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Phosphorus (P) deficiency is a frequent problem in calcareous soils of Pakistan because of P-fixation, which poses significant threats to pearl millet productivity. The use of P-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) is regarded as a promising approach for improving P-availability in soil-plant systems. However, it needs optimization of P application into the soil. Therefore, this 2-year field study was conducted to optimize P doses in combination with PSB (Bacillus sp. MN54) inoculation to improve phosphorus use efficiency (PUE), yield, economic returns, and grain quality of pearl millet. Five P doses, i.e. 0 (native soil P only - control), 30, 60, 90, and 120 kg P2O5 ha−1 combined with and without PSB inoculated seeds were used in the study. The application of 90 kg P2O5 ha−1 + seed inoculation with PSB improved the grain yield by 36.8% and 36.0% during 1st and 2nd year, respectively. The same treatment significantly improved the PUE, grain protein, zinc (Zn), and total grain P contents compared to the control treatment. Furthermore, the highest economic returns (1053.3 and 1050.5 $ ha−1) and benefit:cost ratio were observed under 90 kg P2O5 ha−1 + seed inoculation with PSB during both years. In conclusion, application of 90 kg P2O5 ha−1 combined with PSB seed inoculation is a pragmatic option to improve P uptake, grain yield, PUE, grain quality and economic returns of pearl millet grown on calcareous soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine the optimal irrigation needs of six popular Egyptian bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars and to establish baseline effect of reduced irrigation on yield. The varieties included were Sids1, Sids14, Sakha94, Sakha95, Gemmiza12, and Shandawee1. The experiment was conducted at two different locations, Nubaria and Sids Agricultural Research Stations, Egypt over two consecutive seasons, 2020–2021 and 2021–2022. There was a reduction in yield with the decrease in the number of irrigations. However, several cultivars performed better for yield and other traits with one less irrigation than the current irrigation practices in the region. Therefore, the study may help revise irrigation recommendations. Overall, the cultivars Sakha95, Sids1, and Sids14 were taller and had more kernels per spike, higher seed index, and greater grain yield under reduced irrigations and showed the best drought tolerance index. The tested bread wheat cultivars were genotyped using Inter-Retrotransposon Amplified Polymorphism (IRAP) and Start Codon Targeted (SCoT) markers which showed relation among the cultivars. Among the two types of markers, IRAP was better than SCoT markers for reliability and robustness. Among the six cultivars, 58% of the IRAP markers detected polymorphism as compared to 38% with SCoT markers. The two wheat cultivars Sids1 and Sids14, which performed better for important agronomic traits under water stress conditions, could be used as donors for the national wheat breeding program for drought tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyraclostrobin-based fungicides play an effective role in controlling fungal diseases and are extensively used in agriculture. However, there is concern regarding the potential adverse effects attributed to exposure to these fungicides on non-target organisms and consequent influence exerted on ecosystem functioning. Thus, it is essential to conduct studies with model organisms to determine the impacts of these fungicides on different groups of living organisms. The aim of this study was to examine the ecotoxicity associated with exposure to commercial fungicides containing pyraclostrobin. The focus of the analysis involved germination and initial development of seedlings of 4 plant models (Lactuca sativa, Raphanus sativus, Pennisetum glaucum and Triticum aestivum), in addition to determining the population growth rate and total carbohydrate content in microalga Raphidocelis subcapitata. The fungicide pyraclostrobin adversely influenced growth and development of the tested plants, indicating a toxic effect. The fungicide exerted a significant impact on the initial development of seedlings of all model species examined with T. aestivum plants displaying the greatest susceptibility to pyraclostrobin. Plants of this species exhibited inhibitory effects on both aerial parts and roots when treated with a concentration of 4.75 mg/L pyraclostrobin. In addition, the green microalga R. subcapitata was also significantly affected by the fungicide, especially at relatively high concentrations as evidenced by a reduction in total carbohydrate content. This commercial fungicide demonstrated potential phytotoxicity for the tested plant models and was also considered toxic to the selected microalgae, indicating an ecotoxic effect that might affect other organisms in aquatic environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research focuses on tackling the issue of fertile land turning into desert in arid regions. It proposes a solution involving financial incentives based on payment for ecosystem services (PES) to encourage the transformation of privately owned sand dunes into agroforestry systems. Under the proposed mechanism, farmers plant Acacia nilotica trees along with pearl millet on sand dunes, which provides resilient economic returns in regions with harsh climatic conditions. In addition, acacia trees help to prevent crop damage on neighboring farms through stabilizing sand dunes and serving as shelterbelts. A dynamic optimization model of land-use decisions between open millet farming and acacia-based agroforestry derives optimal afforestation of sand dunes under varying PES payments, crop incomes, and farm size endowments. Results suggest that such agroforestry systems can be effective towards preventing the spread of desertification in arid regions. Further, PES incentives can improve agroforestry uptake as well as augment farmers' livelihoods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of microbial inoculants, chitosan, and blend (microbial inoculants and chitosan) on chemical composition, in vitro degradability, fermentative profile, losses, aerobic stability, and microorganism counts of corn, pearl millet and sorghum silages. A randomised block design was used in a factorial arrangement of 3 × 4. Three crops (pearl millet, corn and sorghum) and four additives: Control (without additive), 2 g of microbial inoculants (for ton of forage), 10 g/kg chitosan per kg of ensiled material, and blend (chitosan [5 g/kg] plus microbial inoculants [2 g/ton forage]), with five replicates per treatment. Chitosan increases the CP levels of silages and improves the in vitro degradability of DM in sorghum silage. The microbial inoculants reduced the pH in pearl millet, corn and sorghum silages (P < 0.001). The additives affected (P < 0.05) the aerobic stability of silages throughout the evaluation period. However, when evaluating the chitosan, the average temperature of the pearl millet and corn silages remained stable for a longer period. Chitosan improved the nutritional quality of sorghum silage. Chitosan-treated silages pearl millet and corn silages show great efficiency in aerobic stability due to antifungal activity. The microbial inoculants show reduced gas losses compared to chitosan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.R.Br.), is the most widely cultivated food crop after rice, wheat, and maize. The aim of the project is to determine the crop acreage of Pearl millet (Bajra) using Sentinel-1A SAR data and Machine Learning Algorithm to determine the yield estimation of the Pearl millet crop at the tehsil level using the Monteith approach. The classification overall accuracy is found to be 86.48% for Agra district and 80.15% for Firozabad district. The Relative Deviation of yield estimation for the Agra and Firozabad districts is found to be 10.14 and 6, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kunun-zaki is an African fermented millet beverage, rich in lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeasts. The indigenous LAB and yeasts were evaluated for the in vitro production of exopolysaccharide, folate, and riboflavin. Selected strains were employed as starters in the production of kunun-zaki and the antioxidant potentials were determined. Pediococcus sp. MK13 showed a high profile of exopolysaccharide, folate, and riboflavin of 797 mg/L, 21.42 µg/mg, and 0.023 mg/g, respectively, while Pichia sp. UK7 produced 352 mg/L exopolysaccharide, 45.9 µg/mg folate, and 0.018 mg/g riboflavin. Kunun-zaki from unmalted millet fermented with a consortium of Pediococcus pentosaceus MK13 and Pichia kudriavzevii UK7 (UPPK) had the highest DPPH scavenging activity of 90%. Kunun-zaki with unmalted millet containing a single culture of Pichia kudriavzevii UK7 had the highest phenolic (928.93 GAE µg/mg) and flavonoid (810.17 GAE µg/mg) contents. The UPPK had the highest overall acceptability (7.36). In conclusion, all the starter-fermented kunun-zaki possessed health relevant functional benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mung bean cropping plays a vital role in providing essential nutrition and serving as a significant summer crop to feed billions of people worldwide. However, allelopathy poses a threat to the sustainability and productivity of this system. The residues of pearl millet plants contain allelochemicals that can negatively impact weed growth in various crops. This study aimed to evaluate the potential allelopathic effects of pearl millet powder on the germination, growth, pigments, protein, and carbohydrate levels of mung beans. Different quantities of whole plant powder, namely 0, 5, 10, and 15 g of pearl millet, were blended into medium-sized pots, each containing 500 g of soil. Mung bean seeds were grown in these pots for 3–4 days in a greenhouse before transplanting them into an open field. The findings revealed that as the quantity of pearl millet powder increased, the germination percentage, germination speed, plant height, fresh weight, dry weight, chlorophyll content, carotenoid, protein, and carbohydrate amount of mung beans decreased. The physio-chemical properties of soils treated with pearl millet exhibited higher pH, conductivity, total solids, and heavy metal content than control soils. The decrease in the aforementioned attributes in soils treated with pearl millet powder could be due to the release of allelochemicals and/or the accumulation of heavy metals in the soil.These results demonstrate that using pearl millet as an herbicide to control weeds is effective, but caution must be exercised if heavy metals accumulate in the pearl millet tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Striga hermonthica [Del.] Benth. (Sh) is a noxious parasitic weed causing substantial yield loss in sub-Saharan Africa's pearl millet. The objective of this study was to determine the gene action and inheritance of Sh resistance in newly developed pearl millet populations to guide selection and genetic advancement. Bi-parental crosses were derived from pairs of pearl millet lines by contrasting reactions to Striga infestations. The two sets of parental lines, F1s, F2s, and backcrosses, were evaluated using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Data on the number of Striga counted at 60 and 80 days after planting were collected. The analysis of the variance showed significant (P < 0.001) differences among the generations across sets for Sh parameters. Duplicate gene action controlled the inheritance of the number of emerged Sh. Unique F2 individuals with Sh resistance were selected from the two sets for genetic advancement through recurrent selection methods for pearl millet variety development by integrating desirable agronomic and farmer-preferred traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) may enhance crop growth in upland fields, depending on the water regime. To quantify changes in AMF infection rate and subsequent effects on nutrient uptake and growth, we grew rice (wetland crop) and pearl millet (dryland crop) genotypes with or without the commercial inoculant Dr. Kinkon (Glomus sp. R10) in Andosol upland fields in 2020 and 2021. Root infection rates were measured in shallow (0–10 cm) and deep (20–30 cm) layers under three water regimes: well-irrigated, halfirrigated, and non-irrigated. Inoculation enhanced shoot dry weight (SDW), plant height, tiller number, phosphorus (P) uptake, leaf water potential, photosynthetic rate (measured only in 2021) and root transversal area. The increase in SDW with inoculation was higher under wellirrigated than under water-limited conditions. The increment in pearl millet SDW was related to higher P uptake associated with higher infection rates, whereas that in rice SDW was related to maintenance of leaf water potential, greater root transversal area and root length density, and higher P uptake but not to infection rate parameters. Inoculation increased mycorrhizal and vesicular infection rates with the similar tendency for arbuscular infection rate and qPCR. Infection rates were similar across water regimes in both years despite significant differences in plant growth parameters with higher rates in deep than shallow layers. AMF inoculation enhanced infection rates, mostly independent of water regime, but plant growth enhancement was greater under the well-irrigated treatment and was more directly linked with infection rates in pearl millet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate rice bran (RB) and microbial inoculation effects on pearl millet silage fermentative losses, fermentation profile, nutrients recovery, chemical composition, in vitro degradation and aerobic stability. Seventy-two experimental silos (PVC buckets with 28 cm diameter and 25 cm height) were used to evaluate nine treatments, from a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement: (I) levels of RB: 0, 100 and 200 g/kg as-fed; and (II) microbial inoculation: (1) Control (CON): no inoculation; (2) LPPP: inclusion 1.04 × 105 colony forming units (CFU) of Lactobacillus plantarum and 1.04 × 105 CFU of Pediococcus pentosaceus per g; and (3) LB: inclusion 1.6 × 105 CFU of Lactobacillus buchneri per g. The silage microbial inoculant inclusion had no effect on silage, regardless of RB addition. Rice bran increased silage pH and decreased ammonia-N, propionic, butyric and branched-chain fatty acids content. Rice bran decreased gas losses and recovery of DM, OM, CP and ADF, whereas increased digestible DM recovery. The addition of RB reduced OM, NDF, ADF and ADL silage content, and increased silage DM, CP and EE, and NDF degradation. Therefore, RB increases digestible DM recovery, and improves silage fermentation and nutritional value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two field experiments were conducted during Kharif 2018 and 2019 on clay loam soils at Zonal Agricultural and Horticultural Research Station, Babbur farm, Hiriyur, Karnataka to evaluate the performance of pearl millet cultivars by different zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) fertifortification methods. Micronutrient (Zn and Fe) management strategies were employed in main plots that include application of recommended NPK, along with recommended NPK supply of Fe and Zn through soil, foliar application and FYM enrichment along with plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). Three pearl millet cultivars [Variety - ICTP 8203 Fe (Dhanshakti), Hybrid - ICMH 1202 and local cultivar (variety - WCC 75)] were considered in sub plots laid in split plot design with three replications. Three methods of micronutrient application tested improved the grain Fe and Zn concentrations of both biofortified cultivars Dhanshakti and Hybrid along with grain yield. Enrichment of FYM with Fe and Zn resulted in higher concentration and uptake of Fe and Zn than other modes of micronutrient application. The hybrid ICMH 1202 had obtained significantly higher grain yield (2203 kg ha−1), grain micronutrient concentration of pearl millet (50.52 and 83.88 mg kg−1 Zn and Fe, respectively) with the application of enriched FYM + PGPR along with recommended NPK and found the best. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this work was to evaluate crops for their ability to phytoremediate diclosulam residues in the soil and produce lignocellulosic ethanol. Physiological characteristics, biomass production, soil cover rate, fermentable sugar production and lignocellulosic ethanol production potential of the crops were evaluated in soil with diclosulam residues. The experimental design was a randomized block with four replications. The treatments were arranged in a 4 × 2 factorial scheme with the following crops as the first factor: Avena sativa, Canavalia ensiformis, Mucuna aterrima, and Pennisetum glaucum. The second factor was the presence or absence of the herbicide diclosulam in the soil (30 g ha−1). The physiological variables of the plant species were not affected by the presence of diclosulam; the soil cover of P. glaucum was lower in the area with diclosulam, with a value of 26%. The levels of glucose were not affected by the presence of diclosulam in A. sativa, C. ensiformis, and M. aterrima, indicate not change the estimated yield of ethanol for this species. Avena sativa and Pennisetum glaucum have the potential to phytoremediate soils containing diclosulam residues, with concomitant lignocellulosic ethanol production ability. Phytoremediation of soils with herbicide residues is a viable tool and has been increasingly widespread throughout the world. The use of plant species capable of making the soil feasible for successive plantings sensitive to previously applied residual herbicides is a way to optimize agricultural production. However, there are few studies in which vegetable biomass used in the phytoremediation process is used. Thus, our study is innovative because it seeks to combine phytoremediation with the production of bioethanol, ensuring even more sustainable agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High level of exogenous ROS in the circulation affects RBC membrane integrity which facilitates the generation of endogenous RBC ROS, implicated in series of physiological changes primarily associated with thrombosis and vital tissue damage. Although, Pennisetum glaucum (pearl millet) stores abundance of proteins, their therapeutic potential is least explored. Thus, the purpose of this study is to examine the role of Pennisetum Glaucum Protein Extract (PGE) on oxidative stress induced cell/tissue damage and thrombosis. In this investigation, protein characterization was done by using SDS-PAGE, Native-PAGE, PAS-staining and HPLC. In-vitro oxidative stress was induced in RBC using sodium nitrite. While, in-vivo oxidative stress was induced in experimental rats using diclofenac. Stress markers and biochemical parameters were evaluated. Role of PGE on thrombosis was assessed by using, in-vitro plasma recalcification time, activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, mouse tail bleeding time (In-vivo) and platelet aggregation. PGE revealed varied range of molecular weight proteins on SDS-PAGE. PGE normalized the sodium nitrite induced oxidative damage of RBC and diclofenac induced oxidative damage in liver, kidney and small intestine. PGE exhibited anticoagulant effect by increasing the coagulation time of both PRP and PPP and mouse tail bleeding time. Furthermore, PGE prolonged the clotting time of only APTT but did not affect PT. PGE inhibited agonists ADP and epinephrine induced platelet aggregation. Our findings suggest, PGE could be a better contender in the management of oxidative stress and its associated diseases. PGE Pennisetum Glaucum protein Extract APPT Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time PT Prothrombin Time ROS Reactive Oxygen Species PRP Platelet Rich Plasma PPP Platelet Poor Plasma SDS-PAGE Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate-Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis PAS Periodic Acid-schiff Staining OD Optical Density INR International Normalized Ratio PBS Phosphate Buffered Saline SOD Superoxide Dismutase TCA Trichloro Acetatic Acid DTNB Di-Thio-bis-NitroBenzoic acid SGOT Serum Glutamate Oxaloacetate Transaminase SGPT Serum Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase ALP Alkaline Phosphatase DFC Diclofenac Syl Silymarin MED Minimum Edema Dose MHD Minimum Hemorrhagic Dose [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Injera is a staple fermented food in Ethiopia and is prepared from teff (Eragrostis teff (Zucc) Trotter). However, due to the higher price of teff recently, only middle- and high-income people can afford it. Hence, this study investigated the effect of the Blending Ratio (BR) of Teff flour (TF), Buckwheat Flour (BWF), and Pearl Millet Flour (PMF) and Fermentation Time (FT) on the overall quality of injera. The prepared injera showed protein as 9.06–11.82%, crude fat as 2.60–5.10%, crude fiber as 1.97–2.56%, total ash as 1.78–2.24%, carbohydrate as 71.43–75.34%, and energy as 364.99–375.29 kcal/100 g. Injera prepared from all the blends was sensorially accepted; however, injera prepared from 20% PMF, 65% TF, and 15% BWF fermented for 72 h was the most preferred. From this study, it is concluded that up to 30% FMF, 20% BWF, and 72 h fermentation time is recommended for the preparation of nutritionally improved injera with good sensory acceptability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Choosing an appropriate variety and planting date could help farmers increase the recurrent low pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) yields recorded in Niger. Field experiments were conducted at the National Agricultural Research Institute of Niger (N'Dounga) during the 2016 and 2017 rainy seasons to evaluate the performance of the CERES-Millet model in simulating the growth and yield of pearl millet varieties. Treatments consisted of two sowing windows (late June and mid-July) and four varieties (HKP, ZATIB, CIVT, and H80-10 GR) arranged in a split-plot design with three replications. Sowing dates were allocated to the main plots, whereas varieties were assigned to the subplots. The data collected on days to 50% flowering, days to physiological maturity, grain yield, and above-ground biomass during 2016 and 2017 were used to calibrate and evaluate the CERES-Millet model for simulating sowing windows. The model was used to simulate the long-term effects of different sowing windows using long-term historical weather data from 1983 to 2017 in Kollo. The results for model calibration showed that simulated growth and yield of millet were in good agreement with their corresponding observed values. The d-index was 0.99 for days to anthesis, 0.97 for days to physiological maturity, 0.93 for grain yield, and 0.79 for above-ground biomass. The results for both calibration and evaluation showed that normalized root mean square errors were less than 10%. The values of the d-index were also within the acceptable range for all the parameters. Therefore, the CERES-Millet model was robust enough to successfully simulate millet growth and yield in Niger. Seasonal analysis revealed that sowing should be done from early June to mid-June for ZATIB and H80-10 GR varieties. However, it should be done from early June to late June for CIVT and from mid-June to early July for HKP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study on pearl millet discrimination in mixed cropping environment was carried out as it forms the major coarse cereal crop in India. The study aims at determining the capabilities of Sentinel1A SAR data and Machine Learning (ML) algorithms for pearl millet discrimination. Six ML algorithms, that is, k-nearest neighbour (k-NN), Decision Tree (DT), support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), multi-layer perceptron (MLP) and Naïve Bayes (NB) were evaluated and compared. Meta-classifier using majority voting technique was proposed by ensembling classifiers (RF, SVM and NB) which were diverse and have comparable accuracies. The diversity assessment was conducted using Cochran Q statistics for ensembling purpose. RF classifier (83.76%) using VH polarization produced better result indicating importance of cross-polarization in crop classification. Further, meta-classifier proposed in the study improved the accuracy to 88.15% (approximately by 5%) and class accuracies of pearl millet resulting in improved discrimination of pearl millet in mixed cropping environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil hydraulic parameters (SHPs) required as inputs for numerical models are scarce in Sahelian regions. Instead, they are estimated using pedotransfer functions (PTFs), but their ability to simulate soil water dynamics has not been evaluated. This study aims to parameterize SHPs with seven different PTFs and inverse modelling to examine their ability to simulate water fluxes in Senegal's Groundnut basin. We used four years of field measurements of soil water content (SWC) and actual evapotranspiration (ETa) under pearl millet and groundnut crop rotation for model evaluation. Inverse modelling for SWC (root mean square error [RMSE] ≤ 0.015 cm3 cm−3) and ETa (RMSE ≤ 0.62 mm d−1) yielded the best model performance compared to PTFs (0.024–0.175 cm3 cm−3 and 0.68–0.96 mm d−1, respectively). Where field measurements are lacking for inverse estimation, three of the seven tested PTFs yielded good modelling results and could be used as a parsimonious approach for cultivated Sahelian soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate mapping of coarse cereals envisaged maize to be discriminated from co-existing Kharif crops using multiplatform, multiparametric SAR and Optical data in various polarization combination from Sentinel-1 and RADARSAT-2 in synergism with Sentinel-2, under machine learning algorithms viz. support vector machine (SVM) and random forest (RF) and knowledge-based Decision Tree (DT). SVM over-estimates the area of maize whereas RF and DT performed similarly (60–75%) but DT being closest to field conditions (68–78%). A 4 date Sentinel-1 under DT classified Soybean to 62% accuracy and Cotton to 76% on a regional scale in Maharashtra. Inclusion of 1-date optical image improved sugarcane accuracy. The similar-structured crops, such as Maize and Pearl Millet were discriminated with their unique phenological response in crop-calendar using quad-pol RADARSAT-2. With inclusion of crop responsive model-based polarimetric decomposition (Yamaguchi Volume and Double-Bounce) and Eigen-based parameters (Entropy and Alpha-Angle), maize classification accuracy elevated to 84%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to assess the potential of multi-temporal Sentinel-1 and RADARSAT-2 data for pearl millet discrimination using various classifiers—machine learning and knowledge-based decision tree (m-DT and k-DT), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Random Forest (RF). Results show that the RF classifier outperformed the other classifiers in terms of overall accuracy (OA) and kappa coefficient. The highest Overall Accuracy (OA) of 89.1% and kappa coefficients of 0.822 and 0.814 were achieved by the RF classifier for both the Sentinel-1 and RADARSAT-2 data, respectively. The Variable Importance (VI) of the RF classifier revealed that the polarimetric parameters—volume scattering, double bounce, entropy and alpha angle were crucial for pearl millet discrimination. Polarimetric parameters, when ingested with the RF machine learning classifier, achieved better classification accuracies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of structure and phenology of dryland crops on SAR scattering mechanisms is under explored and under reported. This study aims to understand the complex scattering mechanisms occurring in similar structured crops and to discriminate pearl-millet crop using single date Radarsat-2 SAR data. The study arrived at few significant findings that the panicle stage isthe critical stage for discriminating pearl-millet from similar structured sorghum and maize crops. Alpha angle extracted from eigen-vector based decomposition was identified as the discriminating factor. Average alpha value almost reached 55° due to dihedral scattering occurring in the prominent panicles which emerge early in pearl millet compared to maize and sorghum. Wishart H-A-α technique discriminated pearl millet, maize and sorghum crops with a producer's accuracy of about 87.8%, 71.6% and 71.4%, respectively. Paddy was classified with highest accuracy of 95.8% due to occurrence of dominant double bounce scattering in most of the fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rust fungi are important plant pathogens and have been extensively studied on crops and other host plants worldwide. This study describes the heterecious life cycle of a rust fungus on Digitaria eriantha (finger grass) and the Solanum species S. lichtensteinii (large yellow bitter apple), S. campylacanthum (bitter apple), and S. melongena (eggplant) in South Africa. Following field observations, inoculation studies involving telial isolates collected from Digitaria plants produced spermogonia and aecia on S. lichtensteinii, S. campylacanthum, and S. melongena. Likewise, inoculation of finger grass with aeciospores collected from the aforementioned Solanum species produced uredinia on D. eriantha. Pennisetum glaucum (pearl millet varieties Milkstar and Okashana, as well as 17 experimental lines) and S. elaeagnifolium (silverleaf nightshade or bitter apple) were resistant to the rust isolates. Morphological descriptions and molecular phylogenetic data confirmed the identity of the rust on Digitaria as P. digitariae, herein reinstated as a species and closely related to P. penicillariae the pearl millet rust, also reinstated. Puccinia digitariae has a macrocyclic, heterecious life cycle in which teliospores overwinter on dormant D. eriantha plants. Aecia sporulate on species of Solanum during spring and early summer to provide inocula that infect new growth of Digitaria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biosorption potential of Pennisetum glaucum has elaborated by investigating its kinetic behavior in nonlinear fashion. RMSE values supported the pseudo second order (PSO) and elovich model, but correlation coefficient (R2) values supported the PSO only. Study of intra-particle diffusion model (IPDM) and Boyd plots revealed the multi-linear diffusion pattern of the studied metal ions toward biosorbent. Initially, IPDM was found to be the rate-determining step, however boundary layer diffusion was found to be the slowest step later on. There was no correlation between calculated and experimental values of intercept, calculated by applying mass transfer model. Conclusive findings of Boyd plot supported the governing of biosorption process by film diffusion. In this work, biosorption potential of Pennisetum glaucum has been investigating in terms of kinetic studies in nonlinear fashion. Biosorbent is obtained from indigenous sources and its processing is easy, which in turns leads to its cost-effectiveness for better removal of toxic materials from waste water streams. All related theoretical investigations were summarized for showing biosorption efficiency of this novel material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water purification by eco-friendly and cost-effective method is a challenge for scientists in the current era. The present study reports a facile and cost-effective green synthesis method of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) from leaves extract of Syzygium cumini plant. UV–visible spectroscopy verified the synthesis of nano-catalyst ZnO-NPs. X-ray diffraction technique and scanning electron microscopy explored the formation of pure crystalline hexagonal and spherical NPs. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis ascertains the existence of flavonoids, phenolic acids, enzymes and steroids in leaves extract of S. cumini to reduce zinc slat into ions during synthesis and hence capping of the NPs. The ZnO-NPs were analysed for seed germination activity which showed enhancement in seed germination of Pennisetum glaucum seeds. The synthesised NPs were likewise utilised as nano-catalyst for degradation and removal of Rhodamine B (RhB) dye. Moreover, the effect of light irradiation time, temperature and pH was also investigated for optimisation of best conditions for degradation of dye. The green synthesised ZnO-NPs showed 98% degradation of RhB dye and purified the dye polluted water and, therefore, is an emerging catalyst for dye degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment analyzed the effect of the treated wastewater (TWW) use via irrigation on the production of dry matter and content of nutrient and sodium (Na) in millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) and on the chemical properties of clay soil (CS) and sandy loam soil (SLS). The study was conducted in 5 × 2 factorial scheme, consisting of five TWW concentrations (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%), combined with two soil types (CS and SLS). Cultivation in clay soil contributes to the increase of dry matter and nutrient content in millet, compared to cultivation in sandy loam soil. Increased TWW concentration in irrigation water raised dry matter production and nutrient uptake in millet plants, favoured by increased nutrient availability, cation exchange capacity, and base saturation on both soils. In clay soil, the millet plants irrigated with 100% TWW showed a root dry matter production 44% lower than those treatments irrigated with 75% TWW, which may be associated with an increase in soil salinization and sodification. TWW can be sustainably used in millet irrigation, being 75 and 100% the recommended concentrations in the irrigation of clay soil and sandy loam soil, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainability of cereal-based cropping system is important for the livelihood and food security in semi-arid regions. The present study explores the impact of long-term organic and inorganic nutrients and integrated fertilization practices of soil test crop response (STCR) approach of inductive-cum-targeted yield model on soil physical properties and its correlation with soil organic carbon (OC) under pearl millet–wheat in sandy-loam soils of semiarid north-west regions of India. Results showed that OC in the soils significantly increased in farm yard manure (FYM) and integrated treatments up to a maximum of 135% and 148%, respectively, in a period of 8 years over the control in surface soils (0–15 cm). The increase in OC significantly increased the infiltration rate (IR), hydraulic conductivity (HC), soil water retention at all suctions, water stable aggregates (WSA) (> 0.25 mm) and mean weight diameter of the soil aggregates, while decreased the bulk density (BD) and penetration resistance (PR) both at surface and subsurface soil layers. Soil OC also showed a negative correlation with BD (r = −0.955) and PR (r = −0.820). The hydraulic properties of the soil, viz., soil water retention, showed a high positive correlation with field capacity (r = 0.973), 0.922 for permanent wilting point (r = 0.922), HC (r = 0.938), IR (r = 0.973), and WSA (r = 0.979) with OC. Thus, long-term application of organic material in conjunction with NP improved soil physical health, provided better environment to grow crops through improved nutrient concentration and its translocation that ultimately helps to achieve yield target through STCR (Soil Test Crop Response) approach of inductive-cum-targeted yield model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) for biomass production has increased significantly across much of the Brazilian Midwest. This region is characterized by weathered soils with low pH and low in fertility. Phosphorus and micronutrients are particularly low in these soils. Therefore, studies evaluating the management of micronutrients, especially manganese (Mn), are essential to improve the productivity of pear millet. This study aimed to assess the effect of Mn fertilization on the physiology traits and biomass production of pearl millet. The study was conducted in a greenhouse using a completely randomized design with four replications. Five Mn rates were applied (0 (control), 3, 6, 9, and 12 kg ha−1, as MnO) at planting. Biometric (plant height, stem diameter, and leaf area index) and physiological quality (cholorpyll index, transpiration, photosynthesis, leaf CO2 concentration, and stomatal conductance) were evaluated 30 and 65 days after emergence (DAE). Millet biomass, at harvest, was also evaluated. Pearl millet response to Mn fertilization was significant on measurements taken 65 DAE, with exception of leaf area index. Regardless of time of measurements, applying 6 kg Mn ha−1 provided the best results at the end of the experiments. Increased Mn rates, above 6 kg ha−1, caused a decrease in the physiological traits of millet but did not affect the biomass production. Moreover, greater Mn utilization efficiency by plants was found at the 6 kg ha−1 Mn rate, suggesting that this is the recommended rate for improving biomass production of pear millet grown under similar soil and weather conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fifteen genotypes of pearl millet were selected for biochemical characterization of blast resistance at plumule stage, and 4, 8, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours post inoculation (hpi) with Magnaporthe grisea. The total phenol content, phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), peroxidase (PO) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity was observed to increase in M. grisea inoculated plants; however, a greater activity of these enzymes was found in resistant than susceptible genotypes at all the time intervals. The native-PAGE analysis of PO showed presence of five isoforms PO1 to PO5 but could not reveal any specific isoform to distinguish the resistant from susceptible genotypes. In the native-PAGE banding pattern of PPO, there were four isoforms PPO1 to PPO4 of which PPO3 was specific to three resistant genotypes at 4 hpi. Among the analyzed genotypes, IP 11036 showed highest total phenol content and PO activity, whereas IP 21187 exhibited highest PAL and PPO activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In scarce-irrigated areas of India, pearl millet-wheat cropping system is depleting soil quality, system productivity and resources. The objective of study was to restore soil quality and sustain productivity. It was considered necessary to diversify cereal through legume-based wheat system and shift of traditional to conservation technologies. A field experiment was assessed the rainy season cereal crop pearl millet (PM) and three legumes- pigeon pea (PP), green gram (GG) and cluster bean (CB)-based winter wheat (W) systems under two land levelling methods viz. traditional (TLL) and precision laser assisted (PLL), and three establishment methods- traditional tillage (TT), zero tillage (ZT) and permanent broad bed- furrow (PBBF) on various parameters. Results of PLL and PBBF crop establishment was significantly enhanced the soil quality parameters, growth characters, less plant mortality of rainy season crops and lodging of wheat compared with traditional practices. Overall improvement in soil quality, system- and water productivity (WP) and net returns were in ordered: PP-W > CB-W > GG-W > PM-W and PBBF > ZT > TT. Results indicated that PBBF crop establishment in PLL conditions can be made more sustainable productive, economic profitable, ameliorate soil quality and save resources in scarce/canal support irrigation system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estimates of the soil and nutrient losses are essential for design and planning of soil conservation measures in Indian arid region. This study aims at estimating rainfall-runoff, soil and nutrient losses from different cover crops, and to identify the best cover for checking soil loss. The study is conducted for 2013–2015 in research farm of the Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Regional Station, Bhuj, Gujarat, India. Ten treatments comprising four sole-crop, that is, sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), green gram (Vigna radiata), and cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) and four cereal-legume intercropping with two controls (cultivated and unplowed fallows) are undertaken in randomized block design with three replications. Multi-slot divisors are fabricated and installed. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) is performed, and their interrelationships are explored. The highest soil loss is recorded from cultivated fallow (108.03 ± 49.95 kg.ha−1.yr−1) and unplowed fallow (78.95 ± 28.42 kg.ha−1.yr−1). Green gram is found effective in controlling soil loss as sole-crop (event-wise soil loss ~0.54–33.94 kg.ha−1) as well as intercropping with sorghum (event-wise soil loss ~0.60–23.37 kg.ha−1) and pearl millet (event-wise soil loss ~2.45–31.11 kg ha−1). ANOVA revealed significance (p <.05) of runoff-generating rainfall, crop cover, and their sole- and intercropping practices. Values of coefficient of determination (R2) indicated highly correlated (R2 ≥ 0.75) relationships of rainfall-runoff for all treatments, rainfall-soil loss for sole cereals and cultivated fallow, and runoff-soil loss for pearl millet and intercropping with green gram. This study concludes that cereal-legume intercropping diminishes the adverse impact of raindrops on soil erosion and crop production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to assess the chemical composition and in vitro digestibility of residues of five pearl millet varieties and to investigate their effect on the performance of sheep. Thirty castrated male Bali-Bali sheep were randomly assigned to five treatments. Four dual-purpose millet varieties and one local variety-Somno were used. Sheep were fed ad libitum for 90 days with the stover of five millet varieties, complemented with cowpea hay. Stover of varieties ICMV167005 and ICMV167002 showed a tendency for a higher nitrogen content (1.0%) and in vitro digestibility (51.3% and 51.8%, respectively) compared to stover of other varieties. Significant differences were observed in average daily live weight gain. The animals fed with stover of the variety ICMV167005 in their diet had higher average daily live weight gain compared with others. We conclude that ICMV167005 is a promising variety for improving the productive performance of sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the semi-arid regions of southern Africa, around the borders of Angola with Namibia, the Cuvelai seasonal wetland system is formed by floods during the rainy season. The objective of the present study was to assess the effects of introduction of a rice-based mixed cropping system to the seasonal wetlands (ondombe in the local language) from agronomic, social, and economic perspectives. For this purpose, we used a simple methodology with a multidisciplinary approach for yield and household survey and scenario analysis in northern Namibia. The yield survey revealed that in ondombe, rice showed a higher yield performance than that of pearl millet and sorghum, even in a drought year. The farm household survey showed that introducing a rice-based mixed cropping to ondombe could help local farmers enhance crop productivity by reducing labour and providing high rice yield. In addition, scenario analysis based on the yield and household surveys conducted in these regions suggested that the introduction of the mixed cropping system to ondombe could compensate for one-fourth of the governmental urgent food import budget even in drought years. Therefore, this system is an effective option for sustainable agricultural production and environmental management in the studied region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In view with the importance of coarse cereals, it was proposed to discriminate pearl millet crop in a mixed crop scenario using different combinations of time series multipolarized SAR with available optical data. Five date dual polarized Sentinel-1 DT classification was found to be optimum, as Bajra classification accuracy increased by 7.6% over four date. The improved Bajra accuracy of 85% was achieved when 2 date Sentinel-1was integrated with higher value quad polarized Radarsat-2 data. Similar structured crops like Sorghum and maize could be discriminated using difference in crop calendar and polarization response. Single date Sentinel-2 (near harvest stage as available) with 2 date Sentinel-1 yields 66% accuracy for Bajra crop but the attempt to extract temporal phenological profile was failed due to persistent cloud cover in the previous dates. Radarsat-2 data increased Bajra accuracy up to 89.5% when responsive polarimetric parameters were used in conjunction with multiple linear polarizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A completely randomized factorial experiment was conducted to evaluate the growth and biomass production of single- and mixed crop species inoculated with mycorrhizae. Radish, (R), safflower (SF), pearl-millet (PM), mustard (M), field peas ((FP), faba-bean (FB), common vetch (CV), and berseem clover (BC) and their blends as R-SF-PM-M, FP-FB-CV-BC, R-SF-PM-M-FP-FB-CV-BC, R-SF-M-FP-FB-CV-BC, and PM-FP-FB-CV-BC were planted in a pot culture. The mycorrhizal inoculum significantly influenced the cover crops growth and biomass production under sterilized soils than that of non-sterile soils. While the safflower produced the highest total biomass, the pearl millet and field peas produced the lowest total biomass. Generally, in sterile and mycorrhizal conditions plant grown better and have high total C fixation. Within non-sterile and mycorrhizal inoculation, Safflower (1383.1 g C m−2) and Berseem Clover (1235.5 g C m−2) as a single species have fixed highest amount of carbon as biomass. Mycorrhizae inoculated BC+CV+FB+FP+SF+PM blends had a return of 1365.0 g C m−2 in non-sterile soil. Our results suggested that cover crops in single or mixed stands with mycorrhizal inoculations are expected to provide a significantly greater amount of biomass, which would contribute to soil organic matter and nutrient recycling for crop production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endophytic bacteria are common residents of living host tissue and occupy vital role in sustaining crop growth and health under adverse environmental situations. At present, scanty information is available about the salt-tolerant plant growth promoting (PGP) endophytic bacilli from pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum). In the study, 102 endophytic Bacillus strains from root, leaf and stem region of pear millet host plant were isolated and limited to 28 strains depending on the salt (≥10%) tolerance ability. Phenotypic and biochemical features, together with 16S rDNA gene sequence similarity comparison with type strains identified endophytes as Bacillus albus, B. amyloliquefaciens, B. aryabhattai, B. halotolerans, B. haynesii, B. pacific, B. paramycoides, B. proteolyticus, B. pumilus, B. subtilis, B. siamensis, B. tequilensis, B. wiedmannii and B. zhangzhouensis. The rigorous in vitro screening for PGP traits, nutrient solubilization, heavy metal, polyethelene glycol, extracellular enzyme production and antagonistic potential identified B. amyloliquefaciens EPP90 as a potent multi-stress tolerant crop growth promoter. Under greenhouse experiments, plants treated with this strain reflected significantly superior plant growth relative to untreated pearl millet seed grown under saline (200 mM NaCl) environment. The research findings clearly displayed the prospective function of endophytic B. amyloliquefaciens EPP90 as an excellent multi-stress reliever and crop growth promoter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study recommends the Artemisia nilagirica (Clarke) Pamp. essential oil (ANEO) as plant-based shelf-life enhancer of millets against fungal, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contamination and lipid peroxidation with favourable safety profile. Chemical characterisation of ANEO through GC-MS, recorded 1,5-heptadiene-4-one,3,3,6-trimethyl (32.72%)as the main compound, followed by Artemisia alcohol (13.40%), alpha lonone (4.55%), benzene, methyl (1-methylethyl) (2.97%) and 1-cyclohexene-1-carboxaldehyde,4-(1-methylethyenyl) (2.23%). The mycoflora analysis of millet samples showed Aspergillus flavus strain[LHP(R)-5] as the most AFB1 secreting strain. The ANEO inhibited growth and AFB1 production by the toxigenic strain at 1.4 and 1.0 µL mL−1, respectively, and also possess broad fungitoxic spectrum. The decrement in membrane ergosterol content, enhanced leakage of cellular Ca2+, K+ and Mg2+ ions along with SEM and TEM study of ANEO-treated cell denotes plasma membrane as antifungal site of action. The ANEO also showed strong antioxidant activity as determined by DPPH• and ABTS•+ assays having IC50 value 2.51 and 1.07 µL mL−1, respectively. More than 70.78% protection of Ragi samples from fungal contamination was observed during in situ trial. The ANEO showed favourable safety profile with high LD50 value (7528.10 µL kg−1) for male mice and also exhibited non-phytotoxicity for Ragi seeds germination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of irrigation regimes (irrigation after 40 and 75% depletion of available soil water) and nitrogen levels (0 and 85 mg N kg−1 soil) on millet cultivars (Bastan and Pishahang) under two atmospheric CO2 concentrations (390 ± 50 and 700 ± 50 µmol mol−1). Evaluation of different biochemical traits at 50% flowering stage and measurement of dry matter weight at milk stage revealed that water shortage reduced shoot dry weight as the consequence of decreasing chlorophyll and carotenoid contents, leaf area, membrane stability index, and root dry weight but it increased not only the production of H2O2 but also MDA and antioxidant enzyme activities. Drought conditions with elevated levels of CO2 and nitrogen supply, however, partly relaxed limitations observed under water shortage conditions so that H2O2 and MDA production decreased but chlorophyll content and leaf area increased, leading to reduced loss of shoot dry weight. Increased CO2 had a greater effect on the reduction of ascorbate peroxidase and catalase in Bastan, while in Pishahang it had more effect on the reduction of malondialdehyde. Results showed that elevated CO2 and nitrogen supply depended for their effects on both irrigation regime and the genotype grown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective is to determine the growth, yield and chemical characteristics of pearl millet irrigated with different levels of brackish water and organic matter in two cultivation cycles. The experimental design was randomized blocks in a 4 × 4 factorial arrangement, composed of 4 levels of brackish irrigation (25, 50, 75 and 100% evapotranspiration), 4 levels of organic matter (0, 15, 30 and 45 t ha−1) with 3 repetitions. Along two cultivation cycles, pearl millet crop was analyzed for: plant growth variables, fresh and dry mass production, water-use efficiency, and chemical composition. There was significant interaction between applied water levels and organic matter for lignin in the 2nd cut (P <.05). The number of leaves, number of dead leaves and fresh mass production were influenced by the isolated effect of brackish water levels in cut 1 (P <.05). In turn, fresh mass production, dry mass production, plant height, leaves length, panicle length, fresh mass production, crude protein and ether extract were influenced by the isolated effect of saline water levels in the 2nd cut (P <.05). Growth, biomass production and chemical composition variables in second cut are positively influenced by different brackish irrigation levels under low rainfall conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Millets which are considered the third most important cereal in Africa have remained underutilised for food and feed. Therefore, the core aim of this study was to evaluate types of millets obtained from South Africa and Zimbabwe for physical and chemical characterization. Catechin and epicatechin were higher for finger millet types. Crude protein and gross energy were similar for all the millets. However, the starch content of the South African finger millet was higher compared to the Zimbabwean type and the pearl millets from both regions. The macro-minerals of the four millets varied with calcium and magnesium being higher in finger millets. All the millet types had abundant potassium which ranged from 3864.60 to 4899.30 mg/kg. Furthermore, the essential amino acids of the millet types differed greatly. Overall, a greater impact on physical and chemical characteristics was influenced by millet type, even though some locational differences were observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Millet flour (M) and carrot flour(C) were produced and blended in the ratios 100M:0C, 95M:5C, 90M:10C, 85M:15C and 80M:20C respectively to produce extruded flakes. The composite flours were subjected to analysis of the proximate and mineral composition, as well as functional and pasting properties. Extruded flakes were analyzed for proximate composition, total carotenoids, colour and sensory evaluation. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the proximate, functional and pasting properties but there were significant differences (p < 0.05) in the mineral composition (Ca, Fe, Zn, Mg and P). Extrusion cooking significantly (p < 0.05) reduced moisture content from 4.5 to 3.5%, and it is also significantly (p < 0.05) increased the crude fibre from 2.84 to 4.53%, on the other hand, protein content decreased with the increase in carrot flour. Total carotenoids were not significantly (p > 0.05) affected by extrusion cooking. In terms of the lightness (L*), redness (a*) and yellowness (b*), 100% millet flakes had the least values of 50.09, 0.076 and 10.39 respectively. Sample with 85M:15C had the overall acceptance score of 7.25. In terms of colour and taste, the sample with 90M:10C had the highest scores of 8.50 and 6.50 respectively. Sample with 85M: 15C was most preferred in terms of crunchiness. The results indicate that pearl millet and carrot are rich in different nutrient when blended in the right proportions to make composite flour, it would produce nutrient-dense food product rich in protein, vitamin Aand minerals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three sets of field experiments were conducted both on farmer fields and on experiment stations on Kobo areas of eastern Amhara region during 2013 and 2014 cropping seasons to evaluate and introduce dry land crop production technologies that would reduce crop failure and increase productivity of crops. Integrated technologies that were evaluated include: micro-dose fertilizer, moisture conservation, seed priming, intercropping, and row planting. The experimental design was randomized complete block (RCB) with three replications consisted of 14 treatments. The results revealed that the highest grain yield (5032 and 4328 kg/ha) of sorghum was recorded with application of recommended fertilizer rate + primed seed + tied ridge and micro-dose fertilizer + primed seed + tied ridge + intercropping with haricot bean, respectively. For pearl millet, the highest grain yield (3355 and 3145 kg/ha) was recorded with application of micro-dose fertilizer + dry seed + tied ridge and recommended fertilizer rate + dry seed + tied ridge, respectively. For maize, the highest grain yield (4414 and 4392 kg/ha) was recorded with application of micro-dose fertilizer + primed seed + tied ridge + intercropping mung bean and recommended fertilizer rate + dry seed + tied ridge. From the results of on-station and on-farm trials at Kobo, recommended fertilizer rate + primed seed + tied-ridge for sorghum testing crop, recommended fertilizer rate + dry seed + tied-ridge for pearl millet and micro-dose fertilizer + primed seed + tied ridge + intercropping with mung bean for maize was recommended for kobo and similar areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pearl millet is a cereal that grows and produces grains in arid areas where other cereals may not survive. It has the potential to become a global food crop as the world experiences climate change. Pearl millet is a staple food for more than 60% of the Namibian human population. It is processed into flour, porridge and a daily-consumed fermented acidic beverage, known as ontaku or oshikundu. This drink comprises pearl millet meal, sorghum or pearl millet malt and water. Ontaku has a heterogeneous composition and a short shelf life, usually of less than a day at ambient conditions. Its brewing processes are various but all are not standardised. Freshest ontaku is non-alcoholic, but over time it can have an alcohol content of up to 1.6%. The quality and phenolic content of the malt and the composition of congeners and fermentation metabolites such as methanol and butyrate in ontaku have not been investigated. The production of ontaku with improved safety and of predictable, consistent and consumer-acceptable qualities requires the standardisation and control of ingredients and processing conditions. This contribution provides a mini-review on the malting, fermentation and milling processing steps and the underlying basic science involved in the production of the ingredients used in the brewing of ontaku. It also highlights gaps in knowledge to aid future research in the field of African traditional fermented cereal foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Millet yields are highly variable even within the same farm in the Sahel. A conceptual model of the phenomenon was designed and quantitative analysis of key relationships was conducted based on the available published studies. We found that the high spatial variability of millet yield is due to two main edaphic factors: soil fertility properties and water availability. It is still unknown whether the spatial variability of the two main factors is inherent to Sahelian soils. However, some biotic and abiotic factors induce and even maintain the variability of the main factors. The biotic factors include the presence of trees, termite's activity, fertility management practices, pests, and diseases. Abiotic factors include rainfall (amount, intensity, and distribution) and wind erosion. The major soil chemical properties which strongly influence spatial yield variability include organic carbon, pH, aluminum saturation, and available phosphorus. Millet yield was positively and strongly correlated with P (r2=0.80, p < 0.001), moderately with pH (r2=0.30, p < 0.001), but strongly and negatively with the logarithm of aluminum saturation (r2=0.54, p < 0.001). Water availability is affected mainly by the soil physical properties, which strongly impact millet yield variability through infiltration rate and water retention capacity. The underlying properties are soil structure, texture, and soil surface conditions. The inadequate consideration of soil heterogeneity could also explain the low level of farmer adoption of the recommendations regarding soil fertility improvement based on experimental research or decision support. This situation calls for improved precision agriculture technologies that are compatible with Sahelian farmers' socio-economic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research was aimed to assess the photosynthetic activities of barley (Hordeum valgare L.), clover (Trifolium repens L.), and pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) under different saline conditions with two strains of Pseudomonas putida (UW3 and UW4) treatments. An exceptional observation was revealed on barley biomass ratio (288.8%) that irrigated with brackish saline water (10,000 mg/L) with the presence of P. putida UW4 strain. In general, P. putida UW3 strain was significantly increased crops biomass ratio (249.4%, 202.1%, and 212.5%) for barley, pearl millet, and clover, respectively, which were irrigated with 10,000 mg/L brackish saline water. Plant root and shoot systems were significantly increased in their length and weight reflecting the improvement of plants' photosynthetic activities under salt stress conditions with the presence of P. putida strains. The results from pulse amplitude modulation fluorometry showed that the plants were recovered from the saline stress effect once P. putida strains were applied. The outcome of this research was highly recommended to apply P. putida strains (UW3 and UW4) with field crops for phytoremediation, in particular, where salinity (soil and/or brackish water) was environmentally challenging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen (N) anticipation in cover crops, besides increasing the accumulation of dry weight and nutrients, may favor the subsequent crop by increasing the availability of N. However, N can alter the decomposition of phytomass, which could reduce the beneficial effects of cover crops. The objective of this study was to evaluate the decomposition rate and nutrients release from Pennisetum glaucum and Panicum maximum syn. Urochloa maxima as a function of N fertilization. A randomized blocks design with four replicates, constituted by four treatments (pearl millet with N, pearl millet without N, guinea grass with N and guinea grass without and six sampling times (0, 14, 34, 41, 51 and 68 days after management (DAM)). The pearl millet produces more shoot dry weight than guinea grass, and the N fertilization increases the amount of dry weight for both species, but does not alter the decomposition rate. Pearl millet accumulates and releases to the soil large amounts of nutrients followed by guinea grass, regardless of N fertilization. N fertilization increases the amount of N accumulated and accelerates the release of N into the soil. The maximum release rates occur in the period of 0–14 DAM, more intensely with the N fertilization for the N. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A two-year field experiment was conducted in Niger to explore the effects of integrated use of millet glume-derived compost (MGD-Compost) and NP fertilizer on soil microbial biomass carbon (Cmic), nitrogen (Nmic) and millet yields. Three compost rates (3000 kg ha−1, 1500 kg ha−1 and 0 kg ha−1) and three NP fertilizer rates (100%, 50% and 0% of recommended NP fertilizer) were arranged in a factorial experiment organized in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Combined application of compost and NP fertilizer induced a synergistic effect on Cmic and Nmic. Compost application increased millet grain yield from 59% to 91% compared to control. Combined application of compost and NP fertilizer increased millet grain yields from 57% to 70% in 2013 and from 36% to 82% in 2014 compared to sole application of mineral fertilizer. Agronomic efficiency (AE) of nitrogen values increased by 3.7 and 2.3 times than those of sole NP fertilizer application in 2013 and 2014, respectively. Phosphorus AE was 1.6 times higher than that of the sole application of NP fertilizer. These findings indicate that integrated application of MGD-Compost and NP fertilizer enhances soil microbial biomass content and increases millet grain yield in a low-input cropping system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poor soil health and low soil water content during crop growing period are major factor for low productivity of pearl millet – mustard rotation under rainfed semi-arid regions. The authors evaluated five different tillage and residue management practices for improving physico–chemical and biological properties of soil. Results showed that conservation agriculture (CA) practice (zero tillage (ZT) with 4 t ha–1 residue retention) exhibited higher proportion of soil macro-aggregate. It also increased infiltration rate of about 15.2% over conventional tillage without residue but ZT increased soil penetration resistance in surface soil layer. In the residue applied plots, ~2–4% (w/w) higher soil water content was maintained throughout the season than the no-residue plots. CA practice had the highest soil organic carbon (4.96 g kg–1) and microbial biomass carbon (188.3 μg g–1 soil). Significant and positive correlation was also found between soil organic carbon with infiltration rate (r = 0.73**), mean weight diameter (r = 0.80**) and microbial biomass carbon (r = 0.86**). Thus, this study suggests that ZT with residue retention can be advocated in pearl millet – mustard rotations for improving, productivity, soil health and maintaining higher soil water content in rainfed semi-arid regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impoverished Namibian soils can very well be enriched with nutrients by applying cattle manure, especially when resource-poor farmers are unable to purchase expensive chemical fertilizers. In this study, effects of cattle manure on different cropping patterns, i.e., mono- and mixed-cropping of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) were compared across three cropping seasons at manure application rates of 0, 31 and 62 Mg ha−1. The experimental plots were laid out in a randomized complete-block design with four replications. The parameters measured were growth and yield of the crops, soil organic carbon (SOC), total soil N, available soil P, and exchangeable soil K. The SOC was determined by the Black-Walkley protocol, total N by the modified Kjeldahl method, available P by the Olsen method, and exchangeable K by ammonium acetate extraction. Application of 31 Mg ha−1 cattle manure increased SOC, total soil N, available P, and exchangeable K 1.3, 1.2, 1.2, and 1.4 times, respectively, over the control; the respective increase by the addition of 62 Mg ha−1 was 1.7, 1.5, 1.3, and 2.1 times. However, differences between 31 and 62 Mg ha−1 manure were not significant for SOC, total soil N, and available P, except for exchangeable K. Both grain yield and biomass yield of pearl millet increased with the application of 31 Mg ha−1 manure, but declined with the application of 62 Mg ha−1 manure, whereas grain yield and biomass yield of cowpea declined with the addition of 62 Mg ha−1 manure. Both cowpea and pearl millet yielded more when intercropped than when grown as monocultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flooding has globally become common, and thus cultivation techniques to adapt to the stress are required. We have developed a technique called "close mixed-planting" using flood-adapted rice (Oryza sativa L.) and upland crops with tangled root systems, showing that this technique can mitigate the damage caused to upland crops by flooding. However, the plant response during the reproductive stage has not yet been examined. In this study, we estimated the alleviative effects of close mixed-planting on the growth inhibition and physiological damage to pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) caused by flooding at the reproductive stage in northern Namibia. Pearl millet and NERICA4 (Oryza spp., interspecies of O. sativa and O. glaberrima) were used. Four-week-old single- and mixed-crop pearl millets were transplanted and grown for 22 days, and then flooding treatment was administered for 28 days. The growth and physiological parameters of single pearl millet were significantly decreased by flooding stress, and the parameters did not recover during a 14-day recovery period compared with those of unflooded single and mix-cropped pearl millet. On the other hand, the damage to mix-cropped pearl millet by flooding was suppressed. Thus, the mixed-cropping mitigated the anoxic stress of pearl millet caused by flooding at the reproductive stage and contributed to the improved growth after the recovery period. This result suggested that the close mixed-planting with rice can contribute to the mitigation of flooding damage not only at the vegetative stage but also at the reproductive stage of pearl millet in the semi-arid African country, Namibia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]