Agriculture

Among the various types of millet, the type known as Sorghum bicolor or also simply as “sorghum” is the most significant agriculturally. It is cultivated in tropical and subtropical climate regions in Europe and the Mediterranean region (France, Italy, Spain). The millet is naturally characterised by particular resistance to drought. Main producers are the USA, Nigeria, India and Mexico. In 2005 world wide, almost 57 million tonnes of sorghum bicolor were produced.

Utilisation

In many regions of Africa and Asia, various types of millet are the main source of nutrition. Millet is composed primarily (60 – 80 per cent) of carbohydrates. In most cases in Europe, the term “millet” is used to describe the variety Panicum miliaceum, also known under a variety of names including “common millet” or “proso millet”.

More than one half of the harvest is used as foodstuff. Millet seed is processed into:

• Flour, grits, porridge, flakes, popcorn
• Non-alcoholic beverages, millet beer

• Millet also is cultivated as green fodder (for grazing and silage)

Energy crops, renewable primary products:

• Sorghum bicolour, also known as “sugar millet” due to its high sugar content, is suitable for use in the manufacture of bio-ethanol.
• Stems: utilisation in roofing, the manufacture of fibres, the production of starch
• Millet straw: in some African countries also used as fuel

Gene technology: Aims of research and development

Quality traits

Altered composition of components

• Altered levels or vitamins, minerals and proteins (carotene, lysine, iron and zinc);

• Enhanced gluten content, in order to improve the baking characteristics

Agronomic traits

Weed control

• Herbicide control

Resistance to pathogens

• Fungal resisastance

Resistance to pests

• Insect resistance

Adaptation to factors of climate and location

• Resistance to drought and salt

Energy crops, renewable primary products

• Optimisation of the composition of the material compounds in millet plants with a view to obtaining ethanol.

Field trials with GM millet