Abstract:

【Objective】 Selenium and protein contents were analyzed and evaluated in foxtail millet landraces originated from different regions of China. 【Method】 The method for selenium determination was Hydride Generation Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometry, and the method for protein determination was semi-micro Kjeldahl method. 【Result】 ① The average content of selenium in Chinese foxtail millet landraces was 53.3 μg?kg-1, deviation range was 20.8-89.2 μg?kg-1. The average content of protein was 15.82%, deviation range was 11.01%-20.77%. ② Selenium and protein content in different ecoregions in China appeared to be greatly diversified, landraces from Northwest China had the highest selenium content, and the followings were landraces from Loess Plateau, North China Plain, Northeast China Plain, and landraces from the Inner Mongolia Plateau had the lowest content. The protein content ranking was alike the selenium content and that from high content to low were landraces from Northwest China, Loess Plateau, Northeast China Plain, Northeast China Plain, and Inner Mongolia Plateau. ③ The correlation coefficient analysis between the two traits showed that they existed a positive correlation, and the coefficient was 0.534 which was at the significant level. ④ The correlation coefficient of selenium content to hull colour was 0.385 and selenium content of red hull seed was greater that of the yellow, grey, brown hull. 【Conclusion】 It was found from the study that selenium and protein contents in foxtail millet landraces germplasms exhibited wide genetic diversity, some foxtail millet landraces with higher selenium and protein contents were identified and they will be useful for quality breeding and germplasm innovation.

Key words: foxtail millet, trace element, selenium content, protein content, correlation analysis, hull colour