GENOMIC INSIGHTS INTO BLAST RESISTANCE AND PYRICULARIA GRISEA PATHOGENESIS IN FINGER MILLET: ADVANCES, GAPS, AND BREEDING PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

Accelerating climate change in conjunction with rapid population growth is exerting substantial pressure on global food security systems, with elevated temperatures anticipated to adversely affect the productivity of major staple cereals including rice, wheat, and maize. These emerging challenges underscore the necessity for the integration of climate-resilient crops into contemporary agricultural frameworks. Finger millet, a nutrient-dense cereal traditionally recognized as “Shree Anna”, implies unsurpassed among all nutriment grains along with other millets, has significant potential to enhance sustainable food production, strengthen agroecosystem resilience, and promote dietary diversification. This study was conducted through a comprehensive analysis of scientific literature and datasets obtained from authentic platforms. Studies focusing on finger millet, blast disease, host–pathogen interactions, molecular resistance, and breeding strategies were systematically examined and critically evaluated. The study compiles available genetic and molecular information related to cereals like rice, barley, finger millet and blast fungus Pyricularia grisea. It highlights key findings on host–pathogen interactions and identifies important knowledge gaps that currently limit the efficiency of breeding programs aimed at improving resistance. Although finger millet is widely valued for its nutritional richness and adaptability to challenging environmental conditions, scientific exploration of this crop has progressed relatively slowly, especially in the area of fungal disease resistance. In particular, limited information is available regarding defense mechanisms against blast disease incited by Pyricularia grisea. Recent innovations in genomic analysis and molecular breeding methodologies have significantly expanded the understanding of trait architecture and genetic variability in finger millet. These advances are expected to accelerate the development of superior cultivars possessing enhanced resilience against both environmental stresses and pathogen-associated challenges.