Hydrothermal treatment of pearl millet grains:Effects on nutritional composition,antinutrients and flour properties

Pearl millet(Pennisetum glaucum)is one of the major millets with high nutritional properties.This crop exhibits exceptional resilience to drought and high temperatures.However,the processing of pearl millet poses a significant challenge due to its high lipid content,enzyme activity,and presence of antinutrients.Consequently,it becomes imperative to enhance the quality and prolong the shelf life of pearl millet flour by employing suitable technologies.Hydrothermal treatment in the food industry has long been seen as promising due to its potential to reduce microbial load,inactivate enzymes,and improve nutrient retention.This study aims to investigate the effects of hydrothermal treatment on the quality characteristics of pearl millet.The independent variables of the study were soaking temperature(35,45,55℃),soaking time(2,3,4 h),and steaming time(5,10,15 min).Treatment conditions had a statistically significant effect on nutrient retention.Major antinutrients like tannins and phytates were reduced by 0.99% to 5.94% and 0.36% to 6.00%,respectively,after the treatment.Lipase activity decreased significantly up to 10% with the treatment conditions.The findings of this study could potentially encourage the use of pearl millet flour in the production of various food items and promote the application of hydrothermal treatment in the field of food processing.

Effects of Whole-plant Corn Silage and Whole-plant Wheat Silage on Growth Performance and Economic Benefits of Beef Cattle

[Objectives]This study was conducted to study the effects of whole-plant corn silage and whole-plant wheat silage on growth performance and economic benefits of beef cattle.[Methods]Thirty Simmental crossbred cattle were selected and randomly divided based on their weight into two groups,15 cows in each group,with an average weight of 398 kg.Each group was fed the same concentrated feed,and the whole-plant corn silage and wheat silage were fed as roughage feed,respectively.The experimental period was 90 d.[Results](1)There was no significant difference in the initial weight of beef cattle between test group 1 and test group 2(P>0.05).Compared with group 2,group 1 had a higher final weight,average daily gain,and dry matter intake of beef cattle,without significant differences(P>0.05).Group 1 was 0.58%,1.99%,and 1.43%higher than group 2,respectively.The feed-to-gain ratio of test group 1 decreased by 0.54%compared with test group 2(P>0.05),with no significant difference therebetween.(2)The economic benefit of group 1 was 11.45 yuan/(day·capita),while the economic benefit of group 2 was 2.41 yuan/(day·capita),and group 1 was 9.04 yuan/(day·capita)higher than group 2.[Conclusions]Whole-plant corn silage for feeding beef cattle has the advantages of good weight gain and low breeding cost,and can be popularized in beef cattle fattening.

Key Points of Simple Cultivation Technique for Whole-plant Silage Maize in Guangxi

With the vigorous development of animal husbandry in Guangxi,feed problems have become increasingly prominent.Silage maize has the characteristics of rapid growth,high nutritional value,easy digestion and absorption,and a large amount of biological output being obtained in a short time.It is one of the ideal basic feeds for cattle and sheep and other breeding industries.Based on this,the simple cultivation technique of whole-plant silage maize was summarized from the aspects of land preparation,selection of maize variety,sowing,field management,pest control and timely harvesting,so as to provide technical reference for scientific planting of silage maize in Guangxi.

Gene expression profiles in early leaf of rice(Oryza sativa)and foxtail millet(Setaria italica)

Plant anatomy is patterned early during leaf development which suggests studying the spatial–temporal transcriptomes of primordia will help identify critical regulative and functional genes.We successfully isolated the leaf primordia tissues from the C3grass rice and the C4grass foxtail millet by laser capture microdissection(LCM)and studied the gene expression throughout leaf developmental stages.Our data analysis uncovered the conserved expression patterns of certain gene clusters both in rice and foxtail millet during leaf development.We revealed genes and transcription factors involved in vein formation,stomatal development,and suberin accumulation.We identified 79 candidate genes associated with functional regulation of C4anatomy formation.Screening phenotype of the candidate genes revealed that knock-out of a putative polar auxin transport related gene NAL1 resulted significantly reduced veinal space in rice leaf.Our present work provides a foundation for future analyses of genes with novel functions in grasses and their role in leaf development,in particular the role in leaves with a contrasting C3vs.C4biosynthetic pathway.

Study of the Constraints of Millet Production (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) and the Peasant Perception of Biological Control in the Tahoua Region

Millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) is the Sahelian crop par excellence due to its adaptation to the particular production conditions in this region. Unfortunately, in recent years this crop has been threatened by very strong parasitic pressure and drought during the production period. The objective of this study is to analyze the main constraints of millet production and the solutions known to producers. A survey was carried out in November 2022 with a sample of 298 producers in five municipalities in the Tahoua region. The main constraints are drought and pressure from crop pests (locust, millet ear miner, floricultural insects) according to 57.9% of respondents. The millet ear miner is the most formidable pest according to 55% of respondents. Thus, the average yield obtained in a year of good production without the leafminer is 194 kg/ha and that obtained in a year of millet ear leafminer is around 27 kg to 43 kg/ha depending on the municipality. The yield obtained this last campaign after the attack of this leafminer varies from 64 to 77 kg/ha depending on the municipalities compared to a potential yield of over 1000 kg/ha. More than half of producers (58.1%) are unaware of the existence of biological control compared to only 12.5% who are aware of this alternative method. Work to popularize this technology is necessary in the five municipalities and the entire region in general.

Technological advancements in millet dehulling and polishing process: An insight into pretreatment methods, machineries and impact on nutritional quality

Millets are widely recognized for their nutritional significance;however, the methods employed for their processing are currently lacking. This article primarily focuses on the advanced technologies and progressions in millet dehulling and polishing. These technologies operate based on the fundamental principles of compression-shearing, abrasion-friction, and centrifugal-impact forces. Processing of millets can be challenging because of the physical characteristics and tight attachment of hull and bran to the endosperm. However, several dehullers have been designed to solve this problem for different kinds of millets. In addition, the nutritional and anti-nutritional characteristics undergo alterations due to both dehulling and polishing processes. These alterations are thoroughly examined and discussed in this article. Specifically, anti-nutrients such as tannins and phytate are predominantly found in the outer pericarp of the grain and experience a reduction after undergoing dehulling and polishing. The nutritional properties are also subjected to a reduction;however, this reduction can be mitigated by subjecting the grains to certain pretreatments before dehulling and polishing. These treatments serve to enhance dehulling efficiency and nutrient digestibility while simultaneously reducing the presence of anti-nutrients. Novel thermal and non-thermal methodologies such as microwave, hydrothermal, high-pressure processing, and ohmic heating can be employed for processing millets, thereby diminishing the loss of nutrients. Additional research can be carried out to investigate their impact on the dehulling and polishing of millets.

Effects of Nitrogen Application Rate on Yield and Quality of Different Genotypes of Foxtail Millet

In order to elucidate the response mechanism of yield and quality of different genotypes of foxtail millet to nitrogen application.In this study,plant physiology and metabolomics were used to study the effects of different amounts of nitrogen(0,75,150,225 and 300 kg hm^(-2))on agronomic characters,yield and quality of Jingu 21 and Zhangza 10.The results showed that with the increase of nitrogen application,the plant height of different genotypes of foxtail millet increased gradually,and the content of stem diameter,yield,protein,fat,lysine,phenylalanine,isoleucine,arginine,aspartic,glutamic,glycine,and proline content of different genotypes of foxtail millet showed an increasing and then decreasing trend.The highest yield was recorded in Jingu 21 at 150 kg hm^(-2),and the highest yield was recorded in Zhangza 10 at 225 kg hm^(-2) of nitrogen application.Yield of Jingu 21 was positively correlated with protein and tryptophan content(r=0.91).The yield of Zhangza 10 was positively correlated with fibre content(r=0.89).The protein content of different genotypes of foxtail millet were negatively correlated with the peak viscosity(PV),trough viscosity(TV)and breakdown value(BD).The results of this study clarify that the optimal nitrogen application of Jinguu 21 was 150 kg hm^(-2),and that of Zhangza 10 was 225 kg hm^(-2).The regulation effect of nitrogen on foxtail millet was clarified,which laid the theoretical and technical foundation for foxtail millet cultivation with high yield and high quality.

Gut microbiota remodeling drived by dietary millet protein prevents the metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome(Met S)is a chronic disease associated with the disturbance of gut microbiota homeostasis.Metabolites derived from gut microbes play essential roles in Met S prevention and therapy.Here,we focused on the inhibitory effect of the extract of millet bran protein(EMBP)on a high-fat diet(HFD)-induced Met S,aiming to identify gut microbiota and their metabolites that involve in the anti-Met S activity of EMBP.The obesity,chronic inflammation,insulin resistance in Met S mouse models were abolished after EMBP treatment.The protective mechanism of EMBP against HFD-induced Met S may depend on improved gut barrier function.Using microbiome analysis,we found that EMBP supplementation improved gut microbiome dysbiosis in Met S mice,specifically upregulating Bacteroides acidifaciens.The fecal microbiota transplantation(FMT)also demonstrated this phenomenon.In addition,metabolomic analysis showed that EMBP mediates metabolic profiling reprogramming in Met S mice.Notably,a microbiota-derived metabolite,gamma-aminobutyric acid(GABA),is enriched by EMBP.In addition,exogenous GABA treatment produced a similar protective effect to EMBP by improving NRF2-dependent gut barrier function to protect HFDinduced Met S.The results suggest that EMBP suppress host Met S by remodeling of gut microbiota as an effective candidate for next-generation medicine food dual purpose dietary supplement to intervene in MetS.

SiRAP2-12,a Positive Regulatory Factor,Effectively Improves the Waterlogging Tolerance of Foxtail Millet(Setaria italica)

Foxtail millet(Setaria italica)growth was inhibited because of waterlogging stress,which has caused yield reduc-tion.ERF family plays an important role to plant adversity tolerance.In our study,we obtained 19,819 differential expressed genes(DEGs)between the two treatments based on the RNA-seq sequencing of foxtail millet of water-logging stress.Furthermore,a total of 28 ERF family members were obtained,which have a complete open read-ing frame.We studied the evolution and function of SiERF family and how they affected the waterlogging tolerance.It was found that SiERF1A/B/C(GenBank ID:OR775217,OR775219,OR775218)and SiRAP2-12(GenBank ID:OR775216)have similar functions to the known waterlogging tolerance genes of other plants.Among them,the SiRAP2-12 expression was obviously significantly up-regulated in foxtail millet after 5d water-logging stress.After SiRAP2-12 was silenced,the activity of defense enzymes in millet decreased significantly.In details,superoxide dismutase(SOD),catalase(CAT)and peroxidase(POD),the osmotic regulator proline(Pro),and the activity of the anaerobic respiratory enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase(ADH)content were decreased by 78.61%,29.52%,79.95%,19.41%and 54.77%,respectively.In contrast,the relative electrical conductivity contents(REC),malondialdehyde(MDA),and hydrogen peroxide(H_(2)O_(2))of the foxtail millet subjected to virus-induced gene silencing clearly increased by 1.03-fold,36.09%,and 15.21%,respectively.The content of sodium(Na^(+))in the SiRAP2-12-silenced foxtail millet also increased,but that of potassium(K^(+))decreased.Interestingly,we found that ethylene content was significantly reduced.Further,the SiAOC1 expression,an essential gene for ethylene synthesis,was inhibited in SiRAP2-12-silenced foxtail millet after waterlogging stress.Taken together,we hypothesized that SiRAP2-12 might be a positive regulator of millet tolerance to waterlogging stress.

Effects of Seeding Date and Density on Yield and Agronomic Traits of Millet : A Case Study of Wangu 098 Variety of Millet

[Objectives]To find out a suitable cultivation technique of Wangu 098 in Nanyang area,speed up the popularization,demonstration and application of Wangu 098,and provide a theoretical and practical basis for adjusting the planting structure and realizing the matching of improved varieties and methods.[Methods]The new self-bred millet variety Wangu 098 was used as the material,and the two-factor split zone experimental design was adopted.The effects of different sowing dates and densities on the yield,growth period and agronomic characters of millet were studied.[Results]The interaction of seeding date and density had a great effect on the yield and plant traits of millet.Millet yield was significantly and positively correlated with plant height,panicle length,single panicle weight,panicle grain weight and tiller number.[Conclusions]The reasonable combination of seeding date and density could give full play to the yield potential of millet.According to the experimental results and cultivation experience,the suitable seeding date of millet in Nanyang area is in the first and middle ten days of June,and the best density is about 750000 plants/ha.However,after June 30,the seeding millet did not tiller,so the density should be increased to more than 900000 plants/ha to obtain higher yield.In terms of cultivation and management,timely seeding,reasonable close planting,and coordination of vegetative growth and reproductive growth can make the plant tall and strong,panicle long and thick,and improve the yield of millet.

Millet Origin Identification Model Based on Near-infrared Spectroscopy

[Objectives]This study was conducted to clarify the difference of millet from different producing areas in near-infrared spectroscopy(NIRS)modeling.[Methods]Millet samples from six different regions were collected for NIRS analysis,and an origin identification model based on BP neural network was established.The competitive adaptive reweighted sampling(CARS)algorithm was used to extract characteristic wavelength variables,and a CARS-BP model was established on this basis.Finally,the CARS-BP model was compared with support vector machine(SVM),partial least squares discriminant analysis(PLS)and KNN models.[Results]The characteristic wavelengths were extracted by CARS,and the number of variables was reduced from 1845 to 130.The discrimination accuracy of the CARS-BP model for the samples from six producing areas reached 98.1%,which was better than SVM,PSL and KNN models.[Conclusions]NIRS can quickly and accurately identify the origin of millet,providing a new method and way for the origin identification and quality evaluation of millet.

Polyphenol from foxtail millet bran alleviates experimental colitis in mice by remodulating intestinal fungal community

Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)is a chronic relapsing-remitting systemic disease of the gastrointestinal tract,characterized by an inflammatory process.Gut mycobiota community dysbiosis has been reported that is closely related to the development of IBD.Our previous findings indicated that polyphenol of the inner shell(BPIS)from foxtail millet bran could restore the gut microbiome and inhibit the progress of colorectal cancer(CRC).In the present study,we studied the anti-inflammatory potential of BPIS in the dextran sodium sulfate(DSS)-induced mouse colitis model.Data suggested that BPIS alleviated experimental colitis by restoring body weight,colonic length and protecting the epithelial architecture from damage by DSS.Moreover,we found that BPIS strengthened the gut barrier function and inhibited the activation of Wnt1/β-catenin pathway.Gene sequence analysis indicated that BPIS remodeled the overall structure of the gut mycobiota from colitis mice toward that of the normal counterparts,including 1 phylum and 9 genera.Interestingly,BPIS significantly increased the abundance of Aspergillus ruber.It further verified that BPIS significantly promoted the growth of A.ruber in vitro.Collectively,BPIS has great potential to develop into an effective against IBD drug.

Performance Evaluation of Novel Eco-Materials Composed of Millet Husks, Rice Husks, and Polystyrene

Managing agricultural waste and expanded polystyrene (EPS) poses significant environmental and economic challenges. This study aims to create composites from millet husks, rice husks, and recycled EPS, using a manufacturing method that involves dissolving the polystyrene in a solvent followed by cold pressing. Various particle sizes and two binder dosages were investigated to assess their influence on the physico-mechanical properties of the composites. The mechanical properties obtained range from 2.54 to 4.47 MPa for the Modulus of Rupture (MOR) and from 686 to 1400 MPa for the Modulus of Elasticity in Bending (MOE). The results indicate that these composites have potential for applications in the construction sector, particularly for wood structures and interior decoration. Moreover, surface treatments could enhance their durability and mechanical properties. This research contributes to the valorization of agricultural and plastic waste as eco-friendly and economical construction materials.

Evaluation of Phytochemical Analysis and Total Phenol Content of Proso Millet and Barnyard Millet

Whole grains of proso and barnyard millets were sequentially extracted using different solvents(hexane,chloroform,ethyl acetate,and methanol).Phytochemical analysis was performed qualitatively,and the total phenolic content in the extracts of proso and barnyard millets was quantified.Alkaloids and cardiac glycosides were identified in all solvent extracts of both millets.Anthraquinone and glycosides yielded negative results in all solvent extracts of both millets.Among all the solvent extracts,methanol extracts of proso and barnyard millets showed the presence of major compounds such as flavonoids,terpenoids,amino acids,tannins,and phenolics compounds.The maximum amount of phenols was found in methanolic extracts of proso and barnyard millets(0.669±0.003 and 0.625±0.003),followed by the chloroform extract of proso and barnyard millets(0.284±0.002 and 0.257±0.003).The minimum amount of phenolics was found in the acetone extract of proso and barnyard millets.The methanol extract of both millets showed the presence of major compounds with high phenolic content.

小米椒生物力学特性试验研究

为了提升小米椒的机械化收获质量和效率,对小米椒的物理及力学特性进行了试验测量。通过测量,小米椒在15天内的含水率为86%~90%,且中部最高、首部次之、尾部最低。通过拉伸试验,确定小米椒断裂时的抗拉强度为0.679 MPa±0.03 MPa。采用正交旋转组合设计方法,确定了加载速度对抗压强度的影响极显著,小米椒直径对抗压强度的影响显著,加载速度对剪切强度的影响显著。通过轴向压缩和剪切试验,确定了小米椒首部的抗压强度平均值为0.62 MPa,弹性模量平均值为2.72 MPa;中部抗压强度平均值为0.64 MPa,弹性模量平均值为3.17 MPa;尾部抗压强度平均值为0.61 MPa,弹性模量平均值为2.64 MPa,小米椒剪切强度平均值为0.32 MPa。

吉林西部半干旱地区不同谷子品种产量与农艺性状的分析

为探究不同农艺性状对产量的影响,筛选适宜吉林西部种植的谷子品种,对20个谷子品种在各重要生育期节点的23个农艺性状进行观察并测定产量,采用变异分析、偏相关分析、相关分析和通径分析等方法进行评价。结果表明,单穗粒重的变异系数最大(15.3%),生育日数的变异系数最小(5.9%);抽穗期茎节数、成熟期茎节数、拔节期叶片数、抽穗期叶片数、成熟期倒第2片叶长、穗粗、单穗重、单穗粒重、千粒重共同影响了产量98.6%的变异;偏相关分析表明,产量与抽穗期茎节数、抽穗期叶片数、穗粗、单穗粒重显著相关,偏相关系数分别为-0.687、0.642、0.647和0.573;相关分析表明,穗长、单穗重和单穗粒重均与产量呈极显著正相关,相关系数分别为0.601、0.958、0.962,穗粗与产量呈显著正相关,相关系数为0.559;通径分析表明,成熟期茎节数、抽穗期叶片数、成熟期倒第2片叶长、穗粗、单穗粒重、千粒重对产量有正直接效应,单穗粒重对产量的直接作用最大。综上所述,冀谷168、中谷9号、嫩选18为适宜吉林西部半干旱地区种植的中熟、高产品种,应以单穗粒重和单穗重为主,抽穗期茎节数、抽穗期叶片数和穗粗为辅开展田间筛选和品种选育。以上结果为吉林西部半干旱地区谷子新品种选育和高产品种筛选提供依据。

一种农杆菌介导的糜子高效遗传转化方法

糜子(Panicum miliaceum L.)是我国传统的粮食作物,截至目前,针对糜子遗传转化方法的研究仍较少,本研究旨在建立农杆菌介导的糜子高效遗传转化方法。以糜子品种冀黍5号的成熟种子为外植体,在CIM和MSD诱导培养基上分别诱导糜子的胚性愈伤,以其作为转化受体材料,用含植物表达载体的农杆菌侵染60min并共培养6d,转接至含0.025g/L潮霉素的筛选培养基上筛选出抗性愈伤,接着在含0.015g/L潮霉素的分化培养基上分化,最后在含0.015g/L潮霉素的生根培养基上生根成苗,用载体特异性引物对再生植株进行PCR检测,鉴定其是否为阳性转基因植株。根据多个批次的转化实验统计糜子的抗性再生植株的筛选效率和转化效率。结果表明:CIM和MSD诱导培养基均能诱导出糜子胚性愈伤,但CIM培养基诱导的糜子胚性愈伤效果更好;糜子胚性愈伤在被农杆菌侵染及与农杆菌共培养后,经在含潮霉素的培养基上筛选、分化和生根后获得多株抗性再生糜子植株,3次试验获得的糜子抗性再生植株的PCR鉴定阳性率为100%,平均转化效率为30%以上。本研究成功建立了农杆菌介导的糜子遗传转化方法,操作简单,转化效率高,成本低廉,且转化不受季节限制,能规模化开展,为糜子的遗传改良提供有效的技术手段。

有机肥替代化肥氮对谷子氮素累积、产量及品质的影响

有机肥部分替代化肥是一种实现化肥减量的可持续农业生产措施。本研究于2020和2021连续2年以“沁黄2号”为供试材料,设不施氮(CK)、常量化肥氮(NPK)、有机肥替代25%化肥氮(25%M)、有机肥替代50%化肥氮(50%M)、有机肥替代75%化肥氮(75%M)和有机肥替代100%化肥氮(100%M) 6个处理,研究不同替代率对谷子产量构成和氮素吸收的影响,并分析氮素吸收调控小米米色、糊化特性和类胡萝卜素组分的效应,明确谷子生产中有机肥最佳替代率。结果表明,2年中较低的有机肥替代化肥氮率显著提高了谷子植株氮素累积,但随着替代率的持续增加,植株氮素累积量呈降低趋势,最终影响谷子产量和小米品质。2020年, 25%M处理显著提高了谷子地上部氮素累积量,较NPK处理提高9.6%;2021年,25%M处理谷子地上部氮素累积量、生物量、穗粒数和产量达到最高,较NPK处理分别提高6.1%、12.0%、15.4%和12.0%。50%M处理显著影响了小米的米色、糊化特征和类胡萝卜素含量,与NPK相比,小米籽粒红绿值、橘色值、支链淀粉含量、总淀粉含量、小米糊化最终黏度、叶黄素含量、玉米黄质含量和黄色素含量的增幅分别可达6.0%、6.0%、7.4%、4.3%、7.8%、20.7%、17.4%和2.8%。但有机肥完全替代化肥降低了谷子地上部氮素吸收、地上部生物量、穗粒数及谷子产量,也抑制了小米叶黄素和玉米黄质含量的提升。2年均表现出谷子地上部氮吸收量与小米单粒重、直链淀粉含量和小米糊化回升值呈显著的负相关。且2021年谷子地上部氮吸收量还与小米总淀粉含量、蛋白质含量、小米粉糊化峰值黏度和小米黄色素含量呈显著的负相关,与小米糊化峰谷黏度呈显著的正相关。综上,施氮总量120 kg hm^(–2)下,有机肥替代25%~50%化肥氮能通过促进植株氮素的吸收,实现产量、米色、蒸煮特性及类胡萝卜素的协同提升,为谷子化肥减量和提质增效生产提供技术支撑。

Study on Safe Dosage of Imazethapyr for an Imazethapyr Resistant Millet Variety and Its Effect on Weed Control

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the safe dosage of imazethapyr for an imazethapyr resistant millet variety and its effect on weed control. [Method] The Imazethapyr resistant millet ＂M1508＂ was used as the experimental material and the experiment was arranged in a split plot design with two factors： herbicide application time and herbicide dosage. Application time was taken as the main plot with six treatments： A1 （preemergence treatment）, A2 （postemergence treatment on the 3rd d）, A3 （postemergence treatment on the 6th d）, A4 （postemergence treatment on the 9th d）, A5 （postemergence treatment on the 12th d）, A6 （postemergence treatment on the 15th d）; spraying dosage（B） with nine treatments： B1 （0 ml/hm2 , taking water as control）, B2 （750 ml/hm2 ）, B3 （1 125 ml/hm2 ）, B4 （1 500 ml/hm2 ）, B5 （2 250 ml/hm2 ）, B6 （3 000 ml/hm2 ）, B7 （4 500 ml/hm2 ）, B8 （6 000 ml/hm2）, B9 （7 500 ml/hm2 ）; water was added at 675 kg/hm2 . [Result] Imazethapyr showed a good herbicidal effect, and the imazethapyr resistant new variety M1508 also had a high drug resistance; the dosage range of 750 -7 500 ml/hm2 was safe for millet; considering the weed control efficacy, the yield and weeding cost comprehensively, postemergence treatment on the 6th day at 1 500 -2 250 ml/hm2 was the best for herbicide application. [Conclusion] Matched chemical weeding techniques to imazethapyr resistant millet varieties were preliminarily identified, and the efficacy of imazethapyr on weed control and its security on millet were investigated, providing references for the application and promotion of imazethapyr resistant millet varieties.

Effects of Different Tillage Techniques on Yield and Water Use Efficiency in Broomcorn Millet

[Objective] The effects of different tillage techniques on dry matter accu- mulation, soil water content, water use efficiency and yield of broomcom millet were studied. [Method] With Jinsu 9 as an experiment material, the effects of deep tillage, traditional tillage and no tillage and rotary tillage on dry matter accumulation, soil water content, water use efficiency and yield of broomcom millet were investi- gated. [Result] Dry matter accumulation rate and accumulated amount were signifi- cantly higher in the deep tillage, no tillage and rotary tillage treatments than in the conventional tillage treatment, and the highest in the deep tillage treatment. The soil water content of the deep tillage treatment at 0-100 cm was higher than those of other tillage techniques, deep tillage also exhibited the highest soil water storage, and water use efficiency values were in order of deep tillage〉rotary tillage〉no tillage〉conventional tillage. The deep tillage treatment also showed the highest grain weight per spike, 1 000-grain weight and yield, while conventional tillage exhibited the lowest values, indicating that deep tillage is most beneficial to improvement of yield and water use efficiency of broomcom millet. [Conclusion] This study provides a scientific basis for water use efficiency of broomcorh millet in its main producing areas.