Applications of biotechnology for improvement of millet crops: Review of progress and future prospects

Abstract

Millets are small seeded grasses grown for food, feed or forage and cultivated mostly in less developed countries in poor soil and dry conditions. There are at least 10 genera and 14 species of millets belonging to the Poaceae (Gramineae) family. Tissue culture and plant regeneration occurring through different morphogenic pathways have been reported in great detail in millets. Gene transfer has been attempted using various methods, but so far transgenic plants have been developed only in Pearl millet and Bahiagrass. Not much work has been done on transgenesis in other millets. This is primarily because they have less economic value and are cultivated in poor countries, where research and development are also poor. In the present review we have attempted to provide available information on millet tissue culture and genetic transformation. We have underlined the importance of transgenesis in millet improvement and the role that biotechnology can play in the improvement of these crops grown in a variety of harsh conditions. Copyright © 2005 The Japanese Society for Plant Cell and Molecular Biology.