Foxtail millet [Setaria italica (L.) P. Beauv.] grown under nitrogen deficiency exhibits a lower folate contents

Abstract

Foxtail millet [Setaria italica (L.) P. Beauv.], as a rich source of folates, has been cultivated on arid infertile lands, for which N deficiency is one of the major issues. Growing environments might have a significant influence on cereal folate levels. However, little is known whether N deficiency modulates cereal folate levels. In order to obtain enriched folate foxtail millet production in nutrient-poor soil, we conducted a study investigating the content of folate derivatives of 29 diverse foxtail millet cultivars under two N regimes (0 and 150 kg N ha−1) for 2 years to explore folate potential grown under low N. The contents of total folate and most derivatives were reduced by N deficiency. The effect on total folate content caused by N was stronger than cultivar genotype did. Folate content of enriched folate cultivars was prone to be reduced by N deficiency. Structural equation models (SEMs) revealed that N fertilization had a positive indirect effect on grain folate content through influencing plant N and K accumulation. Collectively, the results indicate much more attention should be paid to N management when foxtail millet is cultivated in infertile soil, to improve foxtail millet folate contents.

Influence of Different Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium Fertilizer Ratios on the Agronomic and Quality Traits of Foxtail Millet

“…In the present study, we found that there were significant differences in the effects of N, P, and K fertilizers and their interactions on the yield and quality in foxtail millet. Previous studies suggested that N fertilization was the most important factor in foxtail millet to the grain yield and aboveground [27], and under nitrogen deficiency, a lower folate content is found [26]. In our study, we found that N had a significant positive correlation with yield and protein content.…”

“…The panicle length, panicle diameter, single panicle weight, and thousand grain weight are all indices of essential yield components, and the protein and fat content and are the main indices for high grain quality [45,46] Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effect of fertilizers on the agronomic traits, yield, and yield components, and on quality indices. Studies have shown that different NPK combinations have significant effects on the nutritional and growth characteristics of foxtail millet JG21 [26,27]. In the present study, we found that there were significant differences in the effects of N, P, and K fertilizers and their interactions on the yield and quality in foxtail millet.…”

“…Rational integrated NPK fertilization practices not only enhance the crop yield and quality, such as oil content, soluble protein, vitamin C, and soluble sugar [24,25], but also increase fertilizer utilization efficiency, leading to optimal economic benefits [26,27]. Thus, it is crucial to maintain a balanced supply of these essential nutrients to achieve optimal plant growth, development, and yield while minimizing the negative effects of excess or inadequate supply [28,29].…”