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

Main conclusion: We cloned two variants of lipase gene—MAGL and TAGL from pearl millet. Lipase showed negative correlation with antioxidants and total phenolics. FAA can be used as marker for rancidity. Pearl millet is considered as “Nutri-cereal” due to its rich nutrient profile. Low keeping quality of the flour due to rancidity is one of the major problems in pearl millet. Lipases are a group of enzymes that produces free fatty acids that ultimately leads to rancidity. Very few lipases have been identified and characterized from pearl millet. Here, we have identified 2039 transcripts of lipases from pooled samples (leaf, stem and developing grains) of pearl millet using de novo transcriptomic approach and predicted 05 full length lipase variants. Further, we cloned 02 lipase genes—monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL, acc. no. MZ590564) and triacylglycerol lipase (TAGL, acc. no. MZ590565) of 1.5 kb each from pearl millet cv. Pusa-1201. Conserved domain search analysis showed the presence of catalytic triad [GXSXG] near the active site which is signature domain of lipase family of proteins. MAGL showed maximum expression in PC-701 and TAGL in Pusa-1201 during mealy-ripe growth stage of endospermic tissue. Abundance of transcripts of both the lipases was observed in the harvested grains of PC-701. We observed negative correlation between the lipase activity and accumulation of antioxidants like total phenolic content (TPC), tannin, and total antioxidant potential (TAP). Free amino acid and reducing sugar were observed as potential markers for accessing the intensity/extent of rancidity in pearl millet flour. Thus, there is need to explore and characterize the lipase variants to connect the missing dots in rancidity pathway and to use it in genome editing using the CRISPR/Cas9 approach for the development of pearl millet lines free of off-odor and flour rancidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pearl millet, a climate-resilient crop, is advocated for combating food insecurity in drought-prone areas. To that end, the Ethiopian Agricultural Research Institute and agricultural extensions have been instrumental in promoting pearl millet technology packages. However, a more detailed understanding of the adoption and impact of these packages on the food security of farm households in Ethiopia is needed. This study investigated the factors influencing the adoption of pearl millet technology packages and their impact on food security in drought-prone areas of the Waghimra Zone. Data were collected from 172 farmers through systematic random sampling in 2018. Double-hurdle and generalized propensity score approaches were employed. The results from the double-hurdle regression revealed that gender, education, age, number of oxen, extension services, training, distance to the primary market, and participation in farm field demonstrations were the primary factors influencing adoption decisions and the intensity of pearl millet technology packages. The analysis using generalized propensity scores emphasized that adopting pearl millet technology packages had a significant positive effect on the food security of farm households. Therefore, research institutes and extension agents should pay special attention to popularizing pearl millet technology packages to increase household food security in Ethiopia and similar contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Morphology and length and width measurements are used to establish the diagnostic value of the phytoliths produced by three crop species. • Pennisetum glaucum and Sorghum bicolor subsp. bicolor short cell phytoliths cannot be differentiated from those produced by wild southern African grasses. • Zea mays variant 1 crosses are diagnostic and can be used to establish crop presence at pre-colonial archaeological sites in southern Africa. • More research into phytolith morphometrics is needed to understand phytolith diagnostic value. While numerous studies have investigated the phytoliths produced by maize (Zea mays), an exotic crop introduced into southern Africa during the Columbian exchange (1492–1800), our research has the potential to impact the field significantly. No previous study has been published on whether maize phytoliths can be differentiated from those created by wild and domesticated plants from southern Africa. This research is crucial in understanding whether maize phytoliths can be used as a proxy for crop usage at archaeological sites in southern Africa. In this paper, we present the results of our analysis of the leaf phytoliths of landraces/cultivars of African domesticates, specifically pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor subsp. bicolor) , and exotic crops, namely maize. We explore the similarities, and differences between the short cell phytoliths produced by these crops and the wild southern African grasses closely related to them. Our data show that based on size, variant 1 cross phytoliths can be used to distinguish between maize, the African grain crops used by pre-colonial farming communities and the wild southern African grasses related to them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of milling on the physical attributes of Indian minor millets, namely foxtail, little, kodo, barnyard and proso millets are examined in the present study. Dehusking and debranning processes led to a reduced 1000 kernel weight and volume but increased bulk and true density. Hardness varied significantly between all millets in all forms. Different millets differ in properties such as length, breadth, thickness, equivalent diameter, geometric mean diameter, arithmetic mean diameter, aspect ratio, surface area and sphericity in native, dehusked and debranned forms. Understanding these variations can aid in the design of storage, transportation and new millet processing machinery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Tapetum Determinant 1 (TPD1) family proteins are known to play a crucial role in the regulation of reproduction in plants, including Cenchrus americanus (pearl millet). However, members of TPD1 family proteins have not been fully identified. The current study aims to identify and characterize the TPD1 family proteins in Cenchrus americanus (L.) Morrone. Seven transmembrane proteins (from 127 to 172 aa) comprising TPD1 domain were identified via genome-wide mining. Analysis of gene expression during developmental stages revealed high expression of four CaTPD1s in reproductive organs. Treatment with phytohormones showed that the expression of CaTPD1s was repressed by hormone treatments except CaTPD1_Ch4.1 and CaTPD1_Ch4.3 which are highly expressed in response to brassinolide and auxin, respectively. Screening of cis-elements in the promoter of CaTPD1s revealed various cis-elements related to phytohormone regulation, wound response, abiotic stress defense, and light response. The phylogenetic tree revealed distinct clustering of CaTPD1_Ch6 and CaTPD1_Ch5 among the other CaTPD1s, which revealed close relationships with the orthologs from Arabidopsis and rice that are known to have a critical role in tapetum development and pollen and ovule production. Hence, this study affirms the role of the CaTPD1s genes in the growth and reproduction during pearl millet developmental stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The editorial in Frontiers in Plant Science discusses the genetic basis of temperature stress in various crops, such as wheat, rice, cotton, and pepper, to enhance crop resilience and global food security. Research articles explore topics like frost tolerance in wheat, cold tolerance genes in rice, and heat tolerance mechanisms in potato. The studies provide insights into plant responses to temperature stress, offering potential applications in agriculture and biotechnology. [Extracted from the article]

The cover crop Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br. (pearl millet) reduces the emergence of weed species in the field through a mechanism that is not fully known. The identification of the allelopathic activity of pearl millet can contribute to the development of no-tillage techniques to produce crops without or with low doses of herbicides. This issue was investigated by testing the effects of extracts from the aerial parts of pearl millet on the germination and growth of the weeds Bidens pilosa L., Euphorbia heterophylla L., and Ipomoea grandifolia (Dammer) O'Donell under laboratory conditions. The ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) at a concentration of 2000 µg mL−1 was inactive on Bidens pilosa; it inhibited root length (−72%) and seedling fresh weight (−41%) of E. heterophylla, and in I. grandifolia the length of primary root and aerial parts and the fresh and dry weight of seedlings were reduced by 63%, 32%, 25%, and 12%, respectively. In roots of I. grandifolia seedlings, at the initial development stage, EAF induced oxidative stress and increased electrolyte leakage. At the juvenile vegetative stage, a lower concentration of EAF (250 µg mL−1) induced a stimulus in seedling growth (+60% in root length and +23% in aerial parts length) that was associated with increased photosynthetic efficiency. However, at higher concentrations (1000 µg mL−1), it induced the opposite effects, inhibiting the growth of root (−41%) and aerial parts (−25%), with reduced superoxide dismutase activity and photosynthetic efficiency. The stilbenoid pallidol was identified as the main compound in EAF. The allelopathic activity of pearl millet may be attributed, at least in part, to the impairment of energy metabolism and the induction of oxidative stress in weed seedlings, with pallidol possibly involved in this action. Such findings demonstrated that the application of the EAF extract from pearl millet can be a natural and renewable alternative tool for weed control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The increase in vapor pressure deficit (VPD) is among the expected change in futur climate, and understanding its effect on crop growth is of much significance for breeeding programs. Three groups (G1,G2 and G3) of pearl millet germplasm, originating from regions with different rainfall intensities, were grown in the field during period of high and low VPDs. The groups G1,G2 and G3 were respectively from Guinean (rainfall above 1000 mm), Soudanian (rainfall between 600 mm and 900 mm), and Sahelian zones (rainfall between 600 and 300 mm) of Africa. The objective was to assess if there was any growth response difference among the germplasm groups. Method: Four trials were conducted, two in the dry season of 2019 (Ds19) and 2020 (Ds20) with avarage VPDs of 3.62 kPa and 2.92 kPa, respectively, and two in the rainy season of 2019 (Rs19) and 2020 (Rs20) with avaerage VPDs of 1.14 kPa and 0.61 kPa, respectively. Results: In order to avoid possible confounding effects of radiation on millet growth and yield, data were normalized by the quantity of light received during each season. After this normalization, leaf area and grain yield decreased in the highest-VPD seasons whereas tiller number decreased only in Ds19 (one high VPD season). The comparison of the three germplasm groups indicates that G3 the germplasm group from Sahelian regions showed greater tolerance to high VPD than G1 and G2. Discussion: Germplasm from the G3 group could be a good material for developing tolerant germplasm to future climate that is bound to have high VPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Staple foods are core components of our diets. In this paper, I look at the outlook for one of the world's most widely eaten staples—bread—in a country which has one of the highest rates of consumption: Egypt. I examine, first, the wheat from which bread is made, looking at developments in Egyptian wheat farming, including efforts to breed new varieties, introduce water-saving planting techniques, and expand cultivation into the desert, as well as changing patterns of wheat imports. Second, I address shifts in the nature of bread in Egypt, examining alterations in the composition, size, and price of the government subsidized bread. Finally, I probe the question of whether Egyptians might eat less bread in the future. Through this analysis, I show how staples offer an apt lens through which to think about the cultural, ecological, and political dimensions of food and its future geographies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted at Agronomy Instructional Farm, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar, North Gujarat, India during July to October, 2023 aimed to evaluate the effect of intercrops on the incidence of Antigastra catalaunalis (Duponchel) (Crambidae: Lepidoptera) infesting sesame. The trial was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with seven treatments viz., sesame (sole crop), sesame+black gram, sesame+pearl millet, sesame+cowpea, sesame+sorghum, sesame+cluster bean and sesame+marigold. The six treatments of these different intercrops were compared with sole sesame on the incidence of Antigastra catalaunalis larval population, its web infestation, capsule damage and seed yield. The results of the study revealed that sesame+cowpea treatment was found most effective in terms of reducing the larval population (0.73 larvae plant-1), web infes tation (0.42 webs plant-1) and capsule damage (3.42%) due to leaf webber and capsule borer. It was followed by sesame+pearl millet treatment recorded minimum larval population (0.87 larvae plant-1), web infestation (0.52 webs plant-1) and capsule damage (4.00%). These two treatments are found significantly superior and are at par with each other. The highest sesame equivalent yield was obtained from the treatments sesame+marigold (1467 kg ha-1), sesame+pearl millet (892 kg ha-1) and sesame+cowpea (881 kg ha-1), respectively. These intercrops can be utilized for management of leaf webber and capsule borer, A. catalaunalis infesting sesame. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural production and food security are hindered by abiotic stress in plants. Consequently, novel approaches are needed to overcome these problems and achieve sustainability. Crop production has been demonstrated to be improved by nanoparticles under several biotic and abiotic stress conditions. This experiment examined the effect of different concentrations of green synthesized silver nanoparticles AgNPs (15, 25, 35, 45, and 55 ppm) on the growth and physiological responses of pearl millet subjected to NaCl stress levels (50, 75, 100, 125, and 150 mM); (3) Results: In the current research, the NaCl stress levels significantly reduced the growth metrics (shoot length, root length, shoot fresh and dry weight, and root fresh and dry weight) chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and soluble protein, compared to control. Contrary to this, all stress levels induced an increase in osmolytes (soluble sugars and proline) and antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase. It is likely that the diminished growth metrics of NaCl-treated seedlings are due to the increased effort put forth in osmotic adjustment and antioxidant defense mechanisms to counteract reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress. The foliar spray of AgNPs, however, further enhanced osmotic and O2--H2O2 scavenging mechanisms in NaCl stressed seedlings to reduce the oxidative stress damages, resulting in improved growth. Overall, AgNPs application improved the growth metric, chlorophyll pigments, osmolytes, and antioxidant mechanism of salt-stressed seedlings in a dose-additive manner. However, further testing of AgNPs is required with pearl millet and other cereals in the field to validate these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pennisetum glaucum (PG) is commonly known as "pearl millet". The large amount of lignocelluloses biomass leftover from its harvest was used to make a green adsorbent that can substitute for other, more expensive adsorbents for water treatment. In this report, a novel citric acid (CA)—grafted PG based adsorbent was developed and employed for the efficient adsorption of three cationic dyes Crystal Violet (CV), Fuchsin Basic (FB), and Methylene Blue (MB) from their single and multicomponent systems. The effects of adsorption factors like pH, adsorbent dosage, contact time, and initial concentration of dye solution were studied, and the outcomes indicate that the current adsorbent is very efficient for the removal of cationic dye at neutral pH. Regression analysis revealed that the experimental data was well-suited to the second-order polynomial model with a coefficient of correlation (R2) value of 0.98 and a high Fisher F-value. The signal-to-noise ratio values i.e., 28.90 (CV), 32.75 (FB), and 34.79 (MB) indicate an adequate signal. The p-values for the lack of fit (0.4011 for CV, 0.4631 for FB, and 0.5728 for MB) confirmed the validity of the used models. Pseudo—2nd order and Langmuir isotherm models were the most compatible with the experimental results, giving chemisorptions and monolayer type adsorption with good values of maximum monolayer adsorption efficiency of 279.33, 135.68, and 133.57 mg/g for CV, FB, and MB dyes, respectively. The thermodynamic studies indicate that the negative values of ΔH (kJ/mol)—16.19 (CV),—23.15 (FB) and—13.87 (MB) show the exothermic adsorption process and the negative value of ΔS (J/molK)—20.89,—48.55,—31.22 for CV, FB and MB dyes indicated that the degree of randomness at the adsorbate-adsorbent interface decreased during adsorption. The cooperative and competitive effects of dyes in multicomponent solutions were studied using the modified Langmuir adsorption isotherm model. The outcome of this study indicates the competitive effect of counter adsorbates on the target dye, and this dye adsorption behavior was deeply explored by adsorption mechanisms. The adsorbent could be regenerated using acetone and hot water solution for up to five adsorption–desorption cycles. The synthesized CA—PG adsorbent has advantages such as ease of synthesis, cost-effectiveness, and being environmentally benign. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, betalain-enriched microparticles were produced from black sorghum, pearl millet landraces and domesticated quinoa starch. Response surface methodology was used to assess the encapsulation via nonsolvent precipitation method. The effects of starch type, ultrasound treatment (40 kHz, 120 W, 30 min) and starch concentration (5 and 1% (w/v)) on microparticles formation through a combined nonsolvent precipitation-ultrasound-assisted method, including thermal stability, betalain retention and antioxidant activity were evaluated. X-ray diffraction patterns revealed a V-type crystalline structure for microparticles and an A-type structure for starches. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that sorghum and millet starch granules were mostly rounded with polygonal geometry, whereas quinoa starch granules exhibited irregular forms and polygonal shapes. The formulated microparticles displayed an irregular morphology, were almost spherical with concavities and had no cracks on their external surfaces. The thermogravimetric analysis results revealed significant differences according to ultrasound treatment and the sonicated sample exhibited the lowest mass loss. Fourier-transform infrared spectra of loaded microparticles revealed new bands at 1364 cm−1 and 850 cm−1 corresponding to the carboxylic function of the betalains. The concentrations of betaxanthins and betacyanins recovered from microparticles ranged from 1.54 to 6.19 mg/L and 2.45 to 12.94 mg/L, respectively, and the antioxidant activities ranged from 36.58 to 73.49%. Quinoa starch-based microparticles exhibited highest betalain concentrations and antioxidant activity than pearl millet and sorghum. These findings suggest that the prepared microparticles are promising ingredients for healthy food and drug applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Pearl millet is characterized by its high dry matter (DM) yields with a high moisture content, which makes it difficult to process as silage. Methods Pearl millet was sown in mid‐September for 3 years to examine its growth, DM yields in early December, and decrease in DM percentage after frost exposure. The crop was processed as round‐bale silage to assess silage quality and preference by breeding beef cattle. Results Plants reached a height of 160–200 cm, with heading tiller percentages of 50%–70% in early December. With frost exposure, DM percentage increased in leaves and panicles, followed by stems, reaching over 40%, 1 month after exposure. These increases were positively correlated with cumulative frost exposure. After frost exposure, in vitro DM digestibility and crude protein content declined while acid detergent fiber content increased. Repeated cafeteria feeding experiments showed a reduced preference for either pearl millet silage or Italian ryegrass hay. The silage showed moderate acidity at pH 4.73–5.40, with lactic acid at 0.58%–1.62% DM, acetic acid at 0.03%–0.10% DM, and negligible butyric acid, indicating a satisfactory quality. Conclusions In Southern Kyushu, pearl millet sown in late summer can be processed into low‐moisture round‐bale silage in January, the year following sowing.

Abstract Background Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) is a vital cereal crop, predominantly cultivated in arid and semi-arid regions of Asia and Africa. It serves as a staple food for millions, while also being utilized as forage and an energy crop. The crop’s resistance to heat and drought, coupled with its high biomass, positions it as a promising candidate for climate-resilient agriculture. A detailed understanding of its gene expression patterns across various tissues and developmental stages is essential for enhancing its yield and quality. This study aims to fill this knowledge gap by employing RNA-seq to identify housekeeping genes (HKGs) and tissue-specific genes (TSGs) in pearl millet. Results Our analysis of RNA-seq data from nine tissues (seed, germ, radicle, leaf, root, tillering tissue, stem, spike, and grain) across eight developmental stages in pearl millet accession Tifleaf3 revealed a comprehensive gene expression profile. We identified 461 HKGs that exhibited stable expression across all tissues and stages, providing robust internal references for RT-qPCR. Additionally, 8091 TSGs were discovered, many of which showed distinctive expression patterns in tissues such as spike, stem, and leaf. Functional enrichment analysis of these genes using GO and KEGG pathways highlighted their roles in key biological processes and pathways, indicating their potential in crop trait enhancement. Protein-protein interaction networks constructed for stem and leaf tissues further illuminated the regulatory mechanisms underlying the transition from vegetative to reproductive growth stages. Conclusion This study presents a detailed transcriptomic landscape of pearl millet, identifying a set of HKGs and TSGs that are crucial for understanding the molecular basis of its growth and development. We provided valuable options for transcript normalization and crucial targets for exploring gene function for the plant growth and development in pearl millet. The insights gained from this work are instrumental for breeding programs aimed at enhancing the productivity of pearl millet, thereby contributing to food and energy security.

Abstract This research explores the development and evaluation of breakfast cereals formulated from pearl millet (P-1) and finger millet (F-1) flours, with a focus on their nutritional composition and potential anti-obesity properties. The techno-functional properties were assessed, revealing that P-1 exhibited a bulk density of 0.40 ± 0.01 g/ml and a true density of 0.61 ± 0.03 g/ml, while F-1 showed a bulk density of 0.54 ± 0.03 g/ml and a true density of 0.65 ± 0.02 g/ml. The Carr index and Hausner ratio were significantly higher in P-1 (40.33 ± 0.41 and 1.68 ± 0.03, respectively) compared to F-1 (22.3 ± 0.3 and 1.31 ± 0.02, respectively). Both flours demonstrated comparable water absorption indices, but P-1 had superior foaming capacity and stability. Nutritional analysis indicated that P-1 contained 12.64% moisture, 6.02% fat, 10.29% protein, 63.94% carbohydrates, 2.38% ash, and 2.75% fibre, whereas F-1 had 8.92% moisture, 1.78% fat, 8.65% protein, 73.65% carbohydrates, 1.77% ash, and 4.04% fibre. Composite flours (PF-1, PF-2, PF-3) exhibited varying compositions: PF-1 had 9.86% moisture, 5.83% fat, 11.62% protein, 66.04% carbohydrates, 2.19% ash, and 3.03% fibre; PF-2 had 10.79% moisture, 3.87% fat, 10.01% protein, 68.97% carbohydrates, 2.05% ash, and 3.37% fibre; PF-3 had 9.87% moisture, 2.84% fat, 9.33% protein, 71.12% carbohydrates, 1.92% ash, and 3.74% Fiber. Antioxidant activity was higher in F-1 (80.63%) compared to P-1 (59.58%), with PF-1, PF-2, and PF-3 showing 64.84%, 70.14%, and 75.4%, respectively. Lipase and amylase inhibition capacities were 73.15% and 28.66% for P-1, 28.31% and 30.65% for F-1, and varied for composites: PF-1 (79.12% lipase, 46.41% amylase), PF-2 (50.75% lipase, 53.15% amylase), and PF-3 (39.51% lipase, 41.84% amylase). These findings underscore the distinct nutritional and functional properties of these flours, highlighting their potential in obesity management.

Drought-induced stress presents a substantial threat as it disrupts the normal growth of cereal crops and leads to decreased yields. The persistent occurrence of drought conditions significantly impacts the growth and development of pearl millet. This study aimed to explore how calcium chloride (CaCl2) regulates the growth of pearl millet when it faces a lack of water. Over two years, field experiments were conducted at the College of Agriculture, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Bahadur Sub-Campus Layyah. During the study, we exposed pearl millet to various foliar applications of CaCl2 (0 mg/L, 25 mg/L, 50 mg/L, and 75 mg/L) while subjecting it to two different irrigation conditions: full irrigation and drought stress during the booting stage. Results revealed that a significant reduction in the growth (plant height; PH, stem diameter; SD, fresh leaf weight; FLW, stem fresh weight; SFW, stem dry weight; SDW, root fresh weight; RFW, root dry weight; RDW, and plant dry weight; PDW), yield (panicle length; PL, grain per panicle; GPP, grain weight; GW, thousand grain weight; TGW, grain yield; GY, biological yield; BY, and harvest index; HI), and physiological attributes (membrane stability index; MSI, and soil plant analysis development; SPAD) were found under water drought stress condition, while increment in antioxidant level was observed due to low moisture contents in soil. In both years, foliar applied CaCl2 enhanced all the physiological, growth and yield traits as well as some of the antioxidants like superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX). Study concluded that a concentration of 50 mg/L of CaCl2 is optimal for enhancing all examined attributes of pearl millet under both drought and full irrigation conditions. The results strongly advocate for the use of CaCl2 as the most effective treatment for the cultivation of pearl millet in arid and semi-arid regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural productivity in semi-arid regions is constrained by soil and groundwater salinity. This study quantified the desalinization potential of cut-soiler-constructed preferential shallow sub-surface drainage (PSSD) and its impact on crop performance in saline agroecologies. The study was conducted at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Karnal, India, from 2019-2021. The rice residue-filled PSSD was simulated manually (60 cm depth) in a split-split plot experiment with saline and normal soil under saline water irrigation (4, 8, and 12 dS m-1). Cut-soiler PSSD were constructed in the middle of the lysimeter using rice residue (equivalent to 6 Mg ha-1) as the filling material with an outlet to quantify salt and water outflow. Pearl millet [ Pennisetum glaucum L. (R. Br)], variety HHB-197, and mustard (Brassica juncea L.), variety CS-58, were grown in the rainy (Kharif) and winter (Rabi) seasons, respectively. The soil salinity profile decreased by 23.3%-58.5% with cut-soiler PSSD in different soils. The decrease in salinity was associated with increased plant height, dry matter accumulation (DMA), net assimilation rate (NAR), crop growth rate (CGR), relative growth rate (RGR), leaf area (LA), and leaf area Index (LAI) in both crops. The pearl millet and mustard yield increases in the two soil types were 11.6%-43.3% and 26%-36%, respectively using saline water up to 12 dS m-1. This study concludes that cut-soiler PSSD can effectively mitigate salinity stress and utilize saline water at the farm scale in salt-affected semi-arid agro-eco-regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT This study investigates the nutritional and anti‐nutrient profiles of extrudates produced from seven formulations of pearl millet and Bambara groundnut flour in seven different ratios: 20:80, 30:70, 40:60, 50:50, 60:40, 70:30, and 80:20, with 100% pearl millet and 100% Bambara groundnut extrudates used as controls. The extrudates were processed using a twin screw extruder and analyzed for their nutritional and anti‐nutritional properties. The findings revealed a rising pattern in the content of fiber, moisture, protein, ash and fat as the substitution of Bambara groundnut increased in the extrudate. Conversely, the level of carbohydrates decreased with increased inclusion of Bambara groundnut. Our results also indicated a significant difference in the mineral composition of the pearl Millet‐Bambara groundnut extrudates, except for manganese. The values for calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, copper, manganese, and potassium ranged from 38.43–67.97, 3.60–5.10, 39.64–64.65, 290.84–413.15, 10.60–21.76, 0.10–0.24, ND—0.08, and 21.51–70.45 mg/100 g, respectively. Notably, the calcium, sodium, and potassium levels in the snacks rose with higher proportions of Bambara groundnut in the extrudates. Conversely, the concentrations of iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and copper in the samples decreased as the percentage of Bambara groundnut in the formulation increased. However, the mineral levels recorded did not exceed the recommended daily intake, assuring no negative health effects upon consumption. Furthermore, the anti‐nutrient content, including trypsin inhibitor, phytate, and tannin, increased with the addition of Bambara groundnut flour, while the phenolic content decreased with increasing Bambara groundnut substitution. Overall, this study provides valuable insights for the development of nutritious snacks using locally available grains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural soil environments contain different types of nematodes in all trophic levels that aid in balancing the soil food web. Beneficial free-living nematodes (FLNs) consist of bacterivores, fungivores, predators, and omnivores that help in the mineralization of the soil and the top-down control of harmful plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs). Annually, USD 125 billion in worldwide crop losses are caused by PPNs, making them a plant pathogen of great concern for growers. Farmers have started to implement the use of cover crops in agricultural systems for the protection and enrichment of soil but research on how different cover crops affect nematode populations is lacking and in demand. This study aims to determine the effects of legume and grass cover crops, Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum), as well as their mixture on the abundance and diversity of FLN and PPN populations. Soil samples were collected at the time of cover crop maturity and spinach harvest to analyze nematode communities using both morphological and DNA metabarcoding analysis. The results showed that the application of Cowpea and Pearl Millet as well as their mixture in a spinach agricultural system led to the control of PPNs and proliferation of FLN communities, with each cover crop treatment demonstrating different advantages for the various nematode feeding groups. Soil property analysis did not show a significant difference except for magnesium and total nitrogen levels, which were significantly correlated with nematode community composition. The overall findings of our study indicate that the choice of cover crop implementation by growers for spinach cultivation should be based on specific soil health conditions, which in turn promote soil fertility and a healthy nematode community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) is a vital cereal crop, predominantly cultivated in arid and semi-arid regions of Asia and Africa. It serves as a staple food for millions, while also being utilized as forage and an energy crop. The crop's resistance to heat and drought, coupled with its high biomass, positions it as a promising candidate for climate-resilient agriculture. A detailed understanding of its gene expression patterns across various tissues and developmental stages is essential for enhancing its yield and quality. This study aims to fill this knowledge gap by employing RNA-seq to identify housekeeping genes (HKGs) and tissue-specific genes (TSGs) in pearl millet. Results: Our analysis of RNA-seq data from nine tissues (seed, germ, radicle, leaf, root, tillering tissue, stem, spike, and grain) across eight developmental stages in pearl millet accession Tifleaf3 revealed a comprehensive gene expression profile. We identified 461 HKGs that exhibited stable expression across all tissues and stages, providing robust internal references for RT-qPCR. Additionally, 8091 TSGs were discovered, many of which showed distinctive expression patterns in tissues such as spike, stem, and leaf. Functional enrichment analysis of these genes using GO and KEGG pathways highlighted their roles in key biological processes and pathways, indicating their potential in crop trait enhancement. Protein-protein interaction networks constructed for stem and leaf tissues further illuminated the regulatory mechanisms underlying the transition from vegetative to reproductive growth stages. Conclusion: This study presents a detailed transcriptomic landscape of pearl millet, identifying a set of HKGs and TSGs that are crucial for understanding the molecular basis of its growth and development. We provided valuable options for transcript normalization and crucial targets for exploring gene function for the plant growth and development in pearl millet. The insights gained from this work are instrumental for breeding programs aimed at enhancing the productivity of pearl millet, thereby contributing to food and energy security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In tropical regions, maintaining crop residues in the soil is challenging. Silicon (Si) may increase the persistence of these residues in the soil, as it is a precursor to lignin, providing a gradual release of nutrients for subsequent crops. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of different doses of calcium silicate (Ca2SiO4) (0, 1, 2, and 3 Mg ha⁻1) and limestone (0, 1, 2, and 3 Mg ha⁻1) on the lignin content, residue decomposition, and nutrient release of four cover crops—Pennisetum glaucum, Urochloa ruziziensis, Crotalaria spectabilis, and Cajanus cajan—at various decomposition stages following cover crop management (0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 days). The experiment was conducted in the field at the experimental area of the Faculty of Engineering at Ilha Solteira-UNESP, located in the municipality of Selvíria, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, on Ferralsol. The decomposition rate of the residues was assessed using the decomposition bag method, which was installed after cover crop management. The concentrations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), Si, lignin, and cellulose were determined. Silicate application did not affect the accumulation of nutrients by cover crops and their release into the soil. There was no relationship between the remaining Si in the dry matter of plants and more persistent residues. The most persistent plants had higher final dry matter lignin content. Using pearl millet and pigeon peas resulted in more persistent residues in the soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of the present study was to thoroughly examine the nutritional makeup, antioxidant activity, and various phytochemical contents of several millet flours, including ragi, bajra, kodo, kangni, and jowar. These millet types are increasingly being recognized as potential sources of functional and nutraceutical ingredients. The research started with the collection of selected millet grains, which were washed, soaked overnight, dried in the sun, and then ground into flour. The nutritional makeup of these millet flours was analyzed using standard AOAC methods. The antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity at five different concentrations, and the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) was determined using linear regression. The study outcomes showed considerable variations in the nutritional and phytochemical properties of various millet flours. Specifically, kangni millet flour exhibited the highest protein content at 13.56±0.05 grams per 100 grams, while ragi millet flour was found to be the top source of calcium, amounting to 576.19±0.032 milligrams per 100 grams. Furthermore, ragi (38.20±0.85 milligrams per 100 grams) and bajra (15.34±0.47 milligrams per 100 grams) millet flours displayed significantly higher iron content compared to the other millets that were examined. In terms of its antioxidant properties, jowar millet flour demonstrated the greatest ability to scavenge DPPH radicals, followed by ragi, bajra, kodo and kangni. The total phenolic content (TPC), which is a measure of the antioxidant potential, was highest in jowar millet flour (19.70±0.60 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/100g), while kodo millet flour had the highest total flavonoid content (29±0.54 mg quercetin equivalents (QE)/100g). According to the study, millet flours are excellent sources of essential nutrients and possess abundant antioxidant properties with good radical scavenging activity. The researchers recommended using these millet flours in the development of functional foods, which can contribute to a healthier lifestyle and potentially help prevent or treat various degenerative diseases. [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]

This study investigates the nutritional benefits of including millets in children's meals. Millets, a class of small-seeded grains, has drawn interest due to their abundant nutrient content, rich in essential vitamins, minerals and dietary fibers. The major types of millets are, finger millet, pearl millet, Foxtail millet, Porso or white millet. They have become nutritional powerhouses due to their high quantities of phytochemicals and micronutrients which strengthens the body's immune system. Millets provide high energy and nourishment required in the early stages of child development over other cereals. The major concern of low bioavailability of minerals like iron, calcium and zinc in common cereal-based foods such as rice and wheat, can be fulfilled by millets. The body of research summarizes on how eating millet affects young children's growth, cognitive development and general health. Through a systematic examination of studies undertaken in varied settings, this review elaborates the contribution of millets in treating nutritional inadequacies and supporting optimal well-being in this vital stage of early childhood. The review aims to provide practical insights for mothers and caregivers, to enhance the nutritional quality of diets for children. The results highlight millet's potential as a beneficial dietary element and information for improvising young children's nutritional environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, composite biscuits were produced by combining wheat flour (WF) with different proportions of malted pearl millet (MPM) flour (8%, 16%, 24%, and 32%) and orange peel (OP) flour (2%, 4%, 6%, and 8%), using 100% WF as a control. The investigation covered the functional properties, viscosity, and thermal properties of the flours, along with the proximate composition, antioxidant, physical properties, color attributes, and microbial quality of the composite biscuits. As MPM and OP flour (OPF) contents increased, water absorption capacity, dispersibility, and foaming power increased, while the viscosities of both hot and cold pastes decreased. The thermal properties of the composite flours, including onset, peak, and final temperatures (ranging between 74.19°C and 100.76°C), showed an upward trend with increasing proportions of MPM and orange peel flour (OPF). There was an increase in moisture content (3.43%–4.93%), ash (4.50%–5.59%), crude protein (11.70%–13.41%), and crude fiber (11.44%–16.24%) of biscuits with the incorporation of MPM and OPF. Similarly, the diameter (4.12–4.60 mm), thickness (9.00–10.00 mm), and hardness (7.53–8.75 N) of the biscuits were increased. Antioxidant properties were evident, with an increased total phenolic content (1.40–3.56 mg GAE/100 g), total flavonoid content (2.91–6.79 mg QUE/100 g), vitamin C (0.79–1.01 mg/g), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (1.78–8.64 mg GAE/g). Conversely, color attributes—L* (31.90), a* (10.82), b* (19.59), hue angle (30.42), and chroma (53.66)—were found to decrease with higher levels of MPM and OPF. Microbial quality showed decreased total counts, coliforms, yeasts, and mold in biscuits containing MPM and OPF. Overall, the inclusion of MPM and OPF enhanced the nutritional quality of the biscuits and could reduce reliance on imported wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lesion nematode Pratylenchus brachyurus is a major pest of soybean in Brazil, managed by treating seed with nematicides and replacing corn for pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) and rattlepods (Crotalaria spp.) as a second crop. However, these cover crops are not profitable, leading growers to consider alternatives as cowpea, sunflower, and sorghum. In fact, although cowpea and sorghum are susceptible to P. brachyurus, cowpea is widely cultivated in the Brazilian Cerrado, where P. brachyurus is prevalent, and the forage sorghum 'BRS Ponta Negra' has been recommended for P. brachyurus management, based on field observations. Considering the increasing importance of cowpea in the Brazilian Cerrado, three pot trials were carried out to evaluate the host status of modern cowpea cultivars for P. brachyurus. Additionally, two pot trials were carried out to evaluate the effect of cowpea, sunflower, forage sorghum 'BRS Ponta Negra', pearl millet and showy rattlepod on soybean production in soil with P. brachyurus, taking account the scarcity of studies that prove the benefits of replacing corn for resistant crops on soybean grain production. The five cowpea cultivars tested were highly suitable hosts for P. brachyurus, supporting previous findings. Therefore, cowpea should be avoided in infested growing areas, especially as a second crop after soybean. Among the cover crops, only showy rattlepod consistently decreased P. brachyurus population density and increased soybean grain production, proving to be more effective than pearl millet in managing P. brachyurus. [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]

The crop productivity in rainfed regions is driven by the quantum and distribution of rainfall during the crop growth period. The dry spell index (DSI) was used in the present investigation to quantify the cumulative impact of dry spells on major rainfed crops of the kharif season (June–September) in India's semi‐arid regions of Andhra Pradesh. The effect of DSI on the yield of major rainfed crops, i.e., groundnut, pigeon pea, cotton, maize and pearl millet was estimated and compared with the widely used standard precipitation index (SPI). Our results revealed that among the various districts, a higher DSI (> 16.1) was noticed in Anantapur that experienced a DSI of 8.1–16.0 in 77% of the years during the study period (1998–2019), which indicated that the crop suffered stress conditions during the season affecting the crop yields. Moreover, a significant negative correlation was observed between the yields of various crops (groundnut, pigeon pea, maize and pearl millet) and DSI. On the other hand, SPI analysis showed that 74%–83% of the years experienced normal (−0.99 to 0.99) to moderately dry (−1.00 to −1.49) conditions, indicating normal rainfall status during the season. At the same time, no significant correlation was found between the SPI and crop yields. Therefore, the present study revealed that the DSI performed better in quantifying the dry spells and their impact on crop yields, especially under rainfed conditions in the semi‐arid regions of south‐east India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by synovial infiltration and pannus formation, and its rising incidence is significantly contributing to the global disability rate. Despite advances in biological drugs, no treatment has successfully cured or averted its progression. Consequently, natural drugs are being explored as alternative therapeutic strategies. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic potential of Pennisetum glaucum (pearl millet) and to identify its bioactive compounds to assess their effectiveness against RA targets. Methods: The therapeutic potential of P. glaucum extracts was evaluated by antioxidant and anti-inflammatory assays. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was utilized to identify the compounds in P. glaucum extract. The pharmacokinetics and safety profile of these compounds were studied by absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) analysis. Network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamic (MD) simulation were employed to identify the active compounds and their therapeutic targets in P. glaucum for RA treatment. Results: Acidified methanol (AM) extract of P. glaucum showed the highest phenolic (213 ± 0.008 mg GAE/g DW) and flavonoid content (138.1 ± 0.03 mg RE/g DW), demonstrating significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. GC-MS of AM extract identified 223 compounds. Lipinski and toxicity parameters screened out 17 compounds. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) analysis shortlisted 20 key targets in RA pathways, nine of which were upregulated in five microarray datasets. Molecular docking and MD simulations revealed that compound-7 (benzenesulfonamide, 2-nitro-N-phenyl-) and compound-9 (Pregnane-3,20-diamine, (3.beta.,5.alpha.,20S)-) bind strongly with MMP9, JAK2, PTGS2, and HIF1a compared to the reference, predicting stable interaction with these upregulated genes. Finally, PASS (prediction of activity spectra for biological active substances) analysis further validated the anti-arthritic potential of these compounds based on their chemical structure. Conclusion: This study uncovered a therapeutic drug candidate against HIF1a, MMP9, JAK2, and PTGS2 for RA from P. glaucum active compounds, laying the groundwork for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench) is the fifth most important cereal grown mostly in arid and semi-arid regions. Climate models predict that there is a risk of drought stress in those regions. Quantifying the physiological traits for developing the tolerant lines is efficient but time-consuming process. Therefore, it is necessary to find a rapid tool to identify the drought tolerant germplasm. With this background, the objectives were framed to assess the genetic variability for chlorophyll index and group the diverse set of sorghum genotypes for drought tolerance/susceptibility. Results proved chlorophyll index as an early phenotypic trait to screen the plants for drought tolerance. Drought stress was imposed at booting stage for the period of three weeks in rain out shelter with 29 sorghum genotypes and 4 checks obtained from Indian Institute of Millet Research, Hyderabad, and Agricultural Research Station, Kovilpatti, Tamil Nadu, India. The genotypes such as PEC 17 and PEC 34 were identified as tolerant and EN 55 and EP 87 as susceptible, based on chlorophyll index recorded one week after stress using Z score index. PEC 17 recorded higher chlorophyll index (15.89), photosynthetic rate (37.77 µmol/m2/sec), stomatal conductance (0.43 mol/m2/sec) and grain yield (50.75 g/plant). The percentage increase in epicuticular wax content was higher in PEC 17 (18.5%) contributing to drought tolerance. Thus, the study concluded that crops with higher chlorophyll index under drought can withstand drought at reproductive phenophase and yield better under stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering millets as climate-resilient crops and recognizing the greater need for nutritional security, cultivation and consumption of millets are being encouraged globally. Studies were conducted to understand the vulnerability of stored millets to different grain insects such as lesser grain borer Rhyzopertha dominica (Fab.), red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), and Angoumois grain moth Sitotroga cerealella (Oliv.) under free-choice as well as no-choice conditions at Post Harvest Technology Centre, Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh, India. Red flour beetles could multiply in significantly higher numbers in pearl millet flour in both free-choice and no-choice conditions (413.33 and 340.67 adults, respectively) followed by foxtail millet (276.0 adults) and sorghum (299.33 adults), respectively. Pearl millet was the most preferred by lesser grain borer with as many as 133.67 insects moving into the grain followed by sorghum (95.33 adults) under free-choice conditions. A mean total of 316.67 grain moths emerged from proso millet under free-choice conditions. On the other hand, finger millet and little millet were not preferred and resulted in emergence of very few moths (0.33 and 3.67 moths, respectively). Little millet and finger millet grains were less susceptible to both coleopteran and lepidopteran insects. Millet grains were analyzed for the physical parameters such as grain moisture, 1000-grain weight, grain volume, hardness, porosity, and the biochemical constituents such as protein, carbohydrates, total phenols, and tannins to understand their influence on insect preferences. Though significant correlations could not be drawn between the progeny development of insects and the physicochemical characteristics of grains, little millet and foxtail millet were found to be less preferred particularly by the internal feeders due to their smaller grain size. Pearl millet possessed higher amounts of sugars and proteins compared to other millets which might have contributed to insect preference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigating the ability of non-hyperaccumulator plants to grow in soils polluted by cadmium (Cd) and their potential for phytostabilization or phytoextraction is essential for assessing their use in phytomanagement efficiency. Therefore, we evaluated the tolerance of high-biomass grasses to Cd by measuring biomass production and element accumulation and valued them for their suitability for phytoextraction or phytostabilization purposes on moderately Cd-polluted land (total Cd concentration of 7.5 mg kg−1) by determining Cd accumulation in the plants and calculating the bioconcentration (Cd BCF) and translocation factors (Cd TF). Among the ten species under investigation, Panicum maximum cv. Massai and Pennisetum glaucum cv. Purpureum Schum showed lower root biomass due to Cd exposure. Cadmium exposure altered element accumulation in some grass species by reducing P, K, and Mg accumulation in P. glaucum cv. Purpureum Schum; K accumulation in P. maximum cv. Massai; Mg accumulation in P. maximum cv. Mombaça; Ca, Fe, and Zn accumulation in P. maximum cv. Aruana; and B accumulation in Brachiaria brizantha cv. Piatã. However, this was not correlated with lowered biomass production, except for K, which was associated with lowered root biomass allocation in P. maximum cv. Massai and P. glaucum cv. Purpureum Schum. Cadmium concentrations decreased from roots to shoots, indicating a clear limitation of upward Cd transport. Although some grasses exhibited a Cd BCF > 1, the Cd TF remained below 0.4 for all tested species. These results indicate that, under moderate Cd pollution, the evaluated grasses are more suitable for Cd phytostabilization than phytoextraction, except for P. maximum cv. Massai and P. glaucum cv. Purpureum Schum, which showed inhibited root growth and may not be efficient over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand for gluten-free food products is expected to grow in the coming years. Quinoa's versatility allows it to replace traditional grains and adds high nutritional value to grain blends and processed food items. The present study was designed to prepare and evaluate gluten-free cookies by substituting rice with quinoa and keeping pearl and foxtail millet constant. A significant increase in protein (8.0–13.2 g/100 g), crude fibre (2.9–6.2%), ash (0.5–1.7%), and hardness (928.9–1736.9 g) was observed with increasing quinoa supplementation. A positive correlation of crude fibre with protein, hardness, and fracturability was observed at P ≤ 5%. Organoleptic evaluation indicated that cookies with 30% quinoa were overall accepted by the consumer. Also, these cookies had lower acid and peroxide values, thus, had longer shelf-lives. This is the first report for the use of quinoa with the mixture of rice and millet, which could be a decent alternative ingredient for gluten-free cookies formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Millets are cereal crops classified as minor grains in the Poaceae family. Millets have been an essential component of human diet for centuries. Beyond their nutritional advantages, they are drought resistant and can thrive in diverse climatic conditions. Millets are widely recognized as functional food due to their exceptional richness in nutritional components, bioactive compounds, antioxidant, antidiabetic and anticancer activity. This review exhibits the nutritional, functional and bioactive components of various millet-based finger millet (FM), pearl millet (PM) and sorghum products. However, a diverse range of millet-based products have been developed, including baked goods, beverages, flaked, puffed, extruded, and traditional Indian food items. Nutritional profiling of all these products revealed that millets products are rich in protein, fiber, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, phenolic compounds, etc. These attributes exhibit that millet promotes health and reduces risk of several diseases. It shows all the consequential properties to drive demand and acceptance of various millet-derived products. The future prospects of millet-based products involve in increasing awareness of their health benefits and promoting their incorporation for developing functional food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Millet is one of the oldest cereal grains, used for several centuries in Asia and Africa. Its ease of growth in adverse environmental conditions and with minimum agricultural inputs made it a popular choice before the advent of the green revolution. However, the green revolution's recent focus on nutritional insecurity has led to a renewed interest in calorierich cereal grains like millet. Millet is not only a nutritious grain providing macronutrients and micronutrients, but it also contains health-promoting components such as phenolic compounds, dietary fiber, and resistant starch, benefiting patients with type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular ailments, and celiac disease. In recent years, the approach of biofortification has further guaranteed nutritional enhancement in food crops, including millets, by increasing the concentration of nutrients or reducing the level of anti-nutrients to improve bioavailability. Added to its short life cycle are other advantages, such as drought resistance, durability, insect resistance, and pest resistance. The cultivation of millet offers several environmental benefits, including efficient utilization of water reserves, reduced emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs), CO2 reduction from the atmosphere, and maintenance of soil health and fertility. The Himalayan range in northern India, spanning from west to east across the states of Jammu & Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh, is known for its traditional millet-based foods, utilizing pearl millet, foxtail millet, finger millet, sorghum, etc., for their food and beverage requirements. In fact, the influence of the Green Revolution in these areas has been minimal due to environmental restrictions on large-scale production of wheat and rice. These Himalayan communities continue to widely use the millet crop, well-adapted to these cold, semi-arid regions, as food, fodder, and beverage for their domestic, cultural, and religious practices. We present a comprehensive understanding of the effectiveness of millet as a nutritious resource in the rural communities of the Himalayan ranges in this review. This paper details the different types of millet-based foods and beverages and the traditional practices used for their production in these rural areas. Promotion of the cultivation and consumption of millet grains can help achieve sustainable development of these rural areas, eliminating hidden hunger, malnutrition, and poverty, and thus attaining Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as established by the United Nations (UN). These high-altitude millet populations are part of natural biodiversity which have been subjected to environmental interaction over hundreds of years, and thus, hold potential for revealing new germplasm if explored. Overall, the rural communities of the Himalayan regions hold a traditional treasure in their millet-based foods, which also alleviates the present-day problem of nutritional insecurity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable development goals (SDGs) like zero hunger, no poverty, good health and well-being, reduced inequalities, climate action, and responsible consumption and production also figure in the agenda of G20 which is about poverty alleviation and food security through combatting global hunger and malnutrition, and cooperation in research on climate-resilient and nutritious crops such as millets. During the International Year of millets (2023), India, which had declared 2018 as the 'National Year of Millets', has taken many initiatives to promote millets, as a part of the G20 presidency. In the context of climate change, millets have gained substantial attention for their unique adaptability in harsh conditions like semi-arid lands and drought-prone environments. Millets, also called nutri-cereals in India, mainly comprise pearl millet (bajra), sorghum (jowar) and finger millet (ragi), and contribute about 5% to India's cereals production. India is the largest producer of millets globally, accounting for 41% of global and 80% of Asian production. Millets have been a part of daily diets in many regions of India prior to the Green Revolution, but many farmers lost interest in millet crop following the Green Revolution, possibly due to higher yield and profitability of rice. However, the literature examining the value chains and social cost–benefit analysis of millets vis-à-vis conventional crops is scanty. This paper examines the value chain economics of the three major millets (pearl millet, sorghum and finger millet) which account for 85% of the total production of millets in India from a social cost–benefit analysis (SCBA) perspective and examines if millets can be recommended as a nutritional supplement to rice. It examines the major millets on macro- and micronutrient aspects of nutrition. The paper argues for policy support for expand millet production, strengthen its value chain, create public awareness about the health benefits of millets and to undertake activities to promote millets as nutritional supplement to rice in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Pearl millet leaf blast disease, caused by the fungus Pyricularia grisea, represents a significant and recurring foliar threat to Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) growing areas, especially in Indian climatic conditions. To manage this disease, six aqueous extracts from different plants, Allium sativum, Alstonia scholaris, Azadirachta indica, Calotropis procera, Tinospora cordifolia, and Zingiber officinale were evaluated under laboratory conditions. All the extracts, at varying concentrations, significantly inhibited the mycelial growth of the pathogen compared to the control. The neem leaf extract was most effective in inhibiting the mycelial growth of P. grisea, and mycelial inhibition of 35.50, 53.30, and 61.10% was recorded at the three concentrations used. The ginger extract was the secondbest treatment. Under field conditions, the two sprays of neem leaf extract (10%) were applied. The first spray was used after disease initiation and repeated after 15-day intervals of the first spray. The lowest disease severity was 31.18%, with a maximum reduction in disease to 52.34% compared to the control (65.42%). Ginger rhizome extract showed promising results, with 36.83% disease incidence and 43.70% disease control. However, Alstonia extract was the least active, with disease control of 22.10% only. These findings suggest that neem and ginger extracts could be eco-friendly biocontrol agents for controlling pearl millet blast disease in integrated disease management of the crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractMillets, often overlooked as food crops, have regained potential as promising stable food sources of bioactive compounds to regulate blood sugar levels in the diabetic populace. This comprehensive review delves into various millet varieties, processing methods, and extraction techniques aimed at isolating bioactive compounds. The review elucidates the inhibitory effects of millet-derived bioactive compounds on key enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism, such as α-amylase and α-glucosidase. It further explores the relationship between the antibacterial activity of phenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins in millets and their role in amylase inhibition. In particular, phenols, flavonoids, and proteins found in millets play pivotal roles in inhibiting enzymes responsible for glucose digestion and absorption. However, processing methods can either enhance or reduce the bioactive compounds, thereby influencing enzyme inhibition capacity. Studies underscore the presence of phenolic compounds with notable inhibitory activity in: foxtail, finger, barnyard, and pearl millet varieties. Furthermore, extraction techniques, such as Soxhlet and ultrasonic-assisted extraction, emerge as efficient methods for isolating bioactive compounds, thus enhancing their therapeutic efficacy. This review highlights the challenges in preserving the inhibitory activity of millets during processing and optimizing processing methods to ensure better retention of bioactive compounds. It also emphasizes the utilization of millet as a natural dietary supplement or functional food to manage diabetes and promote overall well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]