Genetic control of the leaf ionome in pearl millet and correlation with root and agromorphological traits.

ABSTRACT: Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) thrives in arid and nutrient-poor environments, establishing its role as a crucial cereal crop for food security in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite its remarkable adaptability, its yields remain below genetic potential, primarily due to limited water and nutrient availability. In this study, we conducted ionomic profiling and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in field conditions across two growing seasons to unravel the genetic basis of nutrient acquisition in pearl millet. Soil ion content analyses revealed significant differences in nutrient distribution between field sites, while certain ions, such as phosphorus (P) and zinc (Zn), consistently displayed stratified accumulation patterns across years, suggesting stable depth-dependent trends. Evaluation

SUBMITTER: Nakombo-Gbassault P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12088009 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature