Physiological Traits Associated with Genetic Improvement of Small Millets

Global warming has already destroyed the natural harmony in soil and water ecosystems in many regions all over the globe. Extremities in weather events such as temperature, moisture, and others have produced harmful effects for agriculture. Increasing rate in production of major crops has reduced a lot from the previous era. Conventional practices like intensive agriculture and shifting cultivation have resulted in soil erosion and degradation. Alternative ways such as introducing less popular crops for cultivation like small millets could bring a revolution in the world of agriculture again. Small millets have a great future in them as they are blessings for the humanity. They are rich source of many important nutrients and proteins, which are a good option for malnourished population. Other beneficial roles of these crops include lowering blood pressure, reducing diabetes, cure to heart diseases, prevention from celiac diseases, helping in reducing obesity, and improving skin elasticity. The lesser intake of resources like water and nutrients makes them easier in the competition. Another crucial role played by small millets is to provide antioxidants to the consumers to combat various stress factors. People are still ignorant to exhaust the maximum possible potential of small millets resulting in their lesser yield. The path in between optimum yield and maximum yield in small millets is left uncrossed due to some complexities owing to their smaller size and crop physiology for breeding program. As per some previous studies, multiple numbers of physiological traits such as plant height, leaf area, growth parameters, photosynthesis, soluble protein content, grain nutrients, yield parameters, resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses, etc. can be used as improved traits for genetic improvement of several small millets. Thus, improved yield in small millets will be obtained by utilizing the full potential relying on their breeding through improved physiological traits.