a major staple crop, such as wheat, represents an effective way to preserve human health in developing countries. In the present work, a key enzyme involved in the branch of carotenoids pathway producing β-carotene, lycopene epsilon cyclase, has been targeted by a Targeting Induced Local Lesions in Genomes (TILLING) approach in a “block strategy” perspective. The null mutant genotype showed a strong reduction in the expression of the lcyE gene and also interesting pleiotropic effects on an enzyme (β-ring hydroxylase) acting downstream in the pathway. Biochemical profiling of carotenoids in the wheat mutant lines showed an increase of roughly 75% in β-carotene in the grains of the complete mutant line compared with the control. In conclusion, we describe here the production and characterization of a new wheat line biofortified with provitamin A obtained through a nontransgenic approach, which also sheds new light on the molecular mechanism governing carotenoid biosynthesis in durum wheat.

Genetic Diversity, Population Structure, and Linkage Disequilibrium of Pearl Millet.

Mapping of GBS reads of 398 accessions to the draft genome sequence identified 82,112 SNPs Model-based clustering analysis revealed a hierarchical genetic structure of six subgroups Greater LD decay in the west-African subpopulation is likely due to long history of recombination Genetic differentiation analysis among subpopulations revealed variation in selection signatures Pearl millet [Cenchrus americanus (L.) Morrone syn. Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] is one of the most extensively cultivated cereals in the world, after wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), maize (Zea mays L.), rice (Oryza sativa L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), and sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]. It is the main component of traditional farming systems and a staple food in the arid and semiarid regions of Africa and southern Asia. However, its genetic improvement is lagging behind other major cereals and the yield is still low. Genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS)-based single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were screened on a total of 398 accessions from different geographic regions to assess genetic diversity, population structure, and linkage disequilibrium (LD). By mapping the GBS reads to the reference genome sequence, 82,112 genome-wide SNPs were discovered. The telomeric regions of the chromosomes have the higher SNP density than in pericentromeric regions. Model-based clustering analysis of the population revealed a hierarchical genetic structure of six subgroups that mostly overlap with the geographic origins or sources of the genotypes but with differing levels of admixtures. A neighbor-joining phylogeny analysis revealed that germplasm from western Africa rooted the dendrogram with much diversity within each subgroup. Greater LD decay was observed in the west-African subpopulation than in the other subpopulations, indicating a long history of recombination among landraces. Also, genome scan of genetic differentiatation detected different selection histories among subpopulations. These results have potential application in the development of genomic-assisted breeding in pearl millet and heterotic grouping of the lines for improved hybrid performance.

Computational evaluation of the effect of processing on the trypsin and alpha‐amylase inhibitor from Ragi (Eleusine coracana) seed

Ragi, also known as Finger millet, has been promoted as a healthy alternative to major cereals such as rice and wheat. It is a well‐known source of various minerals, dietary fiber, and a primary source of carbohydrate in parts of Asia and Africa. Ragi is a drought resistant crop, hence, useful for adapting to the current climate change and depleting water resource conditions in various parts of the world. However, the Ragi is known to have poor digestibility, primarily due to the presence of antinutritional compounds like alpha‐amylase and trypsin inhibitor. We have studied temperature, static electric fields (SEFs) and oscillating electric fields (OEFs) to evaluate the secondary structure changes of alpha‐amylase and trypsin inhibitor molecule in Ragi. This was simulated at three temperatures: 300, 343, and 373 K with SEF and OEF at an intensity of 1 V/nm with a frequency of 2.45 GHz (for OEF). STRIDE analysis exhibits various changes in the secondary structure of the protein, especially the loop connecting the alpha helices together. Thermal processing alone has also affected the second alpha helix of the molecule. Overall, the SEFs of 1 V/nm are found to have resulted in the most secondary structure deviations in terms of root mean square deviation and radius of gyration.

Interspecific Competition and Grain-Hosts Selection of Maize Weevil, <i>Sitophilus zeamais</i> (Motsch.) (Coleoptera; Dryophtoridae) and Larger Grain Borer, <i>Prostephanus truncatus</i> (Horn) (Coleoptera; Bostrichidae)

Laboratory interspecific competition and grain-hosts selection experiments involving maize weevil (MW), Sitophilus zeamais (Motsch.) and larger grain borer (LGB), Prostephanus truncatus (Horn) were performed under ambient temperature and relative humidity (25°C - 35°C and 70% - 80% relative humidity) in their major host cereal, maize grains. The species reproductive rate and grain-hosts preference were evaluated by a number of emerged adults. In combined infestation, both species competed intensively by simultaneously increasing their individuals’ emergence, 9-fold or greater than when reared alone. Even though both species simultaneously increased their progeny, S. zeamais was the dominant competitor and had a significant suppressant effect on P. truncatus. The selection result of grain-hosts showed that P. truncatus placed in the environment containing both uninfested maize grains and grains previously infested by S. zeamais, the insect prefers uninfested grains. Indeed, P. truncatus individuals’ emergences were significantly more important to uninfested grains than to infested grains. The weevil-infested grains seemed to have deterrent and detrimental effects on P. truncatus. Conversely, S. zeamais selection of grain-hosts was significantly (P = 0.0001) more attracted by P. truncatus infested grains than to uninfested grains. Sitophilus zeamais individuals’ emergences were significantly (P = 0.0008) more important to infested grains than to uninfested grains. The S. zeamais preference on grains previously infested would be stimulated by P. truncatus larval vibrations in grain.

Trend and Pattern of Cereal Crops: Production, Productivity and Area Coverage in Nepal

This study conducted to examine growth trends and pattern in area, production and productivity of major cereal crops over the six fiscal years. Time series data of cereal crops coverage of annual yield were used for the study. This study was based on descriptive nature and used secondary sources of information on production, productivity and area coverage of major cereals (Paddy, Maize, Wheat, Millet, Buckwheat and Barley) covering the six fiscal years (2011/12-20116/17) data. Trends of crop's productivity were analyzed using graphical methods. Ratio and percentage were used to measure productivity (yield) growth rate of the selected crops of study. The yielding trend of cereal production is not satisfactory in Nepalese economy. Pattern of agricultural production in Nepal is affected by multiple factors including rugged topography, monsoon, insignificant investment in infrastructure, and research and development. Production and productivity would be helpful to develop the future plans and take the appropriate decisions to uphold the situation for the sustainability in food production.

Competition of maize hybrids with alexandergrass (Urochloa plantaginea)

Maize is one of the world's major cereals, and alexandergrass is the most damaging weed in the crop. The objective of this work was to evaluate the relative competitive ability of maize hybrids in the presence of alexandergrass through replacement series experiments. The experiments were set up in a complete randomized block design, with four replications. Firstly, for the maize hybrids as well as for the alexandergrass, the plant population was determined in which the final production becomes constant. were composed of plastic pots with a capacity of 8 dm3, and in each experimental unit was placed in the proportion corresponding to each treatment (100: 00, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75 and 0: 100) in each experimental unit, the species competing or not between them. For each hybrid, a separate experiment was considered with the objective of evaluating intra and interspecific competition. The analysis of the competitiveness of the species was carried out through diagrams applied to the replacement experiments and by the relative competitiveness indexes. At 50 days after the emergence of the maize the leaf area (LA) and the dry mass of the aerial part (DM) of the plants were checked. The relative competition was occured among the weed and each maize hybrid, being negatively affected for both of species, independently of the proportion of weed causing reductions in LA and DM of the maize. Interspecific competition causes less damage to LA and DM of species than intraspecific competition. There is basically competition for the same environment resources (water, CO2, sun light and nutrients) between maize and alexandergrass, being the crop more competitive than the weed.

Determination of macronutrient compositions in selected, frequently consumed cereals, cereal based foods, legumes and pulses prepared according to common culinary methods in Sri Lanka.

Cereal grains, legumes and pulses comprise the largest proportion in a typical South-Asian diet plate. This research is mainly focusing on determining the macronutrient composition of major cereals, legumes and pulses commonly consumed in local Sri Lankan cuisine, in their cooked form. White samba, White Basmati, Red Kekulu and Nadu rice were selected as the main rice varieties and in addition maize, and wheat, finger millet flour-based foods too were analyzed. Red cowpea, green gram, chickpea and soya bean based foods were analyzed for macronutrient compositions as they are more frequently consumed by the local population, while the most preferred curry item; 'lentils', was analyzed along with soya curry; another preferred item by millions of locals. Wheat flour based items like bread were taken into analysis since, they have become the second most preferred food next to rice. Every item was cooked according to the common culinary practices in aim to determine the "realistic nutrient gain". Proximate analysis was carried out according to the AOAC standard guidelines for the determination of moisture, carbohydrate, fat, and protein whereas, insoluble dietary fiber and soluble dietary fiber were determined using enzymatic digestion in vitro models. Results revealed digestible carbohydrate level range from 64.6 ± 5.3 to 74.6 ± 7.2% among tested rice varieties, while protein content varies from 5.6 ± 2.2 to 8.9 ± 2.6. Insoluble dietary fiber was high in boiled raw rice (9.8 ± 0.2) and low in boiled White Basmati. Amongst tested leguminous beans, pressure cooked red cowpea elicited the highest protein level (24.5 ± 2.3%), while pressure cooked green gram had the lowest protein content (20.0 ± 0.6%). Pressure cooked chick pea was having higher insoluble dietary content (14.8 ± 1.3%) compared to other beans. Soybean curry elicited the highest protein (36.6%) and fat content (8.2%) among all the tested varieties. Pittu (puttu) and roti varieties made with wheat flour and finger millet flour resulted considerably higher levels of digestible fiber compared to roti made with whole wheat flour. It can be concluded that typical Sri Lankan diets are rich in fibre and protein, while they provide excellent macronutrient profiles due to the proper complementary mixing of food ingredients.

Review on: Study the Effect of Fermentation on the Value of Teff Injera [Eragrostis (Zucc.) Trotter

ABSTRACT In Ethiopia, teff is smallest grain used as principal ingredient in formation of injera which is one of the staple foods of the population. It is unique durable crop grown over wide range of environmental conditions and has been utilized as food and supplements to majority of the human diets in Ethiopia . The potential of this grain, as an interesting raw material, for new food product development is due principally to its protein composition which is gluten free and has a high quality amino acid composition. Teff grains can be used in cooking and baking in place of other types of small grains, nuts or seed grain which used for injera preparation, to increase the nutritional and functional quality of injera. It is a fermented, pancake-like, soft, sour, circular flatbread. The main components of teff are protein, ash, fat, fiber, moisture and carbohydrates. Prolamins are the major proteins found in the teff grain. The grain is also rich in iron, calcium, magnesium and phosphorous. Teff has a high content of minerals such as: iron, calcium, zinc and magnesium compared to wheat, barley and oats. It is nutritious as major staple cereals like wheat, rice, oats, barley, and even better in some aspects, containing more calcium, zinc, iron and potassium. They also described teff as being high in dietary fiber the properties of teff and injera have been reviewed. In the preparation of injera, teff flour undergoes fermentation by lactic acid bacteria and yeast. This review was lead to deductions that increasing fermentation temperature was brought in increased titratable acidity and reduced pH of the dough during injera making. Likewise prolonging the fermentation time which increases the acid content of the dough. As well as Increasing the fermentation temperature and time which lead to reduce protein content in injeras. The ash and fat contents of injeras was not affected by fermentation, whereas fiber and carbohydrate was increased.

In vitro studies of 3-O-Methylquercetin against phytopathogenic fungi of major cereals

Maize, wheat, and rice are major cereal crops in the world, which provide more caloric energy than any other type of cereal class. In recent years, the yield of these cereal grains has stagnated due to a myriad of constraints, including infestation by pests and pathogens. Plant pathogens, especially agricultural phytopathogenic fungi, may be resistant to the available chemical fungicides which may have detrimental effects and are expensive. This study investigated whether natural products isolated from Linzia glabra Steetz of family Asteraceae could be used as alternative antifungals for control of cereal diseases caused by agricultural fungi. A single pure fraction was separated and identified from L. glabra methanolic flower crude extract using high performance liquid chromatography and high resolution mass spectrometry methods. The pure fraction isolated was tested for inhibition of spore germination in vitro against Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium verticillioides, Zymoseptoria tritici, Ustilago maydis, and Pyricularia oryzae. The fraction was identified as a flavonol, 3-O-Methylquercetin using high resolution mass spectrometry. Among the fungi tested, spores of Z. tritici were the most susceptible to 3-O-Methylquercetin (44% spore inhibition), followed by F. oxysporum (33% inhibition) at 27 μg/mL. Azoxystrobin, a standard commercialized fungicide, gave a complete inhibition of 100% against Z. tritici and 58% inhibition against F. oxysporum at 5 μg/mL. L. glabra contains flavonols with antifungal activity, but the modest and weak antifungal activity of 3-O-Methylquercetin compared to a standard such as azoxystrobin demonstrates the challenge to produce highly potent natural product fungicides. There is need for continued search for antifungals with new modes of action as solutions to challenges in agricultural production.

Physiological and molecular response under salinity stress in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Wheat is among major cereals cultivated and consumed all over the world. However, production of wheat worldwide is affected by salinity stress. With reference to salt stress tolerance, though genetic variability exists in wheat gene pool, in depth understanding of molecular and physiological processes underlying salinity tolerance is lacking. Kharchia Local (KL), an Indian landrace of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is well known for its tolerance to salinity stress. Analysis of the expression pattern of an important vacuolar TaNHX1 (Na+(K+)/H+) antiporter gene in response to salt stress was carried out in two bread wheat genotypes viz. KL (tolerant) and HD 3086 (susceptible). This gene is associated with vacuolar Na+ sequestration. Changes in various physiological parameters in response to salt stress were also assayed in these genotypes. Physiological parameters such as RWC, MSI, CHL, Na+ and K+ contents in leaf and root tissues were estimated under both control and salt stress conditions. Higher transcript level of TaNHX1 gene in KL suggests early up regulation of this gene expression under salt stress. This study helps in understanding how various cellular response, differ in bread wheat in response to salt stress.

Estimation and Efficient Utilization of Straw Resources in Ghana

The significance of this research is on maize, rice, sorghum, millet, groundnut, soybeans and cowpea straw for stronger sustainability in Ghana’s economic development. Quantifying and re-use of crop straw resources in Ghana is still at the infancy stage hampering the efficient recycling of these resources in a sustainable manner. Sustainability is straw as a renewable resource to improve soils, livestock production, generate renewable energy and reduce pollution for development. The aim of this research was to estimate the crop straw yield from 2006 to 2016 and identify the various utilization modes for major cereals and legumes in Ghana. In addition the distribution of maize, rice, sorghum and cowpea straw across major producing regions was calculated. Results obtained showed that 77,404,709.75 tonnes of cereals and legumes straw were produced in Ghana from 2006 to 2016. Cereal straw recorded a 72.3% yield whilst legume straw recorded 26.8%. Maize and groundnut straw recorded the highest yield of 37,323,264.16 and 12,495,288.96 tonnes respectively. Brong Ahafo region of Ghana had the highest maize straw yield with the Northern region recording readily availability of both cereals and legumes straw resources. The major re-use methods of straw in Ghana are as livestock feed, fertilizer, cooking fuel, for sale and as a substrate for mushroom production. We recommend strategies the government can adapt to develop policies geared towards the accurate recording of straw and their comprehensive utilization in Ghana. The efficient utilization of straw resources will reduce soil erosion, improve soil fertility, serve as feed for livestock, reduce pollution, generate biofuels plus generate employment to benefit the rural economy.

European Court of Justice delivers no justice to Europe on genome-edited crops.

European Court of Justice delivers no justice to Europe on genome-edited crops.

Copula-based agricultural drought risk of rainfed cropping systems

In a future climate, warmer and drier conditions are expected, and the associated negative impacts in agricultural productions are a major issue. Assessing the risk of drought hazard on agricultural systems is, therefore, of main importance in decision-making, with the aim of mitigating drought-related crop losses. In this study the agricultural drought risk is defined as the conditional probability of occurring crop-losses under drought conditions. We use the copula theory to estimate joint probability distributions describing the amount of dependence between drought conditions and crop yield anomalies of two major rainfed cereals in the Iberian Peninsula (wheat and barley), in the period 1986–2016. Further conditional probability distributions of the crop yield anomalies under different drought levels are obtained using the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) and the satellite derived indices Vegetation Condition Index (VCI) and Temperature Condition Index (TCI). The results suggest that, in general, the joint behaviour of yield anomalies and drought conditions exhibits a dependence between the extreme values, whereas barley exhibits greater probabilities of joint extreme low values of yield and drought indicators. Moreover, while TCI is mainly used in copula models indicating greater probabilities of joint extreme high values of wheat and drought indicators (gumbel models), VCI and SPEI are mainly associated to copula models indicating greater probabilities of joint extreme low values (clayton models). The estimated conditional probabilities of occurrence of crop-loss are illustrated at the province level and suggest that agricultural drought risk increases with drought severity in most of the provinces.

Cereal Bioactive Compounds: A Review

Cereal grains and wholegrain cereal products (rich in fibrous polymers) are the excellent sources of numerous unique substances rating among biologically active compounds such as dietary fiber (arabinoxylans, beta-glucans, cellulose, lignin and lignans), sterols, tocopherols, tocotrienols, alkylresorcinols, phenolic acids, vitamins and microelements. Cereals have been staple foods both directly for human consumption and ready available to the human diet. The major cereals consumed worldwide are wheat, rice, maize, barley, oats, rye, millet, sorghum. Bioactive compounds of whole-grains are present in the bran/germ fraction of cereal-grains and least in endosperm. The bioactive components in cereals help in reducing the risk of chronic diseases act as a functional ingredient. Bioactive compounds in whole-grain cereals have not received as much attention as in fruits and vegetables due to difficult in extractions and some have antinutritional role. These health benefits are achieved through multifactorial physiological mechanisms including antioxidant activity, mediation of hormones, enhancement of immune system and facilitation of substance transit through the digestive tract, butyric acid production in the colon, and absorption.

Farmers’ Perception towards Certified and Farm Produce Seeds of Cereals

The study entitled “Farmers’ Perception towards Certified and Farm Produce Seeds of Major Cereals in Jammu” was conducted in Jammu Region for analyzing farmers perception towards certified and farm produce seeds of major cereals on the basis of primary as well as secondary data. Two blocks from Jammu district were taken for the proposed study on the basis of highest area under proposed crops. The list of farmers of selected blocks was prepared with the help of concerned Sarpanch of the sample area. Two villages were selected randomly from each block. Twenty (20) farmers were selected randomly for the study from each village. Therefore total sample size was 80 farmers.

India’s Evergreen Revolution in Cereals

The term ‘Green Revolution’ (GR) is used to highlight an unprecedented increase in wheat production in India during 1968–72. The critics of GR allege that there is technology fatigue, especially after 1980s. The present study was undertaken to analyse the trends in productivity of major cereals and compare yield gains during the GR era and post-GR era. The period of 68 years since 1950 was divided in four phases: pre-GR era (1950–66) referred to as phase I, GR era (1967–83) as phase II, post-GR era of 1984–2000 as phase III and post-GR era of 2001–17 as phase IV. The annual rate of gain in productivity (kg/ha/yr) in each phase was estimated by linear regression. The annual gain in wheat productivity in phase III (53.1 kg/ha) was 30% higher than that in the GR era (41.0 kg/ha). In rice, the productivity gains increased consistently: annual gain in phase III (32.3 kg/ha) and phase IV (41.6 kg/ha) was 68% to 117% respectively, higher than that in the GR era (19.2 kg/ha). The rate of gain in productivity of maize and pearl millet in phases III and IV was 188–530% higher in comparison to the GR phase. The progress can largely be attributed to development and adoption of improved cultivars with higher yield potential and crop management technologies. The analysis provided conclusive evidence of India experiencing evergreen revolution in major cereals.

Instability analysis of food grain production during kharif season in coastal districts of Odisha

Agriculture is the backbone of the economy of Odisha. Food grain production in the state is mainly confined in the coastal areas which include Puri, Khordha, Ganjam, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Bhadrak and Balasore districts. Climatic and soil conditions of these areas are very much suitable for cultivation of different kharif food grain crops. Food grains include both cereals and pulses. Major cereals grown in these areas are rice, ragi, maize, wheat and bajra and major pulses grown in these areas are green gram, black gram, kulthi and arhar. To study the variation in yield of major kharif food grains, a study is made about the area and production of kharif food grains in these coastal districts from the year 1993-94 to 2014-15. This study includes test of significance of change in mean and variance of area, yield and production of kharif food grains from Period-I (1993-94 to 2002-03) to Period-II (2003-04 to 2014-15). To test the significance of change in mean and variance of area, yield and production of kharif food grains, we have to calculate the mean and variance of area, yield and production of kharif food grains from Period-I to Period-II by using Fisher′s t-test and Snedecor’s F-test respectively. Increase in the production of kharif food grains of Odisha after the year 2003-04 is due to adoption of new and improved technologies. High variation in mean yield and mean production of kharif food grains is marked which may be due to uneven spread of technologies. In Balasore, Bhadrak, Ganjam and Kendrapada districts change in yield variance contributes more towards change in variance of production. More variation in yield in the above districts is due to scattered land holdings by farmers.

Genetic and Molecular Control of Floral Organ Identity in Cereals.

Grasses represent a major family of monocots comprising mostly cereals. When compared to their eudicot counterparts, cereals show a remarkable morphological diversity. Understanding the molecular basis of floral organ identity and inflorescence development is crucial to gain insight into the grain development for yield improvement purposes in cereals, however, the exact genetic mechanism of floral organogenesis remains elusive due to their complex inflorescence architecture. Extensive molecular analyses of Arabidopsis and other plant genera and species have established the ABCDE floral organ identity model. According to this model, hierarchical combinatorial activities of A, B, C, D, and E classes of homeotic genes regulate the identity of different floral organs with partial conservation and partial diversification between eudicots and cereals. Here, we review the developmental role of A, B, C, D, and E gene classes and explore the recent advances in understanding the floral development and subsequent organ specification in major cereals with reference to model plants. Furthermore, we discuss the evolutionary relationships among known floral organ identity genes. This comparative overview of floral developmental genes and associated regulatory factors, within and between species, will provide a thorough understanding of underlying complex genetic and molecular control of flower development and floral organ identity, which can be helpful to devise innovative strategies for grain yield improvement in cereals.

QTL mapping for micronutrients concentration and yield component traits in a hexaploid wheat mapping population

Bread wheat is a major staple cereal provides more than 20% of dietary energy and protein supply to global population. However, with increasing population growth, the problem of nutritional deficiencies is increasingly affecting the health of resource people with predominantly cereal-based diet. Therefore, the development of wheat genotypes with micronutrient-dense grains along with high-yield potential is one of the major priorities of wheat biofortification program at CIMMYT. We conducted a QTL mapping study using a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from a cross between a Chinese parental line with highGZnC and a Mexican commercial bread wheat cultivar Roelfs F2007 to identify QTLs that could potentially be integrated in mineral nutrient concentrations and agronomic-related traits breeding. We evaluated 200 RIL lines for mineral nutrient concentrations and agronomic-related traits over two years. A total of 60 QTLs were detected, of which 10 QTLs for GZnC, 9 for GFeC, 5 for GPC and 36 for agronomic-related traits. Moreover, a total of 55 promising candidate genes were identified from the list of associated markers for GFeC and GZnC using the recently annotated wheat genome sequence. We identified the promising genomic regions with high mineral nutrient concentrations and acceptable yield potential, which are good resource for further use in wheat biofortification breeding programs.

Variability for Productivity and Nutritional Traits in Germplasm of Kodo Millet, an Underutilized Nutrient‐Rich Climate Smart Crop

Kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum L.) is an important drought‐tolerant crop cultivated on marginal soils under diverse environmental conditions. Its grains are nutritionally superior to those of major cereals. Knowledge of the variability in agronomic and nutritional traits is important to identify germplasm for use in crop improvement and by farmers. Two hundred kodo millet accessions were evaluated in 2 yr during the rainy season to assess variability for morphoagronomic and grain nutritional traits and to identify high grain‐yielding and nutrient‐rich accessions. Large variability was observed for important traits including days to maturity, grain yield, and Fe, Zn, Ca, and protein content with moderate to high heritability. Three kodo millet races did not differ significantly for grain yield or Fe, Zn, Ca, and protein content. For Zn, Fe, protein, and Ca, 78.5, 75.0, 67.5, and 54.0% of accessions, respectively, were consistent between the years, indicating the relative sensitivity of these nutrients to the environment and genotype × environment interaction. Considering data of both the years separately, 50 promising trait‐specific accessions were identified, including those for early maturity (8 accessions), greater 100‐seed weight (10), high grain yield (15), Fe (8), Zn (14), Ca (6) and protein content (7), and 10 with a combination of agronomic and nutritional traits. The extensive multilocation evaluation of these high‐yielding, nutrient‐rich accessions would be useful to identify promising genotypes for direct cultivar release or for use in crop improvement to contribute to the food and nutritional security of resource‐poor farmers in a changing climate scenario.