Variation in protein and amino acids in global collection of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) germplasm

Pearl millet is a major source of daily protein intake in south Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Despite considerable importance, the extent of variation in protein and amino acids in pearl millet global germplasm is unknown. The present study assessed 165 genotypes from within the Pearl Millet Inbred Germplasm Association Panel (PMiGAP), that includes breeding lines, landraces and improved cultivars randomly drawn from a core collection from 23 countries, for protein content and 18 amino acids. The results showed considerable variation for protein content (10.06 – 20.31 %) and amino acids in PMiGAP. Diverse patterns were observed across the geographical distribution and clustered the germplasm into 7 clusters, with one cluster (“2”) containing most of the superior properties. Most amino acid levels were positively correlated but these were negatively correlated with protein content. A set of twelve genotypes was identified having higher protein with better amino acid compositions. These superior genotypes could directly feed into global and regional pearl millet improvement programs to counter hidden hunger in developing countries. We propose that these findings can be combined with the starches, lipids, antioxidants, micronutrients, and other healthful traits for which the PMiGAP resource has been extensively studied.