Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026

High-throughput, Microscale Protocol for the Analysis of Processing Parameters and Nutritional Qualities in Maize (Zea mays L.)
Published on: June 16, 2018
Barnyard millet (Echinochloa species): an underutilized nutritional powerhouse with emerging nutraceutical benefits
Minnu Sasi1,2, Veda Krishnan3, Ramesh M Naik2
1Department of Crop Improvement, ICAR- Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Kasargod, Kerala, India.
Abstract:
The impact of climate change presents an opportunity for orphan crops like millet to contribute to sustainable food systems. A prime example of an orphan crop with special traits and the potential to develop climate-smart agriculture is Barnyard millet (BYM). Alkaloids, steroids, polysaccharides, glycosides, tannins, phenols, dietary lignans and flavonoids are just a few of the antioxidants that are abundant in BYM. BYM's antioxidant potential, prebiotic status, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, antibacterial and anticancerous properties help it to combat a myriad of diseases. The antinutritional compounds present in BYM such phytic acid, tannins, polyphenols, and amylase inhibitors limit the absorption of minerals because they form complexes with dietary minerals like calcium, zinc, magnesium, and iron and make them inaccessible for absorption. Various processing methods like dehulling, soaking, heating, gamma irradiation, cold plasma processing, fermentation might enhance the nutritional and technological functional qualities of BYM. The bioactives in BYM can improve their bioavailability, in vitro digestibility, efficiency, structural modification and stability by biological processing techniques such as germination and fermentation employing microbial strains. BYM straw's high cellulose and hemicellulose percentage makes C5 and C6 sugars accessible for bioconversion into bioethanol.
Related Concept Videos
Key Elements for Plant Nutrition
Proteins: Dietary Sources and Requirements
Plant Breeding and Biotechnology
Microbial Nutrition
The Roles of Bacteria and Fungi in Plant Nutrition
Biofuels
