Understanding the molecular breeding and omics approaches for finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) improvement towards a global sustainable nutritional security

Abstract

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) has gained notable interest in recent times for its capacity to tackle global challenges related to nutritional security and sustainability. This review delves into the critical issue of global nutritional security by focusing on Finger millet, as an essential staple crop known for its rich nutraceutical content. However, due to the expanding global population and the imperative for sustainable food sources, there is an urgent need to elevate the nutritional content of crops such as Finger millet. This review also utilizes molecular breeding and omics methodologies, encompassing genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, to thoroughly examine the molecular dimensions involved in enhancing the nutraceutical content and other crucial agronomic traits in Finger millet. These cutting-edge techniques provide insights into the genetic makeup and expression of key genes related to nutrient accumulation and distribution during grain development, as well as for other important agronomic traits. Moreover, this review also emphasizes the importance of sustainable agricultural practices to ensure the long-term availability of nutrient-rich crops like Finger millet. However, by harnessing the power of genetics and advanced analytical genomic tools, researchers can pave the way for the development of Finger millet varieties, contributing to a more sustainable and nutritious food security for the growing world population.