Model organisms such as Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) and rice (Oryza
sativa) have proven essential for efficient scientific discovery and development of new
methods. With the diversity of plant lineages, some important processes such as C
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photosynthesis are not found in either Arabidopsis or rice, so new model species are needed. Due to
their small diploid genomes, short life cycles, self-pollination, small adult statures and prolific
seed production, domesticated foxtail millet (Setaria italica) and its wild
ancestor, green foxtail (S. viridis), have recently been proposed as novel model
species for functional genomics of the Panicoideae, especially for study of C
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photosynthesis. This review outlines the development of these species as model organisms, and
discusses current challenges and future potential of a Setaria model.