Functional characterization of the PHT1 family transporters of foxtail millet with development of a novel Agrobacterium-mediated transformation procedure

Phosphate is an essential nutrient for plant growth and is acquired from the environment and distributed within the plant in part through the action of phosphate transporters of the PHT1 family. Foxtail millet (Setaria italica) is an orphan crop essential to the food security of many small farmers in Asia and Africa and is a model system for other millets. A novel Agrobacterium-mediated transformation and direct plant regeneration procedure was developed from shoot apex explants and used to downregulate expression of 3 members of the PHT1 phosphate transporter family SiPHT1;2 SiPHT1;3 and SiPHT1;4. Transformants were recovered with close to 10% efficiency. The downregulation of individual transporters was confirmed by RT-PCR. Downregulation of individual transporters significantly reduced the total and inorganic P contents in shoot and root tissues and increased the number of lateral roots and root hairs showing they have non-redundant roles. Downregulation of SiPHT1;2 had the strongest effect on total and inorganic P in shoot and root tissues. Complementation experiments in S. cerevisiae provide evidence for the ability of SiPHT1;1, 1;2, 1;3, 1;7 and 1;8 to function as high affinity Pi transporters. This work will aid development of improved millet varieties for global food security

Phosphate concentration and arbuscular mycorrhizal colonisation influence the growth, yield and expression of twelve PHT1 family phosphate transporters in foxtail millet (Setaria italica)

Phosphorus (P) is an essential element which plays several key roles in all living organisms. Setaria italica (foxtail millet) is a model species for panacoid grasses including several millet species widely grown in arid regions of Asia and Africa, and for the bioenergy crop switchgrass. The growth responses of S. italica to different levels of inorganic phosphate (Pi) and to colonisation with the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Funneliformis mosseae (syn. Glomus mosseae) were studied. Phosphate is taken up from the environment by the PHT1 family of plant phosphate transporters, which have been well characterized in several plant species. Bioinformatic analysis identified 12 members of the PHT1 gene family (SiPHT1;1-1;12) in S. italica, and RT and qPCR analysis showed that most of these transporters displayed specific expression patterns with respect to tissue, phosphate status and arbuscular mycorrhizal colonisation. SiPHT1;2 was found to be expressed in all tissues and in all growth conditions tested. In contrast, expression of SiPHT1;4 was induced in roots after 15 days growth in hydroponic medium of low Pi concentration. Expression of SiPHT1;8 and SiPHT1;9 in roots was selectively induced by colonisation with F. mosseae. SiPHT1;3 and SiPHT1;4 were found to be predominantly expressed in leaf and root tissues respectively. Several other transporters were expressed in shoots and leaves during growth in low Pi concentrations. This study will form the basis for the further characterization of these transporters, with the long term goal of improving the phosphate use efficiency of foxtail millet

Phenotypic responses of foxtail millet (Setaria italica) genotypes to phosphate supply under greenhouse and natural field conditions

Food insecurity is a looming threat for the burgeoning world population. Phosphorus (P), which is absorbed from soil as inorganic phosphate (Pi), is an essential macronutrient for the growth of all agricultural crops. This study reports phenotype analysis for P responses in natural field and greenhouse conditions, using 54 genotypes of foxtail millet (Setaria italica) representing wide geographic origins. The genotype responses were assessed in natural field conditions in two different seasons (monsoon and summer) under Pi-fertilized (P+) and unfertilized (P-) soil for eight above-ground traits. Enormous variations were seen among the genotypes in phenotypic responses for all the measured parameters under low P stress conditions. Variations were significant for plant height, leaf number and length, tillering ability and seed yield traits. Genotypes ISe 1234 and ISe 1541 were P+ responders, and the genotypes ISe 1181, ISe 1655, ISe 783 and ISe 1892 showed tolerance to low P for total seed yield. Genotypes that performed well under P- conditions were almost as productive as genotypes that performed well under P+ conditions suggesting some genotypes are well adapted to nutrient-poor soils. In the greenhouse, most of the genotypes produced changes in root architecture that are characteristic of P- stress, but to differing degrees. Significant variation was seen in root hair density and root hair number and in fresh and dry weight of shoot and root under P- stress. However, there was not much difference in the shoot and root total P and Pi levels of five selected high and low responding genotypes. We noticed contrasting responses in the greenhouse and natural field experiments for most of these genotypes. The leads from the study form the basis for breeding and improvement of foxtail millet for better Pi-use efficiency

An Investigation of Work-Related Stress among High School Teachers in the Hhohho Region of Swaziland

This study sought to investigate the work-related stress among high school teachers in the Hhohho region of Swaziland. It followed the descriptive-correlation research design and adopted the Person-Environment Fit theory. The target population of this study was all qualified teachers teaching in high schools in the Hhohho region of Swaziland. The sampling procedure that was employed to select the schools and the teachers to participate in this investigation was simple random sampling. A pilot testing was conducted. Validity and reliability of instruments were attended to. Required permissions were obtained from relevant authorities and the sample gave informed consent. Questionnaire response rate was 82%. Quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 10.0. The findings of the study showed that high school teachers in the Hhohho region of Swaziland are moderately stressed. Relevant recommendations are given. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n15p57

The role of phenomics and genomics in delineating the genetic basis of complex traits in millets

Millets, comprising a diverse group of small-seeded grains, have emerged as vital crops with immense nutritional, environmental, and economic significance. The comprehension of complex traits in millets, influenced by multifaceted genetic determinants, presents a compelling challenge and opportunity in agricultural research. This review delves into the transformative roles of phenomics and genomics in deciphering these intricate genetic architectures. On the phenomics front, high-throughput platforms generate rich datasets on plant morphology, physiology, and performance in diverse environments. This data, coupled with field trials and controlled conditions, helps to interpret how the environment interacts with genetics. Genomics provides the underlying blueprint for these complex traits. Genome sequencing and genotyping technologies have illuminated the millet genome landscape, revealing diverse gene pools and evolutionary relationships. Additionally, different omics approaches unveil the intricate information of gene expression, protein function, and metabolite accumulation driving phenotypic expression. This multi-omics approach is crucial for identifying candidate genes and unfolding the intricate pathways governing complex traits. The review highlights the synergy between phenomics and genomics. Genomically informed phenotyping targets specific traits, reducing the breeding size and cost. Conversely, phenomics identifies promising germplasm for genomic analysis, prioritizing variants with superior performance. This dynamic interplay accelerates breeding programs and facilitates the development of climate-smart, nutrient-rich millet varieties and hybrids. In conclusion, this review emphasizes the crucial roles of phenomics and genomics in unlocking the genetic enigma of millets

Development of Arduino-based high heat detector temperature control prototype for household appliances

In the Philippines, fires are a widespread concern, with plenty of incidents attributed to electrical appliances. These incidents are a leading cause of non-open flame fires in the country, highlighting the urgent need for preventative measures. Existing devices could only trigger an alarm at 100 °C without shutting off the appliance automatically. To address these limitations, the researchers aimed to develop a high heat detector with 95% detection accuracy and less than 5% error in detecting high heat. This device used an Arduino Uno Board and relay to trigger an automated power-off mechanism in appliances experiencing high heat. Temperature changes were detected, and alarms were activated using an LM35 temperature sensor and buzzer. The accuracy of the LM35 sensor was assessed through hot bath tests, which included 12 trials at each temperature level between 80 °C and 150 °C with 10 °C intervals. The prototype’s performance revealed an average error rate of 1.13% and an average standard deviation of 0.9403. The computed F1 Score of 98% indicated that the prototype fulfilled the objectives. Functionality tests confirmed that the prototype successfully achieved its intended goal by shutting off the appliance when the threshold temperature was reached and enabling its operation otherwise

Comparative actions of gaba and acetylcholine on the Xenopus laevis lateral line

1. The effects of GABA, acetylcholine and carbachol on the spontaneous activity of afferent nerve fibers in the lateral line of Xenopus laevis are characterized.2. Atropine and bicuculline were also tested on drug- and water motion-evoked activity.3. GABA (0.019-1.25 mM) suppressed and both acetylcholine (1.25-80 [mu]M) and carbachol (1.25-40 [mu]M) increased spontaneous activity. These actions were blocked by bicuculline (100 [mu]M) and atropine (4 [mu]M) respectively.4. Atropine (20 [mu]M) and bicuculline (100 [mu]M) had no effect on water motion-evoked activity.5. The results characterize actions of GABA and acetylcholine not previously described and provide evidence that does not support the hypothesis that GABA or acetylcholine are the afferent transmitter.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/25886/1/0000449.pd

Role of Genome Sequences of Major and Minor Millets in Strengthening Food and Nutritional Security for Future Generations

Millets are small-seeded cereals belonging to the family Poaceae. They are considered to be climate-resilient and future nutritional food cereals for humans. Millets are resistant to biotic and abiotic stressors compared to other major cereals and thrive in low-quality soils with little maintenance and less rainfall. The importance of millets is still not well known to many people due to the lack of popularity and cultivation in semi-arid tropics of Asia and Africa. The United Nations has declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023) to promote millet cultivation and popularize their health benefits globally. A few years ago, the application of molecular biology was in its infancy in millets due to the unavailability of genome sequences. Genome sequences are available for most of the millets on NCBI and Phytozome databases. In this review, we discuss the details of genome sequences for millets, candidate genes identified from the native genome of millets. The current status of quantitative trait loci and genome-wide association studies in millets are also discussed. The utilization of millet genome sequences in functional genomics research and translating the information for crop improvement will help millet and non-millet cereals survive harsh environments in the future. Such efforts will help strengthen food security and reduce malnutrition worldwide in 2050

Genetic and genomic resources, and breeding for accelerating improvement of small millets: current status and future interventions

Current agricultural and food systems encourage research and development on major crops, neglecting regionally important minor crops. Small millets include a group of small- seeded cereal crops of the grass family Poaceae. This includes finger millet, foxtail millet, proso millet, barnyard millet, kodo millet, little millet, teff, fonio, job’s tears, guinea millet, and browntop millet. Small millets are an excellent choice to supplement major staple foods for crop and dietary diversity because of their diverse adaptation on marginal lands, less water requirement, lesser susceptibility to stresses, and nutritional superiority compared to major cereal staples. Growing interest among consumers about healthy diets together with climate-resilient features of small millets underline the necessity of directing more research and development towards these crops. Except for finger millet and foxtail millet, and to some extent proso millet and teff, other small millets have received minimal research attention in terms of development of genetic and genomic resources and breeding for yield enhancement. Considerable breeding efforts were made in finger millet and foxtail millet in India and China, respectively, proso millet in the United States of America, and teff in Ethiopia. So far, five genomes, namely foxtail millet, finger millet, proso millet, teff, and Japanese barnyard millet, have been sequenced, and genome of foxtail millet is the smallest (423-510 Mb) while the largest one is finger millet (1.5 Gb). Recent advances in phenotyping and genomics technologies, together with available germplasm diversity, could be utilized in small millets improvement. This review provides a comprehensive insight into the importance of small millets, the global status of their germplasm, diversity, promising germplasm resources, and breeding approaches (conventional and genomic approaches) to accelerate climate-resilient and nutrient-dense small millets for sustainable agriculture, environment, and healthy food systems