Whole genome of highly adaptable foxtail millet sequenced

New Delhi, Jun 9 (PTI) In a new research, scientists have mapped the complete genome of an important cereal crop, Setaria or foxtail millet, advancing our understanding of its domestication and evolution, along with a genetic explanation for its agricultural traits.

The study was led by researchers at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China, and included scientists at New York University, US, and is published in the journal Nature Genetics.

"Because it is a crop that can grow across a wide range of environments - including arid lands - it has the potential to be important for food security under climate change," said Michael Purugganan, the study's co-senior author.