Trait Selection for Yield Improvement in Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica Beauv.) under Climate Change in the North China Plain

Abstract

Weather factors and drought could impact the yield of foxtail millet, and varieties with traits that could alleviate the negative effects of deteriorating weather factors in the future should be developed. A total of 25 foxtail millet varieties were evaluated in experiments from 2016 to 2020 under well-watered (WW) and water-stressed (WS) treatments. Future climate change might favor an increased temperature that impedes grain yield, so varieties with characters that are less sensitive to temperature change are preferred. Varieties with a high panicle dry-weight per plant, thousand grain weight, leaf area and water productivity in deep soil layer usually gave better grain production under both water treatments. Under the WW treatment, low grain abortion rate, optimal chlorophyll and canopy temperature and more roots in the upper soil layer could favor a high yield and drought resistance. Under the WS treatment, varieties with a high harvest index, low rate of water loss and more roots in the upper soil layer usually produced a high yield.

Potential global distribution of Setaria italica, an important species for dryland agriculture in the context of climate change

“…italica presence, with increased driest-month precipitation and hottest-season precipitation positively impacting the probability of existence. This is consistent with previous research by Zhang and Yang [ 36 , 38 ], demonstrating the sensitivity of S . italica growth to low and excessive precipitation levels.…”

“…The study reveals that variations in these precipitation factors influence the probability of S. italica presence, with increased driest-month precipitation and hottest-season precipitation positively impacting the probability of existence. This is consistent with previous research by Zhang and Yang [36,38], demonstrating the sensitivity of S. italica growth to low and excessive precipitation levels. The study confirms Zhang's findings by emphasising the significant impact of moisture conditions on S. italica production, and it is expected that increased precipitation will significantly impact the probability of this species' existence in the future [39].…”

“…It's worth noting that climate change could indirectly affect the population and distribution characteristics of S. italica by directly influencing the ecological environment [36]. Additionally, irrational human activities, such as urban construction, hydroelectric development, and other industrial practices, could further contribute to a dramatic decline in potential distribution areas of S. italica [37].…”

Digital phenotyping for robust seeds variability assessment in Setaria italica (L.) P. Beauv.

“…The seed size of foxtail millet varies depending on genotypes, ranging from 1-2 mm in length and 1-1.5 mm in width (Sunil et al, 2016;Ramlah et al, 2020). Observation of seed-related traits is indispensable since it not only contributes to biodiversity assessment (Jackson et al, 2010) but is also important in trait selection for yield improvement (Zhang et al, 2022).…”