Variability and trait‐specific accessions for grain yield and nutritional traits in germplasm of little millet (Panicum sumatrense Roth. Ex. Roem. & Schult.). Issue 4 (7th June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vetriventhan, Mani; Upadhyaya, Hari D; Azevedo, Vania CR; Allan, Victor; Anitha, Seetha
• Is Part Of: Crop science. Volume 61:Issue 4(2021)
• Page Start: 2658
• Page End: 2679
• Publication Date: 2021-06-07
• Subjects: Crop science -- Periodicals; Cultures -- Périodiques; Cultures de plein champ -- Périodiques; Crop science; Nutzpflanzen; Zeitschrift; Pflanzenbau; Periodicals; 633
• DOI: 10.1002/csc2.20527
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0011-183X

Abstract

Abstract: Little millet ( Panicum sumatrense Roth. Ex. Roem. & Schult.), a member of the grass family Poaceae, is native to India. It is nutritionally superior to major cereals, grows well on marginal lands, and can withstand drought and waterlogging conditions. Two‐hundred diverse little millet landraces were characterized to assess variability for agronomic and nutritional traits and identify promising accessions. Highly significant variability was found for all the agronomic and grain nutrient traits. Accessions of robusta were high yielding whereas those of nana were rich in grain nutrients. About 80% of the accessions showed consistent protein and zinc (Zn) contents whereas iron (Fe) and calcium (Ca) contents were less consistent (29.5 and 63.5%, respectively) over 2 yr. Promising trait‐specific accessions were identified for greater seed weight (10 accessions), high grain yield (15), high biomass yield (15), and consistently high grain nutrients (30) over 2 yr ( R 2 = .69–.74, P ≤ .0001). A few accessions showed consistently high for two or more nutrients (IPmr 449 for Fe, Zn, Ca, and protein; IPmr 981 for Zn and protein). Five accessions (IPmr 855, 974, 877, 897, 767) were high yielding and also rich in Ca. Consumption of 100 g of little millet grains can potentially contribute to the recommended dietary allowance of up to 28% Fe, 37% Zn, and 27% protein. Multilocation evaluation of the promising accessions across different soil types, fertility levels, and climatic conditions would help to identify valuable accessions for direct release as a cultivar or use in little millet improvement. Core Ideas: Little millet is one of the small millets that belong to the Poaceae, or grass family. This crop is nutritionally superior to the major cereals but can grow well on marginal lands. Landrace accessions showed significant variation in both grain yield and nutritional traits. Promising germplasm for grain yield and nutrients can support little millet improvement.