Variation in protein and amino acids in global collection of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) germplasm

• Published in: Journal of food composition and analysis Vol. 134; p. 106557
• Main Authors: Singh, Satbeer, Yadav, Devvart, Beckmann, Manfred, Naveen, Aavula, Gangashetty, Prakash I., Mur, Luis A.J., Yadav, Rattan S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 01-10-2024
• Subjects: Genetic diversity; Improved varieties; Nutrition and health; Pearl millet; PMiGAP; Protein malnutrition; Nutrition and health; Improved varieties; Pearl millet; Genetic diversity; PMiGAP; Protein malnutrition
• ISSN: 0889-1575; 1096-0481
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jfca.2024.106557

Pearl millet is a major source of daily protein intake in south Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Despite considerable importance, the extent of variation in protein and amino acids in pearl millet global germplasm is unknown. The present study assessed 165 genotypes from within the Pearl Millet Inbred Germplasm Association Panel (PMiGAP), that includes breeding lines, landraces and improved cultivars randomly drawn from a core collection from 23 countries, for protein content and 18 amino acids. The results showed considerable variation for protein content (10.06 – 20.31 %) and amino acids in PMiGAP. Diverse patterns were observed across the geographical distribution and clustered the germplasm into 7 clusters, with one cluster (“2”) containing most of the superior properties. Most amino acid levels were positively correlated but these were negatively correlated with protein content. A set of twelve genotypes was identified having higher protein with better amino acid compositions. These superior genotypes could directly feed into global and regional pearl millet improvement programs to counter hidden hunger in developing countries. We propose that these findings can be combined with the starches, lipids, antioxidants, micronutrients, and other healthful traits for which the PMiGAP resource has been extensively studied.
•Wide genetic variation identified for protein and amino acid in PMiGAP.•The protein content in PMiGAP is much higher (20 %) than any of the major cereals.•Diverse patterns were observed across the geographical distribution and clustering.•The protein content was negatively correlated with most of the amino acids.•Twelve superior genotypes were identified for protein and amino acid compositions.