Genetic Diversity for Grain Nutrients Content in Finger Millet (Eleusine Coracana (L.) Gaertn.) Germplasm

• Published in: Nutriomics of Millet Crops pp. 175 - 200
• Main Authors: Ojulong, Henry Fred, Manyasa, Eric, Patrick, Sheunda, Oduori, Chrispus, Adikini, Scovia, Nyaligwa, Lameck, Mushoriwa, Hapson
• Format: Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: United Kingdom CRC Press 2024; Taylor & Francis Group
• Edition: 1
• Subjects: Higher Nutrient Content; Zn Content; Eleusine Indica; Vice Versa; Ca Content; Finger Millet; Non-starchy Polysaccharides; Genotypic Coefficient; Nutrient Content; Germplasm; Pearl Millet; Finger Millet Grain; Genetic Diversity; Core Collection; Protein Malnutrition; Morphological Markers; Darker Grains; Protein Content; Asian Accessions; Low Ca; Average Fe Content; Breeding Program; Highest Zn Content; Fe Content; Lowest Zn Content; Micronutrient and Macronutrient
• DOI: 10.1201/b22809-9
• ISBN: 9781032230962; 9781032230948; 1032230940; 1032230967

Knowledge of existing genetic variability is essential for initiating a successful plant breeding program. This chapter reviews nutrient diversity studies conducted on finger millet germplasm globally. In all the studies, very high variability was observed in all the quality traits determined. Most of the nutrients were positively correlated with each other, implying that they can simultaneously be improved. Grain color and glume covering were associated with nutrient content, with darker grains having higher compared to white-colored and enclosed grains having higher nutrient content than intermediate covered having higher content. These two can be used as morphological markers. Local cultivars and varieties released in the East and South Asia (ESA) region had significantly lower levels of the main essential nutrients (Ca, Fe, and Zn) found in finger millet, most likely as a result of farmers selecting for varieties with brown-colored grain. Country of origin was highly significant for all the nutrients, with accessions from eastern and southern Africa having significantly lower nutrient contents. Grain color was associated with nutrient content with darker grains having higher compared to white colored. All nutrients were positively correlated (P < 0.001) with each other. Grain yield was not significantly correlated with any nutrient content. The substantial variability for the grain nutrients observed in the finger millet core collection and local germplasm indicates the possibility for the selection of nutrient-rich accessions for use in the breeding programs. This chapter reviews nutrient diversity studies conducted on finger millet germplasm globally. Finger millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn.) is a staple crop upon which millions of people living in marginal areas of sub-Saharan Africa and Asia depend on for food, nutrition, and income in rural households. Finger millet has high genetic diversity for agronomically and nutritionally important traits. A comparison of mean grain nutrient contents of the accessions classified by geographic origin indicated poor evidence for the relationship of grain nutrient contents with geographical origin. Weak positive and negative correlations exist between grain yield and calcium; and grain yield and iron, zinc, and protein, respectively, implying that breeding for improved nutrient content of the micro and macronutrients will not affect yield and vice versa. The low nutrient content in the farmer-preferred varieties and the newly released varieties is likely a result of selection against the dark-colored varieties as most farmers prefer light and copper brown-colored grains.