Enhancement of the germination and growth of Panicum miliaceum and Brassica juncea in Cd- and Zn-contaminated soil inoculated with heavy-metal-tolerant Leifsonia sp. ZP3.

The addition of plant-growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) to heavy-metal-contaminated soils can significantly improve plant growth and productivity. This study isolated heavy-metal-tolerant bacteria with growth-promoting traits and investigated their inoculation effects on the germination rates and growth of millet (Panicum miliaceum) and mustard (Brassica juncea) in Cd- and Zn-contaminated soil. Leifsonia sp. ZP3, which is resistant to Cd (0.5 mM) and Zn (1 mM), was isolated from forest soil. The ZP3 strain exhibited plant-growth-promoting activity, including indole-3-acetic acid production, phosphate solubilization, catalase activity, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging. In soil contaminated with low concentrations of Cd (0.232 ± 0.006 mM) and Zn (6.376 ± 0.256 mM), ZP3 inoculation significantly increased the germination rates of millet and mustard 8.35- and 31.60-fold, respectively, compared to the non-inoculated control group, while the shoot and root lengths of millet increased 1.77- and 4.44-fold (p < 0.05). The chlorophyll content and seedling vigor index were also 4.40 and 18.78 times higher in the ZP3-treated group than in the control group (p < 0.05). The shoot length of mustard increased 1.89-fold, and the seedling vigor index improved 53.11-fold with the addition of ZP3 to the contaminated soil (p < 0.05). In soil contaminated with high concentrations of Cd and Zn (0.327 ± 0.016 and 8.448 ± 0.250 mM, respectively), ZP3 inoculation led to a 1.98-fold increase in the shoot length and a 2.07-fold improvement in the seedling vigor index compared to the control (p < 0.05). The heavy-metal-tolerant bacterium ZP3 isolated in this study thus represents a promising microbial resource for improving the efficiency of phytoremediation in Cd- and Zn-contaminated soil.

Genome-wide identification of GRF transcription factors and their expression profile in stem meristem of broomcorn millet (Panicum miliaceum L.).

To understand the genome-wide information of the GRF family genes in broomcorn millet and their expression profile in the vegetative meristems, bioinformatic methods and transcriptome sequencing were used to analyze the characteristics, physical and chemical properties, phylogenetic relationship, chromosome distribution, gene structure, cis-acting elements and expression profile in stem meristem for the GRF family members. The results showed that the GRF gene family of millet contains 21 members, and the PmGRF gene is unevenly distributed on 12 chromosomes. The lengths of PmGRF proteins vary from 224 to 618 amino acids, and the isoelectric points are between 4.93-9.69. Each member of the family has 1-4 introns and 2-5 exons. The protein PmGRF13 is localized in both the nucleus and chloroplast, and the rest PmGRF proteins are located in the nucleus. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the 21 GRF genes were divided into 4 subfamilies (A,B,C and D) in broomcorn millet. The analysis of cis-acting elements showed that there were many cis-acting elements involved in light response, hormone response, drought induction, low temperature response and other environmental stress responses in the 2000 bp sequence upstream of the GRF genes. Transcriptome sequencing and qRT-PCR analyses showed that the expression levels of PmGRF3 and PmGRF12 in the dwarf variety Zhang778 were significantly higher than those of the tall variety Longmi12 in the internode and node meristems at the jointing stage, while the expression patterns of PmGRF4, PmGRF16 and PmGRF21 were reverse. In addition, the expression levels of PmGRF2 and PmGRF5 in the internode of Zhang778 were significantly higher than Longmi12. The other GRF genes were not or insignificantly expressed. These results indicated that seven genes, PmGRF2, PmGRF3, PmGRF4, PmGRF5, PmGRF12, PmGRF16 and PmGRF21, were related to the formation of plant height in broomcorn millet.

Multiple highly expressed phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase genes have divergent enzyme kinetic properties in two C4 grasses.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) carboxylase (PEPC) catalyses the irreversible carboxylation of PEP with bicarbonate to produce oxaloacetate. This reaction powers the carbon-concentrating mechanism (CCM) in plants that perform C4 photosynthesis. This CCM is generally driven by a single PEPC gene product that is highly expressed in the cytosol of mesophyll cells. We found two C4 grasses, Panicum miliaceum and Echinochloa colona, that each have two highly expressed PEPC genes. We characterized the kinetic properties of the two most abundant PEPCs in E. colona and P. miliaceum to better understand how the enzyme's amino acid structure influences its function. METHODS: Coding sequences of the two most abundant PEPC proteins in E. colona and P. miliaceum were synthesized by GenScript and were inserted into bacteria expression plasmids. Point mutations resulting in substitutions at conserved amino acid residues (e.g. N-terminal serine and residue 890) were created via site-directed PCR mutagenesis. The kinetic properties of semi-purified plant PEPCs from Escherichia coli were analysed using membrane-inlet mass spectrometry and a spectrophotometric enzyme-coupled reaction. KEY RESULTS: The two most abundant P. miliaceum PEPCs (PmPPC1 and PmPPC2) have similar sequence identities (>95 %), and as a result had similar kinetic properties. The two most abundant E. colona PEPCs (EcPPC1 and EcPPC2) had identities of ~78 % and had significantly different kinetic properties. The PmPPCs and EcPPCs had different responses to allosteric inhibitors and activators, and substitutions at the conserved N-terminal serine and residue 890 resulted in significantly altered responses to allosteric regulators. CONCLUSIONS: The two, significantly expressed C4Ppc genes in P. miliaceum were probably the result of genomes combining from two closely related C4Panicum species. We found natural variation in PEPC's sensitivity to allosteric inhibition that seems to bypass the conserved 890 residue, suggesting alternative evolutionary pathways for increased malate tolerance and other kinetic properties.

Enhanced metabolic ability enabled wild panicgrass (Panicum miliaceum L. var. ruderale kit.) resistance to ALS inhibitor herbicide.

Wild panicgrass (Panicum miliaceum L. var. ruderale kit.) is an annual grass weed that primarily occurs in maize fields. Nicosulfuron is a widely used selective herbicide that effectively controls gramineous weeds in maize fields. However, owing to its long-term and extensive application, the control of P. miliaceum has been substantially reduced. The objective of this study was to determine the resistance pattern to ALS inhibitors in P. miliaceum and investigate the underlying resistance mechanisms. These are important for guiding the prevention and eradication of resistant weeds. Whole plant bioassays showed P. miliaceum had evolved high levels of resistance to nicosulfuron and multiple resistance to atrazine and mesotrione. The ALS gene sequence results indicated the absence of mutations in the resistant population. Additionally, there was no significant difference found in the inhibition rate of the ALS enzyme activity (I50) between the resistant and sensitive populations. Following the application of malathion the resistant P. miliaceum population became more sensitive to nicosulfuron. At 96 h after application of nicosulfuron, glutathione-S-transferase activity in the resistant population was significantly higher than that in the susceptible population. The study reveals that the main cause of resistance to ALS inhibitor herbicide in P. miliaceum is likely increased metabolism of herbicides. These findings may assist in devising effective strategies for preventing and eliminating resistant P. miliaceum.

Phenanthrene uptake and translocation by Panicum miliaceum L. tissues: an experimental study in an artificial environment.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), as priority organic pollutants, are capable of accumulation in plants. Phenanthrene (Phe) is one of the most abundant low-molecular-weight PAH in the environment which is commonly used as a model PAH in many phytoremediation studies and as a representative compound for all PAHs group. This paper highlights the uptake, translocation, and accumulation of Phe by growing proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) in a pot experiment, subjected to 500, 1000, 1500, and 2000 ppm of Phe treatment after 15 and 30 days. Phe naturally existed in P. miliaceum and its concentration showed a time-dependent reduction in treated plant tissues as well as in perlites. Phe concentration in shoots was higher than in roots. During the aging process, the uptake of Phe was diminished whereas translocation factor (TF) demonstrated an overall increasing trend among treatments. The shoot concentration factor (SCF) values were higher than those of root concentration factor (RCF) on both days 15 and 30 and the highest values for both parameters were achieved in 500 ppm of Phe. Both RCFs and SCFs generally tended to decrease with the increase of perlite Phe concentrations. These results suggested that Phe tended to transfer to the shoots and be metabolized there. The Phe concentration revealed a significant decline in all levels of treatment on both 15 (84 to 96%) and 30 (76 to 94%) days. Therefore, the presence of P. miliaceum was effective in promoting the phytoremediation of Phe polluted perlites.

First Report of Gray Leaf Spot Caused by Pyricularia oryzae on Common Millet in Italy.

Common millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) is a niche crop cultivated in Italy for its high nutritional and gluten-free characteristics. These aspects combined with its sustainability and adaptability to paddy soils make it relevant in crop rotation with rice in some organic farms in Northwestern Italy. In September 2021, in a farm producing organic rice located in Rovasenda (VC), Italy (GPS: 45°54'82"N, 8°.31'96"E), plants of millet (var. San Marino), sown on July 1st and almost at physiological maturity, were observed with gray leaf spot symptoms with an incidence of 50% in a 12.5 ha field cultivated in a yearly rotation with rice. Oval shape lesions (between 1 and 5 cm long and 0.5 to1 cm wide) with a light gray colored centers and dark reddish-brown edges were observed on the length of the leaf blade. Gray colonies producing conidia morphologically like Pyricularia developed from 140 symptomatic leaf fragments with a 2% frequency. Monosporic cultures were obtained from five colonies and were grown on Potato Dextrose Agar for morphological and molecular identification. The colonies showed gray, fluffy mycelium, with a smooth margin, with a radius of 28 to 30 mm after 10 days at 28°C. The isolates produced hyaline, pyriform, and 2-septate conidia 17.9 to 33.5 µm (average 25.7 µm) long and 8.3 to 11.7 µm (average 10. µm) wide (n=50) on PDA. Conidiophores were solitary, erect, straight, or curved, septate, and measured 80.2 to 221.3 µm (average 150.7 µm) long and 3.6 to 5.8 µm (average 4.7 µm) wide (n=50). The molecular identification of one single-conidia isolate was confirmed by PCR and sequence comparison of the region of the transposon Pot2 (Harmon et al., 2003). BLASTn searches of GenBank using transposon Pot2 (ON843711) representative isolate 21-03-C, revealed 99.79% identity to P. oryzae (Syn. Magnaporthe oryzae) isolate MD1 (MK608664). Pathogenicity tests were carried out by suspending conidia from a 14-days old culture on PDA in sterile water at a concentration of 1×105 CFU/ml. Twenty seeds of P. miliaceum were sown in pots filled with a steamed mix of white peat and perlite, 80:20 v/v, and maintained at 28°C under a 12 hours day/night light cycle. Diseased leaves of 10 plants were inoculated by aspersion of 10 ml of the conidial suspension of isolate 21-03-C 2 weeks after the sowing (Harmon et al.; 2003). Plants were incubated in a near moisture-saturated environment in plastic bags at 28°C for 72h, after which symptoms were visually assessed. Ten control plants, inoculated with 10 ml of sterile distilled water remained healthy. P. oryzae was reisolated from leaves showing oblong, whitish lesions, surrounded by light brown margins and identified by resequencing of transposon Pot2. P. oryzae has been already reported on millet in South Korea as causal agent of blast (Klaubauf et al.; 2014). To our knowledge, this is the first report of P. oryzae as a pathogen of millet in Italy and in Europe. Further studies should be conducted to characterize these millet isolates by assessing their virulence on Oryza sativa and the implications in the adoption of P. miliaceum in rotation with rice, to prevent possible carry over of the pathogen on the main crop.

Transcriptome Sequencing and Metabolome Analysis Reveals the Molecular Mechanism of Drought Stress in Millet.

As one of the oldest agricultural crops in China, millet (Panicum miliaceum) has powerful drought tolerance. In this study, transcriptome and metabolome analyses of 'Hequ Red millet' (HQ) and 'Yanshu No.10' (YS10) millet after 6 h of drought stress were performed. Transcriptome characteristics of drought stress in HQ and YS10 were characterized by Pacbio full-length transcriptome sequencing. The pathway analysis of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) showed that the highly enriched categories were related to starch and sucrose metabolism, pyruvate metabolism, metabolic pathways, and the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites when the two millet varieties were subjected to drought stress. Under drought stress, 245 genes related to energy metabolism were found to show significant changes between the two strains. Further analysis showed that 219 genes related to plant hormone signal transduction also participated in the drought response. In addition, numerous genes involved in anthocyanin metabolism and photosynthesis were confirmed to be related to drought stress, and these genes showed significant differential expression and played an important role in anthocyanin metabolism and photosynthesis. Moreover, we identified 496 transcription factors related to drought stress, which came from 10 different transcription factor families, such as bHLH, C3H, MYB, and WRKY. Further analysis showed that many key genes related to energy metabolism, such as citrate synthase, isocitrate dehydrogenase, and ATP synthase, showed significant upregulation, and most of the structural genes involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis also showed significant upregulation in both strains. Most genes related to plant hormone signal transduction showed upregulated expression, while many JA and SA signaling pathway-related genes were downregulated. Metabolome analysis was performed on 'Hequ red millet' (HQ) and 'Yanshu 10' (YS10), a total of 2082 differential metabolites (DEMs) were identified. These findings indicate that energy metabolism, anthocyanins, photosynthesis, and plant hormones are closely related to the drought resistance of millet and adapt to adversity by precisely regulating the levels of various molecular pathways.

Leaf Transcriptome Analysis of Broomcorn Millet Uncovers Key Genes and Pathways in Response to Sporisorium destruens.

Broomcorn millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) affected by smut (caused by the pathogen Sporisorium destruens) has reduced production yields and quality. Determining the tolerance of broomcorn millet varieties is essential for smut control. This study focuses on the differences in the phenotypes, physiological characteristics, and transcriptomes of resistant and susceptible broomcorn millet varieties under Sporisorium destruens stress. In diseased broomcorn millet, the plant height and stem diameter were reduced, while the number of nodes increased. After infection, the activities of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase decreased, and malondialdehyde and relative chlorophyll content (SPAD) decreased. Transcriptome analysis showed 514 and 5452 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the resistant and susceptible varieties, respectively. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis of DEGs showed that pathways related to plant disease resistance, such as phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, plant-pathogen interaction, and plant hormone signal transduction, were significantly enriched. In addition, the transcriptome changes of cluster leaves and normal leaves in diseased broomcorn millet were analysed. Gene ontology and KEGG enrichment analyses indicated that photosynthesis played an important role in both varieties. These findings lay a foundation for future research on the molecular mechanism of the interaction between broomcorn millet and Sporisorium destruens.

Diversity in Accessions of Panicum miliaceum L. Based on Agro-Morphological, Antioxidative, and Genetic Traits.

The genetic diversity and antioxidant potential of Panicum miliaceum L. accessions collected from different geo-ecological regions of South Korea were evaluated and compared. Antioxidant potential of seeds was estimated by the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging assays and total phenolic content was determined by the Folin⁻Ciocalteu method. Total phenolic content (TPC) in 80% methanolic extracts ranged from 16.24 ± 0.86 to 58.04 ± 1.00 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g of the sample extracts and total flavonoid content (TFC) varied from 7.19 ± 1.05 to 52.56 ± 1.50 mg quercetin equivalents (QE) mg/g of the sample extracts. DPPH radical scavenging capacity of the extracts from the 15 accessions of P. miliaceum varied from 206.44 ± 7.72 to 2490.24 ± 4.641 mg GAE/g of the sample extracts and ABTS radical scavenging capacity ranged from 624.85 ± 13.1 to 1087. 77 ± 9.58 mg GAE/g of the sample extracts. A wide range of genetic variation was observed as measured by Shannon's information index (I), number of effective alleles (Ne), number of observed alleles (Na), expected heterozygosity (He), unbiased expected heterozygosity (uHe). The observed variation in the bioactive properties, morphological traits, and genetic diversity among the accessions may provide useful information for breeding programs seeking to improve bioactive properties of P. miliaceum.

Image-based 3D canopy reconstruction to determine potential productivity in complex multi-species crop systems.

Background and Aims: Intercropping systems contain two or more species simultaneously in close proximity. Due to contrasting features of the component crops, quantification of the light environment and photosynthetic productivity is extremely difficult. However it is an essential component of productivity. Here, a low-tech but high-resolution method is presented that can be applied to single- and multi-species cropping systems to facilitate characterization of the light environment. Different row layouts of an intercrop consisting of Bambara groundnut ( Vigna subterranea ) and proso millet ( Panicum miliaceum ) have been used as an example and the new opportunities presented by this approach have been analysed. Methods: Three-dimensional plant reconstruction, based on stereo cameras, combined with ray tracing was implemented to explore the light environment within the Bambara groundnut-proso millet intercropping system and associated monocrops. Gas exchange data were used to predict the total carbon gain of each component crop. Key Results: The shading influence of the tall proso millet on the shorter Bambara groundnut results in a reduction in total canopy light interception and carbon gain. However, the increased leaf area index (LAI) of proso millet, higher photosynthetic potential due to the C4 pathway and sub-optimal photosynthetic acclimation of Bambara groundnut to shade means that increasing the number of rows of millet will lead to greater light interception and carbon gain per unit ground area, despite Bambara groundnut intercepting more light per unit leaf area. Conclusions: Three-dimensional reconstruction combined with ray tracing provides a novel, accurate method of exploring the light environment within an intercrop that does not require difficult measurements of light interception and data-intensive manual reconstruction, especially for such systems with inherently high spatial possibilities. It provides new opportunities for calculating potential productivity within multi-species cropping systems, enables the quantification of dynamic physiological differences between crops grown as monoculture and those within intercrops, and enables the prediction of new productive combinations of previously untested crops.

Reduced plant water status under sub-ambient pCO2 limits plant productivity in the wild progenitors of C3 and C4 cereals.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The reduction of plant productivity by low atmospheric CO2 partial pressure (pCO2) during the last glacial period is proposed as a limiting factor for the establishment of agriculture. Supporting this hypothesis, previous work has shown that glacial pCO2 limits biomass in the wild progenitors of C3 and C4 founder crops, in part due to the direct effects of glacial pCO2 on photosynthesis. Here, we investigate the indirect role of pCO2 mediated via water status, hypothesizing that faster soil water depletion at glacial (18 Pa) compared to post-glacial (27 Pa) pCO2, due to greater stomatal conductance, feeds back to limit photosynthesis during drying cycles. METHODS: We grew four wild progenitors of C3 and C4 crops at glacial and post-glacial pCO2 and investigated physiological changes in gas exchange, canopy transpiration, soil water content and water potential between regular watering events. Growth parameters including leaf area were measured. KEY RESULTS: Initial transpiration rates were higher at glacial pCO2 due to greater stomatal conductance. However, stomatal conductance declined more rapidly over the soil drying cycle in glacial pCO2 and was associated with decreased intercellular pCO2 and lower photosynthesis. Soil water content was similar between pCO2 levels as larger leaf areas at post-glacial pCO2 offset the slower depletion of water. Instead the feedback could be linked to reduced plant water status. Particularly in the C4 plants, soil-leaf water potential gradients were greater at 18 Pa compared with 27 Pa pCO2, suggesting an increased ratio of leaf evaporative demand to supply. CONCLUSIONS: Reduced plant water status appeared to cause a negative feedback on stomatal aperture in plants at glacial pCO2, thereby reducing photosynthesis. The effects were stronger in C4 species, providing a mechanism for reduced biomass at 18 Pa. These results have added significance when set against the drier climate of the glacial period.

Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Broomcorn Millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) Cultivars and Landraces in China Based on Microsatellite Markers.

Broomcorn millet (Panicum miliaceum L.), one of the first domesticated crops, has been grown in Northern China for at least 10,000 years. The species is presently a minor crop, and evaluation of its genetic diversity has been very limited. In this study, we analyzed the genetic diversity of 88 accessions of broomcorn millet collected from various provinces of China. Amplification with 67 simple sequence repeat (SSR) primers revealed moderate levels of diversity in the investigated accessions. A total of 179 alleles were detected, with an average of 2.7 alleles per locus. Polymorphism information content and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.043 to 0.729 (mean = 0.376) and 0.045 to 0.771 (mean = 0.445), respectively. Cluster analysis based on the unweighted pair group method of mathematical averages separated the 88 accessions into four groups at a genetic similarity level of 0.633. A genetic structure assay indicated a close correlation between geographical regions and genetic diversity. The uncovered information will be valuable for defining gene pools and developing breeding programs for broomcorn millet. Furthermore, the millet-specific SSR markers developed in this study should serve as useful tools for assessment of genetic diversity and elucidation of population structure in broomcorn millet.

Ready-to-cook millet flakes based on minor millets for modern consumer.

There is an increased demand among the consumers for convenient foods for various reasons. Millets such as little, proso, barnyard and ragi were explored for processing into Ready-To-Cook (RTC) millet flakes to meet the needs of modern consumers. Physico-functional and nutrient composition of RTC millet flakes were evaluated against the control (oats flakes and rice flakes). Variation in physical, functional and nutrient composition were observed among the flakes. The RTC flakes of minor millets were smaller in size and density but more fragile and crisp than the commercial oats and rice flakes. Higher flake volume (16.35 ml) and lower bulk density was recorded in little millet flakes (0.15 g/ml). Good cooking properties were recorded in all millet flakes. Lowest fat content (0.40 g/100 g) was recorded in little millet flakes whereas proso millet flakes exhibited highest crude protein (14.72 g/100) and dietary fiber (21.56 g/100 g). Among the millet flakes, RTC little millet flake was most acceptable in terms of sensory quality and also exhibited good shelf life of four months at ambient temperature of 24-31 °C. The microbial load decreased during storage period and was within permissible limits.

Phenanthrene metabolism in Panicum miliaceum: anatomical adaptations, degradation pathway, and computational analysis of a dioxygenase enzyme.

Polycyclic aromatic compounds (PAHs) are persistent organic pollutants of environmental concern due to their potential impacts on food chain, with plants being particularly vulnerable. While plants can uptake, transport, and transform PAHs, the precise mechanisms underlying their localization and degradation are not fully understood. Here, a cultivation experiment conducted with Panicum miliaceum exposed different concentrations of phenanthrene (PHE). Intermediate PHE degradation compounds were identified via GC-MS analysis, leading to the proposal of a phytodegradation pathway featuring three significant benzene ring cleavage steps. Our results showed that P. miliaceum exhibited the ability to effectively degrade high levels of PHE, resulting in the production of various intermediate products through several chemical changes. Examination of the localization and anatomical characteristics revealed structural alterations linked to PHE stress, with an observed enhancement in PHE accumulation density in both roots and shoots as treatment levels increased. Following a 2-week aging period, a decrease in the amount of PHE accumulation was observed, along with a change in its localization. Bioinformatics analysis of the P. miliaceum 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase (2-ODD) DAO-like protein revealed a 299 amino acid structure with two highly conserved domains, namely 2OG-FeII_Oxy and DIOX_N. Molecular docking analysis aligned with experimental results, strongly affirming the potential link and direct action of 2-ODD DAO-like protein with PHE. Our study highlights P. miliaceum capacity for PAHs degradation and elucidates the mechanisms behind enhanced degradation efficiency. By integrating experimental evidence with bioinformatics analysis, we offer valuable insights into the potential applications of plant-based remediation strategies for PAHs-contaminated environments.

Influences of Natural Antioxidants, Reactive Oxygen Species and Compatible Solutes of Panicum Miliaceum L. Towards Drought Stress.

In proso millet, in certain circumstances, drought stress greatly influences growth and metabolisms. Thus, the present study was aimed to examine morphological, biochemical and ROS mechanisms between plant and drought stress in Panicum miliaceum L. To create the drought condition, water irrigation was done at different time intervals including 4, 7, 10, 13 days and control. All the experiments were carried out at different maturity stages such as 30, 50, and 70 days (after sowing). The results demonstrated that the root length, proline, glycine betaine, amino acid and superoxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidase activities were boosted in all treatments as compared with control. As the proso millet matured, the length of shoots and the amount of chlorophyll pigment in the leaves reduced in all treatments as compared to control. Induced reduction of shoot growth, chlorophyll estimation and increases of root growth, osmolyte accumulations, antioxidant enzymes, were found to be drought-tolerant adaptative mechanisms in this study.

Dynamic modeling of pesticide residue in proso millet under multiple application situations.

Proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) is a cereal crop with potential resistance to drought and heat stress, making it a promising alternative crop for regions with hot and dry climates. Because of its importance, it is crucial to investigate pesticide residues in proso millet and assess their potential risks to the environment and human health to protect it from insects or pathogens. This study aimed to develop a model for predicting pesticide residues in proso millet using dynamiCROP. The field trials consisted of four plots, with each plot containing three replicates of 10 m2. The applications of pesticides were conducted two or three times for each pesticide. The residual concentrations of the pesticides in the millet grains were quantitatively analyzed using gas and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The dynamiCROP simulation model, which calculates the residual kinetics of pesticides in plant-environment systems, was employed for predicting pesticide residues in proso millet. Crop-specific, environment-specific, and pesticide-specific parameters were utilized to optimize the model. Half-lives of pesticides in grain of proso millet, which were needed to input for dynamiCROP, were estimated using a modified first-order equation. Proso millet-specific parameters were obtained from previous studies. The accuracy of the dynamiCROP model was assessed using statistical criteria, including the coefficient of correlation (R), coefficient of determination (R2), mean absolute error (MAE), relative root mean square error (RRMSE), and root mean square logarithmic error (RMSLE). The model was then validated using additional field trial data, which showed that it could accurately predict pesticide residues in proso millet grain under different environmental conditions. The results demonstrated the accuracy of the model in predicting pesticide residues in proso millet after multiple applications.

Dose-dependent Spasmolytic, Bronchodilator, and Hypotensive Activities of Panicum miliaceum L.

Panicum miliaceum L. is a medicinally effective plant used in indigenous system of medicine for a variety of ailments. However, there is no comprehensive study explaining its effectiveness in gastrointestinal tract, respiratory, and cardiovascular system ailments. This study was designed to validate the pharmacological basis for the folkloric use of Panicum miliaceum L. in diarrhea, asthma, and hypertension. Panicum miliaceum extract was analyzed to detect the presence of bioactive compounds by HPLC. The isolated rabbit jejunum, trachea, and aorta were used for in vitro experiments using tissue bath assembly coupled with Power Lab data acquisition system to explore their relative effects. In-vivo experiments were performed for anti-diarrheal activity. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of gallic acid, butylated hydroxytoluene, catechin, and quercetin. Concentration dependent activities were observed by relaxing K+ (low) induced contractions having spasmolytic effect with EC50 = .358 ± .052, bronchodilator (EC50 = 2.483 ± .05793), and vasorelaxant (EC50 = .383 ± .063), probably due to the ATP dependent potassium channel activation. It was confirmed through pre-exposure of glibenclamide (specific ATP-dependent K+ channel blocker) having similarities with cromakalim. Pm.Cr revealed its antidiarrheal via in vivo experiments on rats. This study indicates that Panicum miliaceum has antidiarrheal, spasmolytic, bronchodilator, and vasorelaxant activities probably due to the ATP dependent K+ channel activation.

Analysis of Sour Porridge Microbiota and Improvement of Cooking Quality via Pure Culture Fermentation Using Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Strain SZ02.

The microbial composition of sour porridge at different fermentation times was analyzed through high-throughput sequencing, and a pure culture fermentation process was established to optimize production process and improve the edible quality of the porridge. In natural fermentation, Firmicutes and Proteobacteria were abundant throughout the process. Specifically, Aeromonas, Acinetobacter, and Klebsiella were dominant on fermentation days 1-5 (groups NF-1, NF-3, and NF-5), while Lactobacillus and Acetobacter gradually became the dominant bacteria on fermentation day 7 (group NF-7). Further, we isolated one strain of acid-producing bacteria from sour porridge, identified as Lacticaseibacillus paracasei by 16SrRNA sequencing and annotated as strain SZ02. Pure culture fermentation using this strain significantly increased the relative starch and amylose contents of the porridge, while decreasing the lipid, protein, and ash contents (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that sour porridge produced using strain SZ02 has superior edible qualities and this strategy may be exploited for its industrial production.

Breathing New Life to Ancient Crops: Promoting the Ancient Philippine Grain "Kabog Millet" as an Alternative to Rice.

Consumption of underutilised ancient crops has huge benefits for our society. It improves food security by diversifying our staple foods and makes our agriculture more adaptable to climate change. The Philippines has a rich biodiversity and many plant species used as staple foods are native to the Philippines. An example of ancient Philippine crops is the kabog millet, an ecotype of Panicum miliaceum. There is a dearth of information about its uses and properties; hence, in this study, the nutritional quality of kabog millet was evaluated. The total starch, % amylose, ash, dietary fibre, proteins, essential amino acid profile, phenolic acids, carotenoids, tocopherols, and the antioxidant properties of its total phenolic acid extracts were compared to four types of rice (white, brown, red, and black) and a reference millet, purchased from local Swiss supermarkets. Our analyses showed that kabog millet has higher total dietary fibre, total protein, total phenolic acids, tocopherols, and carotenoids content than white rice. It also performed well in antioxidant assays. Our results indicate that kabog millet is a good alternative to rice. It is hoped that the results of this study will encourage consumers and farmers to diversify their food palette and address food insecurity.

Comparison of physicochemical properties and cooking edibility of waxy and non-waxy proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.).

The quality characteristics of waxy and non-waxy proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) are different because of their varying amylose content. Physical appearance, pasting properties, cooking and edibility were investigated in five waxy and five non-waxy proso millet varieties. The results showed that the amylose content of proso millet flour was positively correlated with peak viscosity, trough viscosity, breakdown viscosity, final viscosity, setback viscosity, peak time, and pasting temperature. The porridge made with non-waxy proso millet was thicker as compared with that of made with waxy proso millet. Cooked non-waxy proso millet was hard whereas waxy proso millet was sticky. The non-waxy proso millet contained higher resistant starch and lower rapidly digestible starch than waxy proso millet. From this study, we can conclude that quality characteristics of waxy and non-waxy proso millet are different, and this may provide an insight in food processing and commercial production of proso millet.