Pearl Millet Varieties Research Articles

Socio-Economic and Institutional Determinants of the Adoption of Improved Pearl Millet Varieties in the Centre-nord and Boucle du Mouhoun Regions of Burkina Faso

The purpose of this article is to determine the socio-economic and institutional factors for the adoption of improved pearl millet varieties in the Boucle du Mouhoun and Centre-Nord regions of Burkina Faso. Data were collected from 300 producers. The Logit model was used for econometric regression. The results show that four (4) variables have a positive and significant influence on the adoption of improved millet varieties: the training received on improved varieties, the availability of improved varieties, the organoleptic characteristics of improved varieties and the North Central locality. In terms of recommendations, actions must be taken to intensify training for producers and especially the most vulnerable, make improved varieties available at all times and in all places. Breeders should integrate the organoleptic aspect into the design of the variety.

Carcass yield and haemato-biochemical indices of broiler chickens as affected by dietary replacement of yellow maize with gayamba pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) variety

The consumer price for poultry products in Nigeria and the expansion of the commercial poultry industry are negatively affected by the utilization of competitive and costly ingredients in making poultry diets. Consequently, the identification and utilization of locally available alternatives would greatly reduce cost of poultry production and products. In this regard, a study was undertaken to examine the effects of replacement of yellow maize (YM) with gayamba pearl millet variety as dietary energy source on carcass yield and blood parameters of broiler chickens. Three hundred (300) Ross 308 broiler chicks weighing 167.94 – 173.07g were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments of 75 birds each. Each treatment was replicated thrice with 25 birds in a completely randomized design. The experimental diets contained 0, 33.33, 66.67 and 100% gayamba millet as replacement for YM designated as diets 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. Full-fat soya bean and groundnut cake meal were the main vegetable protein sources used in the diets. Feed and water were provided ad libitum and the experiment lasted for 49 days. Results for carcass yield indicated a significant (P<0.05) influence of diet on live weight (1828.33 – 2316.66 g), plucked weight (1622.83 – 2132.83 g), eviscerated weight (1429.50 – 1883.47 g) and carcass weight (1277.66 – 1680.33 g) in favour of diet 3. However, dressing percentage (69.00 – 72.50%) did not differ among treatments. In the same way, most of the relative weights of organs were also not significantly affected by diet. Except for the packed cell volume (29.81 – 35.04%), none of the haematological parameters showed significant difference among the treatments. Similarly, most of the serum biochemical indices apart from total proteins, albumin and globulin, did not differ significantly among treatments. It was therefore concluded that gayamba pearl millet can completely replace yellow maize in broiler chickens' diets with no adverse effect on carcass yield and blood constituents.

Performance of dual-purpose pearl millet genotypes in West Africa: Importance of morphology and phenology

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) is a cereal crop vital for food security in West and Central Africa. Its byproducts also serve as fodder for livestock, especially during dry seasons. The objective of this study was to evaluate selected genotypes from West African pearl millet breeding programmes, for dual-purpose (grain and fodder) and elucidate prospects for future breeding. A total of 83 open-pollinated varieties (OPVs), five composites, six landraces, one synthetic and five hybrids were evaluated at 14 environments in Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Senegal during the rainy seasons of 2015 and 2016. Combined analysis of data revealed significant differences among genotypes and prevalence of high genotype-by-environment interaction effects. Two stability analyses models consistently indicated that genotypes 10 (SMILBF10), 14 (SMILBF14) and 39 (SMILML5) were widely adaptable across the region. Plant height, panicle length and panicle yield showed significant positive correlations with grain yield; while days to flowering was negatively correlated. Positive correlation between grain and fodder yields indicate possibility for simultaneous improvement involving the two important traits. This result suggests that germplasm exchange and regionally integrated breeding programmes are important for the identification of widely adapted dual-purpose varieties of pearl millet, particularly in West African drylands.

Pattern of Trace Metal Uptake in Pearl Millet as a Result of Application of Organic and Synthetic Fertilizers

A pot experiment was conducted to observe the impact of the application of various fertilizers on the availability of trace metals in different parts of a pearl millet variety (YBS–98). The level of metals in the pearl millet plant (root, shoot, and grains) was analyzed by the atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AA–6300 Shimadzu Japan). Comparing different parts of millet plant Cu (3.4–4.5), Fe (62.8–73.9), Mn (23.8–44.1), Zn (22.4–43.3), Ni (4.9–7.8), and Pb (0.3–0.5) mg/kg were accumulated more in root, while Cd (0.3–1.5) mg/kg was accumulated more in grains. This shows that pearl millet phytostabilizes most of the metals in its root. The level of all metals in the pearl millet plant was within the safe limit suggested by FAO/WHO excluding Cd whose level was above the permissible limit given by the Codex Alimentarius Commission. The values of all trace metals and micronutrients were higher in mixed fertilizer treatment followed by poultry manure, cow manure, NPK, and control. The bioaccumulation factor for Mn was highest among all metals, whereas the translocation factor for Cd was greater than 1. The values of pollution load index for all metals in five treatments were found within the safe limit. The values of a health risk index for all metals in all treatments were less than 1 indicating that the manure treated pearl millet grains were free of risk for human consumption.

Productivity, Water- and Nitrogen-Use Efficiency, and Profitability of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum) under Different Nitrogen Applications in Semiarid Region of Nigeria

An experiment was conducted to examine the performance of pearl millet under different nitrogen (N) fertilizer rates in two locations in the semiarid zone of Nigeria. The objective was to evaluate the effects of different N rates on pearl millet yields, water- and nitrogen-use efficiency, and profitability. Grain yield increased by 23, 26, 32, 32, and 27% and by 38, 41, 54, 58, and 56% compared to unfertilized plots when applying 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 kg Nha−1 in Minjibir and Gambawa, respectively. Similarly, stalk yield increased by 4, 3, 9, 9, and 9% and by 16, 24, 36, 40, and 37% compared to unfertilized plot when applying 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 kg Nha−1 in Minjibir and Gambawa, respectively. The variations in GY that could be explained by TWU and NUE were 28% and 26% in Minjibir and 46% and 41%, respectively, in Gambawa. There was a strong and positive correlation (R = 0.81 and R = 0.95) between WUE and GY across N-fertilizer rates and pearl millet varieties in both locations. An increase in N-fertilizer levels increased WUE, confirming the optimal application of 60 kg Nha−1 in Minjibir and of 80 kg Nha−1 in Gambawa. Similarly, the highest net economic return (NER) of US$610 ha−1 was obtained at 60 kg Nha−1 in Minjibir and the highest NER of US$223 ha−1 was obtained at an application rate of 80 kg Nha−1 in Gambawa. Break-even yield was above 1000 kg ha−1, signifying that average farmer with a mean yield of less than 1000 kg ha−1 produces millet at a loss.

Optimization of Traditional Snack for Children, by Using Bio-Fortified Pearl Millet, Carrot and Sesame for Its Formulation

Purpose: Malnutrition has been a major setback for the development of various countries for a very long time. Together with insufficient food accessibility, unawareness about making the right food choices is also one of the contributing factors to malnourishment. Meeting up the nutritional requirements is extremely important for all the age groups and this arises the need for nutrient-dense food products.
 Methodology: Keeping this in view, the study was planned for the utilization of biofortified pearl millet varieties (HHB-299 and Dhanshakti) for formulating a traditional snack (gulgule), with incorporation of carrot powder and sesame. Four combinations of gulgule were prepared based on both the varieties of pearl millet separately. Control- Without carrot powder and sesame, Type-1, Type-2, and Type-3 contained 20%, 30 and 40% of carrot powder, respectively and 20% sesame. Organoleptic evaluation of all variants was done based on a nine-point hedonic scale. Nutritional parameters including proximate composition and total minerals were assessed for variants with highest organoleptic scores.
 Findings: All the variants were found acceptable in terms of organoleptic attributes and the highest scores were obtained for H-Type-2 gulgule. The nutritional composition was evaluated for Control and Type-2 variants based on both the varieties of pearl millet. The results for moisture, crude protein, crude fat, ash, and crude fiber ranged from 30.65-32.62, 8.22-13.36, 33.86-39.18, 0.59-1.63 and 1.06-2.30 percent, respectively. Total mineral content increased significantly on the addition of carrot powder and sesame. The amount of calcium, iron, and zinc ranged between 39.44 & 320.33, 6.57 & 8.21, and 1.91. & 3.22 mg/100 g, respectively for both Control and Type-2.
 Practical Implications: Just 50 grams of Type-2 gulgule accounts for almost 1/4thRDA of Calcium, iron, and zinc for 7-9 year children.
 Value: The formulated product can be readily consumed by children, being rich in energy, protein, minerals, and β-carotene and convenient in preparation.

Tapping Pennisetum violaceum, a Wild Relative of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum), for Resistance to Blast (caused by Magnaporthe grisea) and Rust (caused by Puccinia substriata var. indica).

Blast (Magnaporthe grisea) and rust (Puccinia substriata var. indica) are the two important foliar diseases of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) that can be best managed through host plant resistance. For identification of diverse sources of blast and rust resistance, 305 accessions of Pennisetum violaceum, a wild relative of pearl millet, were screened under greenhouse conditions against five pathotype-isolates of M. grisea and a local isolate of P. substriata var. indica collected from ICRISAT farm, Patancheru, India. Based on the mean blast score (1 to 9 scale), 17 accessions (IP 21525, 21531, 21536, 21540, 21594, 21610, 21640, 21706, 21711, 21716, 21719, 21720, 21721, 21724, 21987, 21988, and 22160) were found resistant (score ≤3.0) to all five pathotypes, and 24 accessions were resistant to four pathotypes of M. grisea. As there was variability for rust resistance within some accessions, individual rust-resistant (<5% severity) plants from 17 accessions were selected, grown in pots and advanced to next generation by selfing, and rescreened for three to four generations following pedigree selection to develop rust-resistant genetic stocks. Single plant selections from nine accessions (IP 21629, 21645, 21658, 21660, 21662, 21711, 21974, 21975, and 22038) were found highly resistant to rust (0% rust severity) after four generations of pedigree selection and subsequent screening. Some of the blast-resistant accessions and rust-resistant genetic stocks are being utilized in a prebreeding program at ICRISAT for introgressing resistance genes from the wild into the parental lines of cultivated and potential pearl millet hybrids and varieties.

Agronomic and physiological responses of pearl millet variety Bombay black to saline irrigation

The objective of this study was to identify morphological and physiological traits for salinity tolerance in Bombay Black variety under local conditions. Bombay Black was cultivated under different levels of salinity and growth parameters, water relations and mineral content were measured. Results showed that Bombay Black was unable to store the large amounts of salt in the leaves, while maintaining high leaf water content and without a grave consequent on panicle yield. This ecotype is fitted for a selective sodium sequestration in the vacuole.

Performance of pearl millet [Pennisetumglaucum (L.)R. Br.] varieties intercropped with cowpea varieties as affected by planting dates in Nigerian Sudan savanna

Field experiments were conducted in 2015 and 2016 rainy seasons at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Department of Crop Production, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri (11047N; 12016E) to study the performance of pearl millet varieties (Pennisetum glaucum) (L.) R. Br.) intercropped with cowpea (Cowpea Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) varieties under different planting dates. The treatments consisted of three pearl millet varieties: ZATIP, SOSAT-C-88 and LACRI-9702-IC, two cowpea varieties: Borno Brown and SAMPEA 11 and four planting dates: 0 weeks after planting millet (WAPM), 1 WAPM, 2 WAPM and 3 WAPM. The experimental design was Split-Split plot with the pearl millet varieties allocated to the main plots, cowpea varieties assigned to the sub-plots and planting date assigned to the sub- sub plots in 1:1 alternate row arrangement, and replicated three times. The results showed that in 2015, 2016 and the combined mean, number of tillers/plants, harvest index and grain yield/hectare were significantly greater for SOSAT-C-88 than ZATIP or LACRI-9702-IC. Plant height, panicle were significantly greater for ZATIP, while, yield/hectare were significantly greater for Borno Brown than SAMPEA 11 variety. Delaying planting date by three weeks after planting the millet component decreased grain yield and fodder yield in cowpea. The land equivalent ratio of pearl millet and cowpea variety showed that, higher partial land equivalent ratio were produced by SOSAT-C-88 + Borno Brown. The partial land equivalent ratio of pearl millet variety for straw yield and grain yield advantages were higher for LACRI-9702-IC + cowpea intercrop. From this study, the millet variety SOSAT-C-88 intercropped with cowpea variety Borno Brown is ideal for both staple grain and cash returns from the system in the Sudan Savanna of Nigeria.

Assessing soil nutrient change under long-term application of mineral fertilizer micro-dosing to pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] on a sahelian sandy soil

In the Sahel, mineral fertilizer micro-dosing technique is known for its benefits to provide higher nutrient uptake and higher crop yields. A study was set up at ICRISAT research station at Sadoré in Niger, which aims at evaluating the sustainability of the technology in the long-term with emphasis on soil nutrients dynamics. The study has started since 2008 and was laid-out in a randomized complete block design that involved two pearl millet varieties, three planting densities, and four nutrients management options. For this study, a sub-set of the treatments from this long-term experiment was used. The nutrient management factor, which includes 4 levels was considered. The most important findings obtained indicated that the change in soil nutrient was markedly different on the planting hills and that from between hill. The change in soil pH-H 2 O values on the planting was -7.06 % for the control plots and -9.57 % for the plots applied with NPK. The total nitrogen content has dropped in the two different plots. The amplitude of drop has lowered with the application of NPK micro-dosing on the planting hills with respectively -5.11 % and -12.45 % in the control plots and the micro-dose plots. Positive change in available P was significantly observed (P≤0.05) in soil between hill with 1.08% in the control plots and 15.97 % in the amended plots. Both grain yield and total dry matter showed similar trend in which decreased yield was obvious over the time. In 2008, an average grain yield of 732 kg. ha -1 and 989 kg. ha -1 was obtained respectively for the control plots and 6g per hill of NPK plots. Whereas in 2016, 146 kg. ha -1 and 218 kg. ha -1 were produced respectively for the control plots and the mineral fertilizer micro-dosing plots. These findings indicated that in the Sahel low-input based millet cropping systems, for the mineral fertilizer micro-dosing technology to be sustainable in the long term, the improvement and maintenance of soil fertility should be considered as the cornerstone.

Effect of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. walp) in mixture with pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] as affected by variety and time of cowpea introduction in Maiduguri North Eastern, Nigeria

Field experiments were conducted in 2015 and 2016 rainy seasons at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Department of Crop Production, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri (11047N; 12016E) to study the Effect of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculate L. walp) in mixture with Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] as affected by variety and time of cowpea introduction. The treatments consisted of three pearl millet varieties: ZATIP, SOSAT-C-88 and LACRI-9702-IC, two cowpea varieties: Borno Brown and SAMPEA 11 and four cowpea sowing dates: 0 weeks after sowing millet (WASM), 1 WASM, 2 WASM and 3 WASM. The experimental design was Split-Split plot with the pearl millet varieties allocated to the main plots, cowpea varieties assigned to the sub-plots and cowpea sowing date assigned to the sub- sub plots in 1:1 alternate row arrangement, and replicated three times. The results showed that in 2015, 2016 and the combined mean, Plant height, number of branches/ plants, grain yield/hectare and were significantly greater for Borno Brown than SAMPEA 11 variety. Delaying cowpea sowing date by three weeks after sowing the millet component decreased number of branches, grain yield and fodder yield in cowpea. The SOSAT-C-88 and Borno Brown intercrop produced the highest grain yield of pearl millet in both the years and the combined mean. The cowpea variety Borno Brown was more competitive with pearl millet at simultaneous (0 WASM) or 1 week after sowing millet that had greater grain yield than SAMPEA 11. Fodder yield and pod yield were greater for Borno Brown intercropped with LACRI-9702-IC or SOSAT-C-88 than SAMPEA 11 intercropped with ZATIP. Linear relationships among agronomic parameters of cowpea revealed that, pod yield, grain and fodder yield increased significantly with increase in plant height and number of branches

Effect of different dates of sowing on growth and yield of pearl millet (&lt;em&gt;Pannisetum glaucum&lt;/em&gt; L.) varieties under semi-arid region

Effect of different dates of sowing on growth and yield of pearl millet (&lt;em&gt;Pannisetum glaucum&lt;/em&gt; L.) varieties under semi-arid region

Agronomic performance of pearl millet genotypes under variable phosphorus, water, and environmental regimes

AbstractWater and P deficiency can significantly limit pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] productivity and response to N application in the arid and semi‐arid regions of Africa. The objectives of this research were to quantify the responses of improved pearl millet genotypes and a landrace to contrasting rainfall gradient and P deficient soil conditions across different locations in Niger. The study was conducted at four locations: (a) Tara, (b) the International Crop Research Institute for the Semi‐Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) research station at Sadoré, (c) Maradi, and (d) Araourayé, Niger, during 2015 and 2016 rainy seasons. Results of the study indicated that the effect of P fertilizer application on shoot weight, panicle weight, grain yield, and harvest index was different by environment (year × location). As high as 113% straw yield, 72% panicle weight, and 100% grain yield advantage was obtained with P application over low P in favorable environments. Across all genotypes and in both P treatments, irrigation had a consistent effect on the agronomic performance. On average, there was significantly greater straw yield (629 vs. 492 g m–2), panicle weight (472 vs. 229 g m–2), grain yield (257 vs. 122 g m–2), and harvest index (0.25 vs. 0.15) in the irrigated site compared with rainfed sites. Among the tested genotypes, Mil de Siaka showed relatively consistent performance in irrigated, water deficit, and P deficient conditions, emerging as an ideal candidate for inclusion into pearl millet breeding programs, aimed toward developing multi‐stress tolerant pearl millet varieties.

Effects of planting dates on the growth and grain yield of two indigenous varieties of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br.) in a forest-savanna transition zone of Edo State, Nigeria

Effects of planting dates on the growth and grain yield of two indigenous varieties of pearl millet was carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma. The experiment was a 2 × 5 factorial scheme fitted into a randomized complete block design with the two varieties of pearl millet (‘Gero Bida’ and ‘Gero Badeggi’) and five planting dates (April, May, June, July and August) replicated three times. The results obtained showed that delays in planting date significantly reduced growth in pearl millet examined. Similar pattern was observed on days to 50 % flowering and grain maturity. Improved growth with early sowing could have allowed increased availability of assimilates that later supported reproductive growth. These assimilates were remobilized under unfavourable climatic condition in the late cropping season to the reproductive structures. ‘Gero Badeggi’ sown in April, had significantly, the highest growth in the measured characters than ‘Gero Bida’ sown in August and other dates. ‘Gero Badeggi’ planted in May had the highest total grain yield (9.33 t ha-1) while ‘Gero Bida’ planted in July had the smallest (4.27 t ha-1). Therefore, ‘Gero Baddegi’ planted in May is a better variety for pearl millet grain production in Ekpoma.

Evaluation of Pearl Millet With and Without Soybean Hull Supplementation for Forage-Finished Beef Production Systems

ObjectivesThe objective of this research was to evaluate pearl millet, a warm-season annual grass, with and without soybean hull supplementation for forage-finished beef production systems in the Southeast.Materials and MethodsEach year, 32 Angus-crossbred steers (339 ± 40 kg) were randomly assigned to one of four finishing treatments. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial and included two varieties of pearl millet, ‘Tifleaf 3’ (PM) and ‘Exceed’ brown mid-rib (BMR), and two levels of soybean hull supplementation, 0 and 0.75% of body weight d–1. Steers were on treatments for 90 and 84 d during the summers of 2017 and 2018, respectively, at the University of Georgia Department of Animal and Dairy Science Beef Research Unit located near Eatonton, GA. Shrunk weights were taken at initiation and termination of the finishing period and average daily gains (ADG) were calculated. At the end of the finishing period, steers were harvested under USDA inspection and carcass data was collected 24 h postmortem from the right side of each carcass. Striploins were then removed from the right side, vacuum packed, and allowed to age for 21 d prior to fabrication. Striploins were fabricated into 2.54-cm steaks and allocated to meats proximate (n = 1), 0 through 7 d of simulated shelf life (n = 8), trained sensory panel (n = 2), and instrumental tenderness analyses (n = 2). All data were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX in SAS v. 9.4.ResultsSupplementation increased ADG over forage alone (P &lt; 0.01) however, hot carcass weights were increased by supplementation in the PM steers only (P &lt; 0.05). No treatment differences were observed for marbling score (P = 0.61), overall maturity (P = 0.49), 12th rib fat thickness (P = 0.21), ribeye area (P = 0.1668), and subjective fat color (P = 0.93). Objective carcass lean color values for L* and subjective lean color scores were different (P &lt; 0.05). Treatment effects were also observed for carcass lean maturity scores (P &lt; 0.05). No treatment differences were observed for meats proximate analysis (P &gt; 0.05), instrumental tenderness as measured by Warner-Bratzler shear force (P = 0.94), initial and sustained tenderness (P = 0.66 and P = 0.29, respectively), beef and off-flavor intensities (P = 0.83 and P = 0.36, respectively), or juiciness (P = 0.54) as measured by a trained sensory panel. No treatment differences (P &gt; 0.05) were observed for lipid oxidation or color change (Delta E) within any day of simulated shelf life. Calculated values for hue, chroma, and redness were unaffected (P &gt; 0.05) by treatment within day of simulated shelf life.ConclusionResults indicate pearl millet is a viable forage option for forage-finished beef systems and soybean hull supplementation improves animal performance over forage alone with minimal impacts on carcass characteristics, meat quality, and shelf life.

Energy balance, GHG emission and economy for cultivation of high biomass verities of bamboo, sorghum and pearl millet as energy crops at marginal ecologies of Gujarat state in India

This study was carried out to explore biomass variety of sorghum, pearl millet and bamboo for second generation biofuel feedstock production at salinity and drought prone marginal land at three districts of Gujarat state, India. The biomass feedstock under study were compared with the native crop varieties for its economic sensitivity as well as native varieties of the same crops for energy and carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2eq) greenhouse gas (GHG) emission. Net income per matric tone of harvested biomass sorghum, pearl millet and bamboo were 52.02 USD, 20.37 USD and 124.66 USD respectively which is economically profitable as compared to native sorghum and pearl millet varieties. Bamboo showed highest net income of 8 USD/day based on the annual land occupancy which is double than biomass sorghum. Positive net energy balance of 454.29 GJ/Ha/crop cycle, 278.20 GJ/Ha/crop cycle and 602.49 GJ/Ha/Year were found for biomass sorghum, pearl millet and bamboo respectively. GHG emission was positive and lowest for bamboo 42.55 KgCO2eq/MT as compared to biomass sorghum 48.97 KgCO2eq/MT and pearl millet 74.53 CO2eq/MT. Cost benefit analysis revealed that bamboo has highest net income, lowest GHG emission, highest net energy balance and highest biomass production per USD spent among the other biomass crops.

Balanced amino acid and higher micronutrients in millets complements legumes for improved human dietary nutrition

AbstractBackground and objectivesMore than 2 billion people suffer with malnutrition arising from dietary protein and micronutrients deficiencies. To enhance the dietary nutrient quality, the current study used two largely grown varieties of finger millet, pearl millet, pigeonpea, and chickpea to evaluate the effect of millet–legume blends for their enhanced protein digestibility, amino acid profiles, and essential micronutrients.FindingsOur study revealed the presence of significant levels of proteins (6.3%–22.3%), essential amino acids, and micronutrients (Fe: 2.6–8.5 mg; Zn: 2–5.5 mg; Ca: 22‐450 mg in 100 g) in these varieties. When specific millets combined with legumes in 3:1 proportion, significantly enhanced nutritional value of food by providing a balanced amino acid with good protein digestibility, and high levels of iron (7.58 mg) and zinc (4.96 mg) with 100 g of pearl millet and calcium (400.57 mg) with 100 g of finger millet.ConclusionsPigeonpea and chickpea have a good level of proteins with essential amino acids except methionine and cysteine, whereas millet had balanced amino acid including methionine and cysteine (50% higher) and much higher levels of micronutrients (Fe, Zn and Ca). Therefore, specific millets and legumes combination complemented higher levels of micronutrients in addition to complete proteins to support comprehensive human nutrition.Significance and noveltyThis study opens prospects for selecting complementary nutrient‐dense varieties for household consumption. Industries can explore these product developments significantly to reduce malnutrition if consumed adequately, which is not possible with polished rice, refined wheat flour or maize even if it is combined with legumes.

Traditional African Dishes Prepared From Local Biofortified Varieties of Pearl Millet: Acceptability and Potential Contribution to Iron and Zinc Intakes of Burkinabe Young Children.

Biofortification is among the food-based strategies, recently implemented and still in development, to fight micronutrient deficiencies. Three cereal-based traditional dishes of Sub-Saharan Africa (tô paste, pancakes, and gruel) prepared from one local (Gampela), or two biofortified (GB 8735 and Tabi) varieties of millet were assessed for their (i) acceptability by local consumers, (ii) iron and zinc absorption predicted by phytate-to-mineral molar ratios and (iii) contribution to the iron and zinc requirements of young children. Tasters preferred the color, texture, and taste of dishes prepared with the local variety, whether or not the grains were decorticated. Hedonic and preference tests showed no significant difference between the two biofortified varieties, but the cooks reported different behaviors during processing. Biofortified millet contained up to two times more iron than the local variety, reaching 6.5 mg iron/100 g dry matter. Iron and zinc contents remained higher in biofortified varieties even after decortication. Iron content in the dishes was highly variable, depending on iron loss and potential contamination during processing. The phytate-to-mineral molar ratios of all dishes indicated low iron absorption, independent of the millet variety, but improved zinc absorption in dishes prepared with biofortified varieties. The contribution of a dish prepared with one of the two biofortified millet varieties to the recommended iron and zinc intakes for 6–11-month-old children was estimated to be about 5 and 7%, respectively, compared to 2 and 4% for the same dish prepared with local millet. For 12–23-month-old children, the contribution to the recommended intakes was estimated to be about 14 and 12% with biofortified millet, respectively, and about 6 and 7% with local millet. The use of biofortified millet varieties could be complementary to food diversification strategies to increase iron and zinc intakes. As in Ouagadougou, cereals are eaten in different forms by young children several times per day, iron and zinc intakes could be improved in the long term by using the biofortified varieties of pearl millet.

Modelling Rainfed Pearl Millet Yield Sensitivity to Abiotic Stresses in Semi-Arid Central Tanzania, Eastern Africa

Drought and heat-tolerant crops, such as Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), are priority crops for fighting hunger in semi-arid regions. Assessing its performance under future climate scenarios is critical for determining its resilience and sustainability. Field experiments were conducted over two consecutive seasons (2015/2016 and 2016/2017) to determine the yield responses of the crop (pearl millet variety “Okoa”) to microdose fertilizer application in a semi-arid region of Tanzania. Data from the experiment were used to calibrate and validate the DSSAT model (CERES Millet). Subsequently, the model evaluated synthetic climate change scenarios for temperature increments and precipitation changes based on historic observations (2010–2018). Temperature increases of +0.5 to +3.0 °C (from baseline), under non-fertilized (NF) and fertilizer microdose (MD) conditions were used to evaluate nine planting dates of pearl millet from early (5 December) to late planting (25 February), based on increments of 10 days. The planting date with the highest yields was subjected to 49 synthetic scenarios of climate change for temperature increments and precipitation changes (of −30% up to +30% from baseline) to simulate yield responses. Results show that the model reproduced the phenology and yield, indicating a very good performance. Model simulations indicate that temperature increases negatively affected yields for all planting dates under NF and MD. Early and late planting windows were more negatively affected than the normal planting window, implying that temperature increases reduced the length of effective planting window for achieving high yields in both NF and MD. Farmers must adjust their planting timing, while the timely availability of seeds and fertilizer is critical. Precipitation increases had a positive effect on yields under all tested temperature increments, but Okoa cultivar only has steady yield increases up to a maximum of 1.5 °C, beyond which yields decline. This informs the need for further breeding or testing of other cultivars that are more heat tolerant. However, under MD, the temperature increments and precipitation change scenarios are higher than under NF, indicating a high potential of yield improvement under MD, especially with precipitation increases. Further investigation should focus on other cropping strategies such as the use of in-field rainwater harvesting and heat-tolerant cultivars to mitigate the effects of temperature increase and change in precipitation on pearl millet yield.

165 Grazing evaluation of pearlillet with and without soybean hull supplementation in a forage-finished beef production system

Abstract Pearl millet may be a viable forage option in forage-finished beef production systems due to favorable agronomic traits and nutritive value. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate two varieties of pearl millet with and without soybean hull supplementation in a forage-finished beef production system. In a two-year grazing trial, sixteen 0.81-ha paddocks were randomly assigned to one of four treatments in a 2x2 factorial design: ‘Tifleaf 3’ pearl millet (PM) and ‘Exceed’ pearl millet (BMR) without and with soybean hull supplementation (0.75% of body weight (BW); PM+S and BMR+S, respectively). Each year, Angus crossbred steers (n = 32; BW = 444±59 kg) were paired to minimize variability among pairs. Pairs were randomly assigned to treatment paddocks. Grazing was initiated in June when forage was approximately 60-cm in height and terminated after approximately 90 d of rotational grazing. Average daily gain (ADG) was calculated from weights taken at grazing initiation and termination following an 18-h fast. Steers were harvested in September and carcass data were collected 24-h postmortem. All data were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX (SAS v.9.4). Supplemented steers exhibited greater (P &lt; 0.01) ADG than non-supplemented steers. No difference (P &gt; 0.05) was observed for ADG between forage varieties. Pre-harvest shrunk weight, hot carcass weight (HCW), dressing percent (DP), and ribeye area were similar (P &gt; 0.05) within supplemented and non-supplemented steers across forage varieties. Shrunk weight, HCW, and DP were similar (P &gt; 0.05) for BMR+S and BMR. Rib-eye area was similar (P &gt; 0.05) for BMR+S, PM+S, and PM. No differences (P &gt; 0.05) were observed for fat thickness, adjusted fat thickness, yield grade, marbling score, or overall maturity. Results indicate pearl millet is a viable warm-season forage option for forage-finished beef systems in the Southeast and soybean hull supplementation can improve animal performance over forage alone.