Little millet genome sequencing and population genetics
Little millet (Panicum sumatrense), a climate-resilient orphan crop, offers immense potential for addressing global challenges of food security and nutritional deficiencies. This study reports the first near-complete, chromosome-level genome assembly of little millet, consisting of 18 chromosomes and 59,057 annotated protein-coding genes. Re-sequencing of 300 diverse accessions captured genome-wide variation, including SNPs, structural variants (insertions, deletions), and homoeologous exchanges. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) identified key loci associated with agronomically important traits, such as grain micronutrient content, particularly multiple loci linked to iron (Fe) fortification.