Panicum miliaceum L. variety 'Alternative' is a high-yielding crop with an amylopectin type of starch, making it versatile for technical, food, feed, medicinal purposes, and biofuel production. This variety was developed by the Institute of Plant Industry named after V.Ya. Yuryev, NAAN, and registered in the State Register of Plant Varieties of Ukraine in 2019. Recommended growing region — steppe. 'Alternative' is a late-maturing variety with a vegetation period of 90–105 days and plant height of 130–155 cm. It is large-seeded, with dense, well-structured panicles, and exhibits high resistance to lodging (9 points) and grain shattering, as well as resistance to prevalent Ukrainian races of rust, including the first, fourth, and fifth. The potential yield of this variety is 4.5–5.0 t/ha.
The variety is characterized by high protein content (13.8%) and carotenoids (4.99–5.72 mg/kg), indicating its high biochemical and nutritional value. Due to its amylopectin starch type, the grain of variety 'Alternative' has improved technological properties, allowing its use not only for feed purposes but also in bread production when added to wheat flour. This makes the variety promising for various growing conditions and agricultural applications.
Panicum miliaceum L. variety 'Alternative' is a heat-loving plant, preferring sunny locations and steppe climate. High resistance to diseases and lodging, along with adaptation to local growing conditions, ensures stable yields. The vegetation period and biochemical characteristics make this variety attractive to farmers interested in multifunctional use of millet, including animal feeding and biofuel production.
