Genetic Diversity and Genomic Resources in Millets
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17799730Keywords:
Millets, Genetic diversity, Genomics, Biofortification, Markerassisted breedingAbstract
Millets, a diverse group of small seeded C₄ grasses, are vital for food and nutritional security in arid and semi-arid regions due to their resilience to drought, short growing cycles, and nutrient-rich grains. This review synthesizes advances in understanding the genetic diversity and genomic resources of major millets pearl, finger, foxtail, proso, barnyard, little, and kodo. Landraces and wild relatives remain critical reservoirs of alleles for stress tolerance and nutritional enhancement. Recent genomic breakthroughs, including the sequencing of foxtail, pearl, finger, proso, and barnyard millet genomes, have accelerated gene discovery and molecular breeding. Marker-assisted selection, QTL mapping, and genomic selection have enabled significant progress in developing biofortified and stress-resilient cultivars, such as iron- and zinc-rich pearl millet hybrids and blast-resistant finger millet lines. Integration of pangenomics, transcriptomics, and genome editing (CRISPR-Cas systems) offers transformative potential for trait improvement. However, limited research funding, complex polyploid genomes, and regulatory barriers still constrain genomic adoption. The paper highlights future prospects, including omics integration, AI driven breeding, and global mainstreaming of millets as climate-smart, nutrient-dense crops crucial for achieving Sustainable Development Goals related to zero hunger, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture.
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