Selected Papers From The 3rd International Symposium on Broomcorn Millet

Dear Colleagues,

Millets are small-grained, annual cereal grasses and belong to the panicoid group of the Poaceae family. They are comprised of several species, including pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), and a number of minor or small millets, which include finger millet (Eleusine coracana), proso (also known as broomcorn or common) millet (Panicum miliaceum), foxtail millet (Setaria italica), little millet (Panicum sumatrense), and kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum). Although global production of these millets is significantly lower than major crops, such as corn, wheat, rice, and soybean, they have unique place in the 21st century, which faces challenges sustainable food production due to climate change, increasing human population, and decreasing farm land. 

Millets are well-adapted to adverse conditions, such drought, heat, and poor soil with low fertility. This has made millet a perfect crop for sustainable low-input food production in a changing climate. Millets are richer in nutrients than other major cereal crops. This millet is gluten-free with a starchy grain and has a low glycemic index, high fiber and essential minerals. Therefore, millets are, not only climate-friendly, but also good for human health. It is a common food ingredient in many Asian countries; however, in the USA, it is mostly used as bird seed, and not as human food.

In order to promote the development of millets around the world, an International Millet Symposium is being organized by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Colorado State University, and will be held in Fort Collins, Colorado, USA, 8–12 August, 2018 (https://go.unl.edu/millet2018). This will strengthen exchange and cooperation among scientific researchers from countries with significant millet production, and increase socio-economic development. This Special Issue spotlights the role of millets in 21st century towards more sustainable agro-food production systems. Manuscripts (reviews, perspectives, or original articles) are invited and may include, but are not limited to, these topics:

• Breeding: Genetics, germplasm, genomics and biotechnology
• Agronomy and Production: Farming practices, production physiology, crop rotation
• Products and Market: Quality for food, feed and beverages, nutrition and health, food chemistry and processing, new markets

Sincerely,

Dr. Dipak Santra
Prof. Cheol H. Park
Dr. Koushik Brahmachari
Guest Editors

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