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Patan SSVK, Vallepu S, Shaik KB, Shaik N, Adi Reddy NRY, Terry RG, Sergeant K, Hausman JF. Drought resistance strategies in minor millets: a review. PLANTA 2024; 260:29. [PMID: 38879859 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-024-04427-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
MAIN CONCLUSION The review discusses growth and drought-response mechanisms in minor millets under three themes: drought escape, drought avoidance and drought tolerance. Drought is one of the most prominent abiotic stresses impacting plant growth, performance, and productivity. In the context of climate change, the prevalence and severity of drought is expected to increase in many agricultural regions worldwide. Millets (coarse grains) are a group of small-seeded grasses cultivated in arid and semi-arid regions throughout the world and are an important source of food and feed for humans and livestock. Although minor millets, i.e., foxtail millet, finger millet, proso millet, barnyard millet, kodo millet and little millet are generally hardier and more drought-resistant than cereals and major millets (sorghum and pearl millet), understanding their responses, processes and strategies in response to drought is more limited. Here, we review drought resistance strategies in minor millets under three themes: drought escape (e.g., short crop cycle, short vegetative period, developmental plasticity and remobilization of assimilates), drought avoidance (e.g., root traits for better water absorption and leaf traits to control water loss), and drought tolerance (e.g., osmotic adjustment, maintenance of photosynthetic ability and antioxidant potential). Data from 'omics' studies are summarized to provide an overview of the molecular mechanisms important in drought tolerance. In addition, the final section highlights knowledge gaps and challenges to improving minor millets. This review is intended to enhance major cereals and millet per se in light of climate-related increases in aridity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Suneetha Vallepu
- Department of Botany, Yogi Vemana University, Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, 516005, India
| | - Khader Basha Shaik
- Department of Botany, Yogi Vemana University, Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, 516005, India
| | - Naseem Shaik
- Department of Botany, Yogi Vemana University, Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, 516005, India
| | | | | | - Kjell Sergeant
- Environmental Research and Innovation Department, Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology, (LIST), Avenue Des Hauts Fourneaux 5, Esch-Sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Jean François Hausman
- Environmental Research and Innovation Department, Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology, (LIST), Avenue Des Hauts Fourneaux 5, Esch-Sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
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Bhavani P, Nandini C, Maharajan T, Ningaraju TM, Nandini B, Parveen SG, Pushpa K, Ravikumar RL, Nagaraja TE, Ceasar SA. Brown-top millet: an overview of breeding, genetic, and genomic resources development for crop improvement. PLANTA 2024; 260:10. [PMID: 38796805 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-024-04446-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
MAIN CONCLUSION Brown-top millet is a lesser-known millet with a high grain nutrient value, early maturation, and drought tolerance that needs basic research to understand and conserve food security. Brown-top millet [Urochloa ramosa (L.)] is currently cultivated in some developing countries (especially in India) for food and fodder, although it is less known among the small millets. Like other millets, it contains macro- and micronutrients, vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fiber, all of which have rich health benefits. The nutritional importance and health benefits of brown-top millet are still unknown to many people due to a lack of awareness, wide cultivation, and research. Hence, this millet is currently overshadowed by other major cereals. This review article aims to present the nutritional, breeding, genetic, and genomic resources of brown-top millet to inform millet and other plant researchers. It is important to note that genetic and genomic resources have not yet been created for this millet. To date, there are no genomic and transcriptomic resources for brown-top millet to develop single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and insertion/Deletions (InDels) for breeding studies. Furthermore, studies regarding nutritional significance and health benefits are required to investigate the exact nutritional contents and health benefits of the brown-top millet. The present review delves into the nutritional value and health advantages of brown-top millet, as supported by the available literature. The limitations of producing brown-top millet have been enumerated. We also cover the status of marker-assisted breeding and functional genomics research on closely related species. Lastly, we draw insights for further research such as developing omics resources and applying genome editing to study and improve brown-top millet. This review will help to start breeding and other molecular studies to increase the growth and development of this cereal.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Bhavani
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
| | - C Nandini
- Zonal Agricultural and Horticultural Research Station, Babbur Farm, Hiriyur, KSNUAHS, Shivamogga, Karnataka, India.
| | - Theivanayagam Maharajan
- Division of Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Department of Biosciences, Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Cochin, 683104, Kerala, India
| | - T M Ningaraju
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - B Nandini
- College of Horticulture, Kolar, University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, Karnataka, India
| | - S Gazala Parveen
- AICRP on Small Millets, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - K Pushpa
- Department of Agronomy, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - R L Ravikumar
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - T E Nagaraja
- AICRP on Small Millets, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Stanislaus Antony Ceasar
- Division of Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Department of Biosciences, Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Cochin, 683104, Kerala, India
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Jeeva G, Suhasini B, Pramitha L, Jency JP, Joshi P, Ravikesavan R, Elango D. Unlocking the potential of Kodo millet: reviving an indigenous super grain for tomorrow's nutrition. PLANTA 2024; 259:140. [PMID: 38691193 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-024-04414-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum L.) is an underutilized crop that encompasses nutritional benefits and climate resilience, making it a viable option for future crop development with nutraceutical properties. The cultivation of this crop has ancient roots, where it was revered for its ability to thrive in times of famine and was a vital companion crop to rice. Dishes made with Kodo millet are highly palatable and can be easily integrated into mainstream rice-based dishes. Among all cereals, Kodo millet is distinguished by its gluten-free composition, high phosphorus content, and significant antioxidant potential, which contributes to a diet that may reduce cardiovascular disease risk. Often grown in rainfed zones by marginal farmers, Kodo millet is valued for its grain and fodder. This less demanding crop can tolerate both biotic and abiotic stress, allowing it to thrive in soils with low organic matter and with minimal inputs, making it an ideal dual-purpose crop for rainfed areas. Despite its nutritional and agricultural benefits, Kodo millet's popularity is hindered by challenges such as low yield, market demand, lodging at harvest, and poor dehulling recovery, which necessitate the development of high-yielding varieties through the latest breeding advancements. Systematic investment and concerted breeding efforts are essential to harness the full potential of this nutrient-dense crop. The absence of whole genome sequence for Kodo millet poses a barrier to uncovering novel genetic traits. Consequently, there is an imperative to establish a millet-based value chain that elevates these underutilized crops, shaping smart cropping patterns and enhancing nutritional profiles for sustainable diets. Accordingly, this review highlights the significance of Kodo millet and the impact of breeding to establish it as a smart food choice for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Jeeva
- Scholar in Genetics and Plant Breeding, CPBG, TNAU, Coimbatore, 641003, India
| | - B Suhasini
- KSNUAHS, Shivamogga, 577204, Karnataka, India
| | - Lydia Pramitha
- Genetics and Plant Breeding, School of Agricultural Sciences, Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore, 641114, India.
| | - J Poornima Jency
- Genetics and Plant Breeding, Vanavarayar Institute of Agriculture, 642001, Pollachi, India
| | - Pabitra Joshi
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, 83843, USA
| | | | - Dinakaran Elango
- Department of Agronomy, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
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Rani V, Rana S, Muthamilarasan M, Joshi DC, Yadav D. Expression profiling of Nuclear Factor-Y (NF-Y) transcription factors during dehydration and salt stress in finger millet reveals potential candidate genes for multiple stress tolerance. PLANTA 2024; 259:136. [PMID: 38679693 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-024-04417-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
MAIN CONCLUSION Expression profiling of NF-Y transcription factors during dehydration and salt stress in finger millet genotypes contrastingly differing in tolerance levels identifies candidate genes for further characterization and functional studies. The Nuclear Factor-Y (NF-Y) transcription factors are known for imparting abiotic stress tolerance in different plant species. However, there is no information on the role of this transcription factor family in naturally drought-tolerant crop finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.). Therefore, interpretation of expression profiles against drought and salinity stress may provide valuable insights into specific and/or overlapping expression patterns of Eleusine coracana Nuclear Factor-Y (EcNF-Y) genes. Given this, we identified 59 NF-Y (18 NF-YA, 23 NF-YB, and 18 NF-YC) encoding genes and designated them EcNF-Y genes. Expression profiling of these genes was performed in two finger millet genotypes, PES400 (dehydration and salt stress tolerant) and VR708 (dehydration and salt stress sensitive), subjected to PEG-induced dehydration and salt (NaCl) stresses at different time intervals (0, 6, and 12 h). The qRT-PCR expression analysis reveals that the six EcNF-Y genes namely EcNF-YA1, EcNF-YA5, EcNF-YA16, EcNF-YB6, EcNF-YB10, and EcNF-YC2 might be associated with tolerance to both dehydration and salinity stress in early stress condition (6 h), suggesting the involvement of these genes in multiple stress responses in tolerant genotype. In contrast, the transcript abundance of finger millet EcNF-YA5 genes was also observed in the sensitive genotype VR708 under late stress conditions (12 h) of both dehydration and salinity stress. Therefore, the EcNF-YA5 gene might be important for adaptation to salinity and dehydration stress in sensitive finger millet genotypes. Therefore, this gene could be considered as a susceptibility determinant, which can be edited to impart tolerance. The phylogenetic analyses revealed that finger millet NF-Y genes share strong evolutionary and functional relationship to NF-Ys governing response to abiotic stresses in rice, sorghum, maize, and wheat. This is the first report of expression profiling of EcNF-Ys genes identified from the finger millet genome and reveals potential candidate for enhancing dehydration and salt tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varsha Rani
- Department of Biotechnology, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, 273009, India
| | - Sumi Rana
- Department of Plant Sciences, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500046, India
| | - Mehanathan Muthamilarasan
- Department of Plant Sciences, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500046, India
| | - D C Joshi
- ICAR-Vivekananda Institute of Hill Agriculture, Almora, Uttarakhand, 263601, India
| | - Dinesh Yadav
- Department of Biotechnology, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, 273009, India.
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Rahim MS, Sharma V, Pragati Yadav, Parveen A, Kumar A, Roy J, Kumar V. Rethinking underutilized cereal crops: pan-omics integration and green system biology. PLANTA 2023; 258:91. [PMID: 37777666 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-023-04242-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
MAIN CONCLUSION Due to harsh lifestyle changes, in the present era, nutritional security is needed along with food security so it is necessary to include underutilized cereal crops (UCCs) in our daily diet to counteract the rising danger of human metabolic illness. We can attain both the goal of zero hunger and nutritional security by developing improved UCCs using advanced pan-omics (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, nutrigenomics, phenomics and ionomics) practices. Plant sciences research progressed profoundly since the last few decades with the introduction of advanced technologies and approaches, addressing issues of food demand of the growing population, nutritional security challenges and climate change. However, throughout the expansion and popularization of commonly consumed major cereal crops such as wheat and rice, other cereal crops such as millet, rye, sorghum, and others were impeded, despite their potential medicinal and nutraceutical qualities. Undoubtedly neglected underutilized cereal crops (UCCs) also have the capability to withstand diverse climate change. To relieve the burden of major crops, it is necessary to introduce the new crops in our diet in the way of UCCs. Introgression of agronomically and nutritionally important traits by pan-omics approaches in UCCs could be a defining moment for the population's well-being on the globe. This review discusses the importance of underutilized cereal crops, as well as the application of contemporary omics techniques and advanced bioinformatics tools that could open up new avenues for future study and be valuable assets in the development and usage of UCCs in the perspective of green system biology. The increased and improved use of UCCs is dependent on number of factors that necessitate a concerted research effort in agricultural sciences. The emergence of functional genomics with molecular genetics might gear toward the reawakening of interest in underutilized cereals crops. The need of this era is to focus on potential UCCs in advanced agriculture and breeding programmes. Hence, targeting the UCCs, might provide a bright future for better health and scientific rationale for its use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Saba Rahim
- Department of Botany, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Punjab, 151401, India
- National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI), Sector-81, SAS Nagar, Mohali, Punjab, 140 306, India
| | - Vinita Sharma
- National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI), Sector-81, SAS Nagar, Mohali, Punjab, 140 306, India
| | - Pragati Yadav
- National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI), Sector-81, SAS Nagar, Mohali, Punjab, 140 306, India
| | - Afsana Parveen
- National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI), Sector-81, SAS Nagar, Mohali, Punjab, 140 306, India
| | - Adarsh Kumar
- Department of Botany, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Punjab, 151401, India
| | - Joy Roy
- National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI), Sector-81, SAS Nagar, Mohali, Punjab, 140 306, India.
| | - Vinay Kumar
- Department of Botany, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Punjab, 151401, India.
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Narayanrao DR, Tomar RS, Sm P, Jasminkumar K, Ashish G, Chauhan NM, Singh SC, Upadhye V, Kuddus M, Kamble L, Hajare ST. De novo transcriptome sequencing of drought tolerance-associated genes in little millet (Panicum sumatrense L.). Funct Integr Genomics 2023; 23:303. [PMID: 37723408 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-023-01221-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
The genome size of the little millet Panicum sumatrense is unknown, although its genome is fairly diploid (2n = 4x = 36). Despite tremendous nutritional value and adaptability to adverse climatic conditions, P. sumatrense use was limited by their low palatability, coarse grain, and lack of variety of culinary preparations. Hence, understanding how to vary their usage to offer food and nutritional security in the continuously changing modern world, the proposed study was aimed to determine potential genes and metabolites implicated in drought resistance. The drought-resistant genotype of tiny millet OLM-203/Tarini was offered in pots under both relaxed and demanding circumstances. The experimental seedlings were 32 days old and had been under water stress for 23 days. A total of 7606 genes were compared between 23 and 32 days for roots and 7264 total genes were compared between 23 and 32 days for leaves, according to a research on differential expression genes (DEGs). Twenty essential genes for drought tolerance were up-or down-regulated in the control and treated roots of the OLM-203 genotype. For instance, the genes RS193 and XB34 were up-regulated in leaves while, WLIM1 was found to be down-regulated. Gene SKI35 was up-regulated in roots, whereas MPK6 and TCMOp1 were down-regulated in root samples. The roots and leaves of the tiny millet OLM-203 genotype expressed 36 up-regulated and 21 down-regulated serine transcripts, respectively. Gene annotations for leaf samples were classified as having "molecular function" (46%), "cellular component" (19%), and "biological process" (35%), while root sample gene annotations were categorized as having "biological process" (573 contigs), "molecular function" (401 contigs), and "cellular components" (166 contigs). Noteworthy, polyamines play a crucial role in drought stress tolerance in the genotype, and it was found that top ten DEGs encoding for polyamines were common in two tissues (leaf and root). Collectively, transcriptomics profiling (RNA-seq) unveiled transcriptional stability drought stress provide a new insight in underlying modus of operandi in little millet genotype "OLM-203/Tarini" in response to heat stress.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - R S Tomar
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Agriculture, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh, 362001, Gujarat, India
| | - Padhiyar Sm
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Agriculture, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh, 362001, Gujarat, India
| | - Kheni Jasminkumar
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Agriculture, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh, 362001, Gujarat, India
| | - Gulwe Ashish
- Department of Bioinformatics, Sub Campus Latur, Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathawada University, Nanded, India
| | - Nitin Mahendra Chauhan
- ILRI and College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Dilla University, 419, Dilla, Ethiopia
| | | | - Vijay Upadhye
- Research and Development Cell (RDC), Parul Institute of Applied Sciences (PIAS), Parul University, Vadodara, India
| | - Mohammed Kuddus
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Hail, Hail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Laxmikant Kamble
- Deputy Director and Associate Professor (CD4D), Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat, India
- Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathawada University, Nanded, India
| | - Sunil Tulshiram Hajare
- ILRI and College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Dilla University, 419, Dilla, Ethiopia.
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Shekhar S, Prasad AS, Banjare K, Kaushik A, Mannade AK, Dubey M, Patil A, Premi V, Vishwakarma AK, Sao A, Saxena RR, Dubey A, Chandel G. LMT db: A comprehensive transcriptome database for climate-resilient, nutritionally rich little millet ( Panicum sumatrense). FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1106104. [PMID: 36993866 PMCID: PMC10041709 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1106104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Little millet (Panicum sumatrense) a native of Chhattisgarh, belongs to the minor millet group and is primarily known as a climate-resilient and nutritionally rich crop. However, due to the lack of enough Omic studies on the crop, the scientific community has largely remained unaware of the potential of this crop, resulting in less scope for its utilization in crop improvement programs. Looking at global warming, erratic climate change, nutritional security, and limited genetic information available, the Little Millet Transcriptome Database (LMTdb) (https://igkv.ac.in/xenom/index.aspx) was conceptualized upon completion of the transcriptome sequencing of little millet with the aim of deciphering the genetic signatures of this largely unknown crop. The database was developed with the view of providing information about the most comprehensive part of the genome, the 'Transcriptome'. The database includes transcriptome sequence information, functional annotation, microsatellite markers, DEGs, and pathway information. The database is a freely available resource that provides breeders and scientists a portal to search, browse, and query data to facilitate functional and applied Omic studies in millet crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shweta Shekhar
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, College of Agriculture, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur, India
| | - Archana S. Prasad
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, College of Agriculture, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur, India
| | - Kalpana Banjare
- Knowledge and Technology Resource Centre, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur, India
| | - Abhijeet Kaushik
- Knowledge and Technology Resource Centre, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur, India
| | - Ajit K. Mannade
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, College of Agriculture, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur, India
| | - Mahima Dubey
- Department of Vegetable Biotechnology, VNR Seeds Private Limited, Raipur, India
| | - Arun Patil
- Department of Vegetable Biotechnology, VNR Seeds Private Limited, Raipur, India
| | - Vinay Premi
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, College of Agriculture, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur, India
| | | | - Abhinav Sao
- Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur, India
| | - Ravi R. Saxena
- Knowledge and Technology Resource Centre, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur, India
| | - Amit Dubey
- Chhattisgarh Council of Science and Technology, Raipur, India
| | - Girish Chandel
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, College of Agriculture, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur, India
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Lydia Pramitha J, Ganesan J, Francis N, Rajasekharan R, Thinakaran J. Revitalization of small millets for nutritional and food security by advanced genetics and genomics approaches. Front Genet 2023; 13:1007552. [PMID: 36699471 PMCID: PMC9870178 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1007552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Small millets, also known as nutri-cereals, are smart foods that are expected to dominate food industries and diets to achieve nutritional security. Nutri-cereals are climate resilient and nutritious. Small millet-based foods are becoming popular in markets and are preferred for patients with celiac and diabetes. These crops once ruled as food and fodder but were pushed out of mainstream cultivation with shifts in dietary habits to staple crops during the green revolution. Nevertheless, small millets are rich in micronutrients and essential amino acids for regulatory activities. Hence, international and national organizations have recently aimed to restore these lost crops for their desirable traits. The major goal in reviving these crops is to boost the immune system of the upcoming generations to tackle emerging pandemics and disease infestations in crops. Earlier periods of civilization consumed these crops, which had a greater significance in ethnobotanical values. Along with nutrition, these crops also possess therapeutic traits and have shown vast medicinal use in tribal communities for the treatment of diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease, and gastrointestinal issues. This review highlights the significance of small millets, their values in cultural heritage, and their prospects. Furthermore, this review dissects the nutritional and therapeutic traits of small millets for developing sustainable diets in near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Lydia Pramitha
- Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore, India,*Correspondence: J. Lydia Pramitha,
| | - Jeeva Ganesan
- Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, India
| | - Neethu Francis
- Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore, India
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