Here are two more on browntop millet, focusing on genomics and breeding - the first a review article and the second, reporting research on a number of accessions: Bhavani P, Nandini C, Maharajan T, Ningaraju TM, Nandini B, Parveen SG, Pushpa K, Ravikumar RL, Nagaraja TE, and Ceasar SA. "Brown-top millet: an overview of breeding, genetic, and genomic resources development for crop improvement." Planta. 2024 May 26;260(1):10. doi: 10.1007/s00425-024-04446-7. PMID: 38796805. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00425-024-04446-7 ABSTRACT "Brown-top millet is a lesser-known millet with a high grain nutrient value, early maturation, and drought tolerance that needs basic research to understand and conserve food security. Brown-top millet [Urochloa ramosa (L.)] is currently cultivated in some developing countries (especially in India) for food and fodder, although it is less known among the small millets. Like other millets, it contains macro- and micronutrients, vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fiber, all of which have rich health benefits. The nutritional importance and health benefits of brown-top millet are still unknown to many people due to a lack of awareness, wide cultivation, and research. Hence, this millet is currently overshadowed by other major cereals. This review article aims to present the nutritional, breeding, genetic, and genomic resources of brown-top millet to inform millet and other plant researchers. It is important to note that genetic and genomic resources have not yet been created for this millet. To date, there are no genomic and transcriptomic resources for brown-top millet to develop single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and insertion/Deletions (InDels) for breeding studies. Furthermore, studies regarding nutritional significance and health benefits are required to investigate the exact nutritional contents and health benefits of the brown-top millet. The present review delves into the nutritional value and health advantages of brown-top millet, as supported by the available literature. The limitations of producing brown-top millet have been enumerated. We also cover the status of marker-assisted breeding and functional genomics research on closely related species. Lastly, we draw insights for further research such as developing omics resources and applying genome editing to study and improve brown-top millet. This review will help to start breeding and other molecular studies to increase the growth and development of this cereal." Keywords: Brown-top millet; Functional genomics; Genomics; Germplasm; Health benefits; Marker-assisted breeding. ====== Nandini C, Jagadeesh K, Joshi DC, Vetriventhan M, Bhavani P, Palanna KB, Marappa N, Nagaraja TE, Chouti SP, Nandini B, and Madhusudhana R (2026) "Trait phenotyping and identification of trait-specific donor genotypes for agronomic improvement and ideotype breeding in browntop millet (Urochloa ramosa L.)." Frontiers in Plant Science. 17:1756143. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2026.1756143 ABSTRACT "Introduction: Browntop millet (Urochloa ramosa L.) is a climate-resilient crop valued for its tolerance to harsh environments and high nutritional quality. However, limited genetic improvement has restricted its wider utilization. This study aimed to assess genetic diversity and identify trait-specific donors for enhanced agronomic performance. "Material and methods: A diversity panel of 121 accessions of U. ramosa was evaluated for key agronomic traits. Genetic parameters including variability, heritability, and genetic advance were estimated. Correlation and path coefficient analyses were performed to determine trait associations. Principal component analysis (PCA), cluster analysis, and multi-trait genotype–ideotype distance index (MGIDI) were employed to identify superior genotypes. "Results: Significant genotypic variation was observed across all traits. Grain yield and fodder yield exhibited high heritability and genetic advance, indicating additive gene action. Correlation and path analysis revealed strong positive associations between yield and contributing traits. PCA showed that the first five components explained 68.66% of total variation. Cluster analysis grouped genotypes into four clusters, with Cluster IV containing superior accessions. MGIDI analysis identified 11 promising genotypes, including GPUBT 6, VBT 004, TNAU 164, IC 613548, IC 613553, TNAU 129, TNAU 110, TNAU 134, TNAU 140, HBr 2, and TNAU 150. "Conclusion: The study highlights substantial genetic variability in browntop millet and identifies promising genotypes for dual-purpose improvement. These findings provide a foundation for developing high-yielding, early-maturing, and climate-resilient cultivars." DO, EL, MI, US NAMA On Mon, Sep 21, 2026 at 12:16 PM Don Osborn <don@milletsalliance.org> wrote:
Here are citations, links, and abstracts to three (3) recent research review articles on browntop millet (Uruchloa ramosa or Brachiaria ramosa):
C. Nandini, D. C. Joshi, Theivanayagam Maharajan, B. Nandini, S. Gazala Parveen, B. M. Dushyanth Kumar, M. S. Bhinda, T. E. Nagaraja, Sujata Bhat, P. Bhavani, and S. Antony Cesar. "Reviving the Abandoned Browntop Millet (Urochloa ramosa (L.)) for Sustainable Future Food Systems: Current Knowledge and Emerging Paradigms." Plant Breeding, Vol. 145, Issue 1, February 2026, Pages 1-23 (First published: 08 August 2025) https://doi.org/10.1111/pbr.70014
ABSTRACT "Out of seven thousand known edible plant species, only a handful of crops satisfy the daily energy needs of the global human population. Although these crops constitute the main source of carbohydrates and energy, they are deficient in important minerals and amino acids that are needed for a balanced diet. The shrinking portfolio of crop species will have a detrimental effect on agrobiodiversity and sustainability of future food systems. Therefore, rejuvenation and incorporation of minor or orphan crops in the modern cropping system is one of the most effective strategies to combat hidden hunger and adverse effects of climate change. Browntop millet (Urochloa ramosa L.) is regarded as the rarest of all the small millets because of its short life cycle, drought endurance, ability to thrive in a variety of climatic and soil conditions and dual use as food and high-quality fodder. Despite enormous potential, the crop has not gained popularity among consumers and is almost abandoned. With emerging breeding advancements and policy support, there is a great scope to revive this ancient crop of immense nutraceutical potential from Asia. The main objective of this review is to provide an overview of the major production constraints and achievements made to date in various aspects, including breeding, agronomy, crop protection and the deployment of omics tools in browntop millet. Along with the state of the art on browntop millet, this paper offers concrete perspective on how contemporary breeding techniques might be applied to make it a competitive crop of modern cropping systems to revamp its cultivation. Our recommendations are widely transferable to other minor and neglected crops to address the issue of restricted genetic gain and low productivity."
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Sain, Pritam, Sonia Morya, Farhang Hameed Awlqadr, Mohammed N.Saeed, and Khaled Arab, "Browntop Millet as a Next-Generation Food: Insights Into Functional and Nutraceutical Applications," Journal of Food Processing and Preservation, 2026, 8819892, 22 pages, 2026. https://doi.org/10.1155/jfpp/8819892
ABSTRACT "Browntop millet (Brachiaria ramosa) is significantly underutilized small millet with substantial potential. This review summarizes findings on its nutritional composition, bioactive profile, prebiotic and antimicrobial properties, and food applications along with its relation to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 2, 3, 12, 13, and 15). Peer-reviewed studies published between 2015 and 2025 were considered from Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Browntop millet contains significant levels of protein (≈9–14 g/100 g), dietary fiber (≈8–12 g/100 g), and essential minerals (Ca, Fe, Mg, Zn), and contributes polyphenols, flavonoids, phytosterols, and lignans with reported antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. Bioaccessibility and functional properties are enhanced through processing techniques such as fermentation, germination, and roasting. Emerging food applications include gluten-free bakery products, probiotic beverages, functional snacks, and plant-based meat substitutes. However, commercialization is constrained by limited human clinical trials, evidence of bioavailability and metabolomics, and supply chain and data gaps (predominantly in the described areas). Integration of browntop millet into a sustainable diet is feasible with supportive policies and well-designed human clinical studies. Browntop millet is a climate resilient crop, with potential to add value to food systems and address nutrition security."
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Tammana Bali, Manisha Pandit, "Brown Top Millet: A Nutrient–rich Supergrain for Healthy and Sustainable Diets," Food and Humanity, Vol. 6, 2026, 101169, ISSN 2949-8244, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foohum.2026.101169. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2949824426001771)
Highlights • Brown top millet (Brachiaria ramosa) is a nutrient–dense, gluten–free ancient grain. • The nutritional profile shows richness in protein, fiber, minerals, and polyphenols. • It supports glycemic control, cardiovascular health, and weight management. • Culinary uses include traditional flatbreads to modern gluten – free baked goods. • It is a sustainable crop resilient to drought and low–input agriculture.
ABSTRACT "Brown top millet (Brachiaria ramosa) is an underutilized ancient grain gaining recognition for its nutritional value and agronomic resilience. This gluten-free cereal contains approximately 10–12% protein and 12–13 g dietary fiber per 100 g. Reported mineral concentrations vary across studies, with iron ranging from 7.0 to 17.85 mg/100 g, zinc from 2.7 to 6.61 mg/100 g, and calcium from 28 to 326 mg/100 g, depending on genotype, soil conditions, grain fraction, processing, and analytical methodology. Some higher mineral values originally expressed in mg/kg have been converted to mg/100 g for consistency. Brown top millet is also rich in bioactive compounds, with total phenolic content contributing to significant antioxidant activity, including 63.80% DPPH radical scavenging at 1 mg/mL in extract-based assays. Emerging evidence suggests potential benefits in glycemic regulation, lipid modulation, and oxidative stress reduction; however, much of the current data is derived from in vitro or comparative millet studies, highlighting the need for well-designed human clinical trials. Its drought tolerance and low input requirements enhance its sustainability value. Overall, brown top millet represents a nutritionally dense and climate-resilient grain with promising functional potential." Keywords: Brown top millet; Nutritional composition; Health benefits; Culinary applications; Sustainable agriculture
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Browntop or brown top is our millet of the month in September, along with its cousin, Guinea millet.
Don Osborn, PhD (East Lansing, MI, US) North American Millets Alliance