Breeding Barnyard Millet for Biotic Stress Resistance

Barnyard Millet (Echinochloa frumentacea L.) has been an underutilized crop and has got a very scanty focus from agriculturists as well as researchers across the world. The resistance of this crop to biotic stress gives a significant guide to the challenges posed by pests and diseases on crucial fodder and food crops. Biotic factors such as weeds, insect pests, and disease are predicted to worsen as the climate change pattern continues; furthermore, this biotic stress induced pressure stands as one of the major limitations on the production of barnyard millet across the globe. Management of these biotic stresses is becoming increasingly essential. Present strategies primarily hinge on the development of resistant varieties since the use of chemicals is not economically feasible in developing countries where millets are of paramount importance as a source of food. Tackling the specific difficulties posed by weeds, insect pests, birds, and diseases—the most prevalent threats to the yield of barnyard millet. This chapter explores non-chemical-focused options for improving biotic stress resistance of barnyard and safeguarding the sustainability of yield. This solitary reference will be valuable for students, educators, and researchers in the field of plant breeding, plant pathology, and agricultural entomology.