Characterization of proso millet starches from different geographical origins of China

Identification of Drought-Resistant Response in Proso Millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) Root through Physiological and Transcriptomic Analysis

Proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) is resilient to abiotic stress, especially to drought. However, the mechanisms by which its roots adapt and tolerate salt stress are obscure. In this study, to clarify the molecular mechanism of proso millet in response to drought stress, the physiological indexes and transcriptome in the root of seedlings of the proso millet cultivar 'Yumi 2' were analyzed at 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 3.0 h of stimulated drought stress by using 20% PEG-6000 and after 24 h of rehydration. The results showed that the SOD activity, POD activity, soluble protein content, MDA, and O2-· content of 'Yumi 2' increased with the time of drought stress, but rapidly decreased after rehydration. Here, 130.46 Gb of clean data from 18 samples were obtained, and the Q30 value of each sample exceeded 92%. Compared with 0 h, the number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) reached the maximum of 16,105 after 3 h of drought, including 9153 upregulated DEGs and 6952 downregulated DEGs. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses revealed that upregulated DEGs were mainly involved in ATP binding, nucleus, protein serine/threonine phosphatase activity, MAPK signaling pathway-plant, plant-pathogen interactions, and plant hormone signal transduction under drought stress, while downregulated DEGs were mainly involved in metal ion binding, transmembrane transporter activity, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. Additionally, 1441 TFs screened from DEGs were clustered into 64 TF families, such as AP2/ERF-ERF, bHLH, WRKY, NAC, MYB, and bZIP TF families. Genes related to physiological traits were closely related to starch and sucrose metabolism, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, glutathione metabolism, and plant hormone signal transduction. In conclusion, the active oxygen metabolism system and the soluble protein of proso millet root could be regulated by the activity of protein serine/threonine phosphatase. AP2/ERF-ERF, bHLH, WRKY, NAC, MYB, and bZIP TF families were found to be closely associated with drought tolerance in proso millet root. This study will provide data to support a subsequent study on the function of the drought tolerance gene in proso millet.

Atmospheric pressure pin-to-plate cold plasma effect on physicochemical, functional, pasting, thermal, and structural characteristics of proso-millet starch

The present work aimed to study the influence of atmospheric pressure pin-to-plate cold plasma on the physicochemical (pH, moisture, and amylose content), functional (water & oil binding capacity, solubility & swelling power, paste clarity on storage, pasting), powder flow, thermal and structural (FTIR, XRD, and SEM) characteristics at an input voltage of 170-230 V for 5-15 min. The starch surface modification by cold plasma was seen in the SEM images which cause the surge in WBC (1.54 g/g to 1.93 g/g), OBC (2.22 g/g to 2.79 g/g), solubility (3.05-5.38% at 70 °C; 37.11-52.98% at 90 °C) and swelling power (5.39-7.83% at 70 °C; 25.67-35.33% at 90 °C) of starch. Reduction in the amylose content (27.82% to 25.07%) via plasma-induced depolymerization resists the retrogradation tendency, thereby increasing the paste clarity (up to ̴ 39%) during the 5 days of refrigerated storage. However, the paste viscosity is reduced after cold plasma treatment yielding low-strength starch pastes. The relative crystallinity of starch increased (37.35% to 45.36%) by the plasma-induced fragmented starch granules which would aggregate and broaden the gelatinization temperature, but these starch fragments reduced the gelatinization enthalpy. The fundamental starch structure is conserved as seen in FTIR spectra. Thus, cold plasma aids in the production of soluble, low-viscous, stable, and clear paste-forming depolymerized proso-millet starch.

Evaluation of millets for physio-chemical and root morphological traits suitable for resilient farming and nutritional security in Eastern Himalayas

Introduction

Millets are nutritionally superior and climate-resilient short-duration crops and hold a prominent place in cropping sequences around the world. They have immense potential to grow in a marginal environment due to diverse adaptive mechanisms.

Methods

An experiment was conducted in an organic production system in the North Eastern Himalayan foothills of India for 3 consecutive years by evaluating high-yielding varieties (HYVs) of different millets, viz., finger millet, foxtail millet, little millet, barnyard millet, proso millet, and browntop millet, along with local landraces of finger millets (Sikkim-1 and Sikkim-2; Nagaland-1 and Nagaland-2) to identify stable, high-yielding, and nutritionally superior genotypes suited for the region.

Results

Among the various millets, finger millet, followed by little millet and foxtail millet, proved their superiority in terms of productivity (ranging between 1.16 and 1.43 Mg ha^-1) compared to other millets. Among different varieties of finger millets, cv. VL Mandua 352 recorded the highest average grain yield (1.43 Mg ha^-1) followed by local landraces, Nagaland-2 (1.31 Mg ha^-1) and Sikkim-1 (1.25 Mg ha^-1). Root traits such as total root length, root volume, average diameter of roots, and root surface area were significantly higher in finger millet landraces Nagaland-1, Nagaland-2, and Sikkim-1 compared to the rest of the millet genotypes. The different millets were found to be rich sources of protein as recorded in foxtail millet cv. SiA 3088 (12.3%), proso millet cv. TNAU 145 (11.5%), and finger millet landraces, Sikkim-1 and Nagaland-2 (8.7% each). Finger millet landrace Sikkim-2 recorded the highest omega-6 content (1.16%), followed by barnyard millet cv. VL 207 (1.09%). Barnyard millet cv. VL 207 recorded the highest polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content (1.23%), followed by foxtail millet cv. SiA 3088 (1.09%). The local finger millet landraces Sikkim-1 and Sikkim-2 recorded the highest levels of histidine (0.41%) and tryptophan (0.12%), respectively. Sikkim-1 and Nagaland-2 recorded the highest level of thiamine (0.32%) compared to the HYVs.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that finger millet has great potential in the organic production system of the North Eastern Himalayan Region (NEHR) of India, and apart from HYVs like VL Mandua 352, local landraces, viz., Nagaland-2 and Sikkim-1, should also be promoted for ensuring food and nutritional security in this fragile ecosystem.

A Review on Isolation, Characterization, Modification, and Applications of Proso Millet Starch

Proso millet starch (PMS) as an unconventional and underutilized millet starch is becoming increasingly popular worldwide due to its health-promoting properties. This review summarizes research progress in the isolation, characterization, modification, and applications of PMS. PMS can be isolated from proso millet grains by acidic, alkaline, or enzymatic extraction. PMS exhibits typical A-type polymorphic diffraction patterns and shows polygonal and spherical granular structures with a granule size of 0.3-17 µm. PMS is modified by chemical, physical, and biological methods. The native and modified PMS are analyzed for swelling power, solubility, pasting properties, thermal properties, retrogradation, freeze-thaw stability, and in vitro digestibility. The improved physicochemical, structural, and functional properties and digestibility of modified PMS are discussed in terms of their suitability for specific applications. The potential applications of native and modified PMS in food and nonfood products are presented. Future prospects for research and commercial use of PMS in the food industry are also highlighted.

Physical, functional, nutritional and antioxidant properties of foxtail millet in Bangladesh

The nutritional and phytochemical content of foxtail millet (Cetaria italica) makes it a viable food grain. In this study, we looked at foxtail millet in Bangladesh and analyzed its nutritional value, functional and physical characteristics. In addition, methanol, ethanol, and acetone: water: acetic acid (70: 29.50: 0.50) extracts of foxtail millet flour (FMF) were analyzed for their antioxidant properties (total phenolic and flavonoid content, total antioxidant capacity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity). According to this study, foxtail millet has favorable physiological and functional properties. FMF had protein at 11.65 ± 0.45 g/100 g, fat at 3.48 ± 0.04 g/100 g, carbohydrates at 75.33 ± 0.53 g/100 g, and crude fiber at 2.21 ± 0.03 g/100 g. Calcium was found at 47 ± 0.48 mg/100 g, iron at 4.59 ± 0.14 mg/100 g, potassium at 393 ± 15.87, sodium at 27.4 ± 1.21, magnesium at 45.40 ± 2.22, manganese at 0.71 ± 0.02, copper at 0.58 ± 0.04 and zinc at 2.30 ± 0.18 mg/100 g. The total flavonoid content (TFC) of the methanolic extract (68.26 ± 1.51 mg quercetin equivalents (QE)/100 g) was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the extract of acetone: water: acetic acid. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (169.40 ± 3.45 mg ascorbic acid equivalents (AAE)/100 g) and total phenolic content (TPC) (51.35 ± 1.35 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/100 g) of the methanolic extracts were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than others. The ascending order of DPPH free radical scavenging activity of FMF extract is as follows: acetone: acetic acid: water < ethanol < methanol. In the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) test, the reducing power of FMF extracts increased with the rise in sample concentration. Foxtail millet has potential as a functional food that could influence rural residents' diets and health.

Assessing the Adaptability of Quinoa and Millet in Two Agroecological Zones of Rwanda

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) and millet species (including Eleusine coracana, Panicum miliaceum, and Setaria italica) are nutritionally valuable seed crops with versatile applications in food production and consumption. Both quinoa and millet have the potential to provide drought-tolerant, nutritious complementary crops to maize that is predominantly cultivated in Rwanda. This study evaluated quinoa and millet genotypes and assessed their agronomic performance in two agroecological zones of Rwanda. Twenty quinoa and fourteen millet cultivars were evaluated for grain yield, emergence, days to heading, flowering, and maturity, and plant height in 2016 and 2017 in Musanze, a highland region (2,254 m above sea level), and Kirehe, in the Eastern lowlands of Rwanda (1,478 m above sea level). Quinoa yield ranged from 189 to 1,855 kg/ha in Musanze and from 140 to 1,259 kg/ha in Kirehe. Millet yield ranged from 16 to 1,536 kg/ha in Musanze and from 21 to 159 kg/ha in Kirehe. Mean cultivar plant height was shorter in Kirehe (μ = 73 and 58 cm for quinoa and millets, respectively), than Musanze (μ = 93 and 76 cm for quinoa and millets, respectively). There was a genotype × environment interaction for maturity in quinoa and millet in both years. Across locations, “Titicaca” and “Earlybird” (Panicum miliaceum) were the earliest maturing quinoa and millet varieties, respectively, both with an average of 91 days to maturity. The results suggest that quinoa and millet have potential as regional crops for inclusion in the traditional dryland cropping rotations in Rwanda, thereby contributing to increased cropping system diversity and food security.

Proso-millet starch: Properties, functionality, and applications

Previously proso-millet, considered an underutilized cereal, has drawn considerable attention due to health benefits like good nutritional profile, low glycemic index, and gluten-free. The present review discusses starch extractability, structural characteristics, morphology, and physicochemical properties. Starch properties mainly depend on the amylose and amylopectin composition and distribution of brained chains. A very diverse starch structure and morphology were observed among the waxy and non-waxy cultivars. The amylose content ranged from 0.75 to 28.3% in many varieties, but exceptionally Hongmeizi variety showed a 32.3% as per the reported evidence. There are a positive correlation between the amylose content and cooking quality, thermal and pasting properties. The size and shape of smallest to largest starch granules varied between 0.3 and 17 μm and round to polygonal, respectively. The non-waxy starch varieties of proso-millet are widely used in food processing due to high resistance to swelling during heat treatment. Few food applications of proso-millet are bakery products like gluten-free bread, porridge, pasta, ready-to-eat breakfast cereals, infant foods, and distilleries. We can conclude that proso millet is an alternative to existing starch for its quality characteristics and provides insight to many food processing industries.

Underutilized finger millet crop for starch extraction, characterization, and utilization in the development of flexible thin film

Three different varieties of finger millets (VL-315, VL-324, and VL-347) cultivated in Uttrakhand, India, were used to extract high purity starch using the alkali soaking approach and investigated physicochemical and structural properties. VL-315, VL-324, and VL-347, contain 78 ± 0.35%, 79 ± 0.35%, and 87 ± 0.35% starch, respectively, of which 39.03 ± 0.35%, 37.2 ± 0.35%, and 33.5 ± 0.35% are the amylose contents, respectively. Chemical composition analysis exhibited the level of ash and moisture content in the dry basis of 0.0031 ± 0.01% to 0.035 ± 0.05%, and 12.52 ± 0.8% to 12.92 ± 0.2%, respectively. The solubility and swelling range of VL-315 is 1.3-4.3% and 16.54-10.3 (g/g), respectively, which significantly differ from VL-324 and VL-347. XRD analysis revealed that extracted starch showed a typical A-type crystalline network with a crystallinity range of 17.7-19.3%, which remarkably influenced retro gradation tendencies of starch. SEM demonstrated that extracted starch granules are polyhedral shape with a smooth surface. Finger millet starch has enormous potential in the development of starch-based edible film and coating on food items. In the present work, extracted finger millet starch was studied with the aim of developing a thin and flexible food packaging film. From the results, it was observed that the fabricated films had excellent functional properties, including solubility, swelling index, and water vapor permeability, which could eliminate petroleum-based packaging materials, and gives food materials an extra shelf life, and improve overall food quality.

Millet starch: A review

The demand for millets and their products is becoming popular globally due to their various health-promoting properties. The major constituent of the millet is its starch which contributes about 70% of total millet grain and decides the quality of millet-based food products. The application of starch for various purposes is dependent upon its physicochemical, structural, and functional properties. A native starch does not possess all the required properties for a specific use. However, product-specific properties can be achieved by modifying the structure of starches. Information deficit on millet starch has undermined its potential use in new food product design. The objective of this review is to examine the chemical composition, characterization, structural chemistry, digestibility, hydrolysis, and modification techniques of the millet starches. The review paper also discusses the various applications of native and modified starches in the food industry.

Diversity analysis of starch physicochemical properties in 95 proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) accessions

In this study, 95 accessions of proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) were characterized for starch physicochemical properties, including apparent amylose content (AAC), gel textural properties, Rapid Visco Analyzer (RVA) pasting viscosity properties, thermal and retrogradation properties. Based on genotypic data, the genetic diversity and inter-relationship of these starch traits were analyzed. Diverse starch quality was found, for example, AAC ranged from 0 to 32.3%, gelatinization temperature (GT) varied from 71.5 to 79.0 ℃, and RVA profile showed distinct patterns among proso millet of different AAC types. Interestingly, high AAC proso millet usually had GT lower than that of low AAC proso millet, which is different from the findings in rice starch. Many starch traits were significantly correlated and most of the 18 tested traits could be classified as either AAC-related traits or GT-related traits. In summary, the information presented here will be useful for further development of proso millet products.

Review: Shaping a sustainable food future by rediscovering long-forgotten ancient grains

Genetic erosion of crops has been determined way back in the 1940s and accelerated some twenty years later by the inception of the Green Revolution. Claims that the revolution was a complete triumph remain specious, especially since the massive production boost in the global big three grain crops; wheat, maize, and rice that happened back then is unlikely to recur under current climate irregularities. Presently, one of the leading strategies for sustainable agriculture is by unlocking the genetic potential of underutilized crops. The primary focus has been on a suite of ancient cereals and pseudo-cereals which are riding on the gluten-free trend, including, among others, grain amaranth, buckwheat, quinoa, teff, and millets. Each of these crops has demonstrated tolerance to various stress factors such as drought and heat. Apart from being the centuries-old staple in their native homes, these crops have also been traditionally used as forage for livestock. This review summarizes what lies in the past and present for these underutilized cereals, particularly concerning their potential role and significance in a rapidly changing world, and provides compelling insights into how they could one day be on par with the current big three in feeding a booming population.

Proso Millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) and Its Potential for Cultivation in the Pacific Northwest, U.S.: A Review

Proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) is a warm season grass with a growing season of 60-100 days. It is a highly nutritious cereal grain used for human consumption, bird seed, and/or ethanol production. Unique characteristics, such as drought and heat tolerance, make proso millet a promising alternative cash crop for the Pacific Northwest (PNW) region of the United States. Development of proso millet varieties adapted to dryland farming regions of the PNW could give growers a much-needed option for diversifying their predominantly wheat-based cropping systems. In this review, the agronomic characteristics of proso millet are discussed, with emphasis on growth habits and environmental requirements, place in prevailing crop rotations in the PNW, and nutritional and health benefits. The genetics of proso millet and the genomic resources available for breeding adapted varieties are also discussed. Last, challenges and opportunities of proso millet cultivation in the PNW are explored, including the potential for entering novel and regional markets.