Brassica Juncea Research Articles

Частота встречаемости гетеродеза на масличных культурах семейства Капустные в Краснодарском крае

A beet cyst nematode Heterodera schachtii Schmidt is an obligate parasite, which infected many kinds of agricultural crops in different countries. It penetrates into internal tissues of plant root and causes mechanical destructions of cells. The disease manifests itself in a form of plant wilting. Yield decrease can reaches up to 50%. The purpose of the research was to determine frequency of occurrence of the beet cyst nematode Heterodera schachtii Schmidt in sowings of winter and spring oil crops from a Brassicaceae family in the Krasnodar region. The observations of sowings of the studied crops were conducted in phases of a vegetative period 2–4 true leaves and green pod on fields of the V.S. Pustovoit All-Russian Research Institute of Oil Crops in 2010–2023. In these phases, 20 plants were selected on ten equidistant plots diagonally across the sowings of each crop. The frequency of occurrence of Heterodera schachtii was calculated as a ratio between numbers of sick and healthy plants expressed as a percentage, and then divided into groups: infected plants are absent; low (to 10% of infected plants); average (from 11 to 50% of infected plants); high (51% and more of infected plants). The beet cyst nematode was allocated in plants of all studied crops, besides winter and spring false flax. In years, when the disease was stated in sowings of oil crops from the Brassicaceae family, the frequency of the diseases occurrence was low (up to 10%) in both phases of plant development 2021. And in 2021, it increased to average level (11–18%) on winter and spring rapeseed and brown mustard. An infection degree of plants of all studied groups was equal 1–3 points with a predominance of 1 point.

Toleransi Kekeringan Sawi Hijau pada Osmopriming Benih dan Interval Pemberian Air Sampai Kapasitas Lapang

Green mustard (Brassica chinensis L.) is widely cultivated commercially. The problem is that some farmers use self-propagated seeds with simple processing and storage facilities so that the quality of the seeds is not guaranteed and is low. Apart from seed quality, limited water, especially during cultivation in the dry season or on dry land, is also a limiting factor. Low seed quality can be overcome by invigorating seeds using the osmopriming method; water limitations can be overcome by periodically fulfilling field capacity water. This research aimed to measure and analyze the growth response and drought tolerance of green mustard plants in seed osmopriming treatments and setting water intervals to field capacity. The research was carried out at the Experimental Field and Plant Physiology Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, IBA University in Palembang, in October-December 2020. The research used a 5x3 Factorial Randomized Block Design, with 3 replications, so there were 45 experimental units. The first factor was seed osmopriming, O1= control (water), O2= CaCl2 1.5% - soaked 4.5 hours, O3=CaCl2 3%-soaked for 4.5 hours, O4=KNO3 1%-soaked for 5 hours, and O5=KNO3 1.5%-soaked for 5 hours. The second factor was watering interval to field capacity, P1= every 24 hours, P2= every 72 hours, and P3= every 120 hours. The research results showed that osmopriming produced values of germination power, vigor index, growth speed, growth simultaneity and maximum seed growth potential of 100%, and with fast and relatively the same germination age of 4.22 to 5.05 days after planting (dap). In plants 14 dap, osmopriming with 1.5% KNO3 and soaking for 5 hours produced plants with the highest height, number of leaves and root length. The interaction of osmopriming with intervals of water supply to field capacity every 24 hours and 72 hours produces plants with the highest height, number of leaves, root length and weight/yield. There was a decrease in plant growth and yield at the interval of providing water to field capacity every 120 hours. The drought tolerance of green mustard is in watering intervals to field capacity every 72 hours.

Приемы увеличения продуктивности горчицы сарептской яровой – культуры многоцелевого назначения

In 2021–2023, we studied influence of compound fertilizers on seed productivity, yield of green and dry biomass, oil content in seeds and oil yield of spring brown mustard on fields of the V.S. Pustovoit All-Russian Research Institute of Oil Crops (Krasnodar), on leached black soil of Western Ciscaucasia. Foliar fertilizing with microfertilizers had a positive effect. Comparing to the variant without fertilizer application, these traits increased: seed yield – by 0.29–0.58 t/hа, green mass – by 8.8–10.2, dry biomass – by 1.4–1.8, oil yield – by 0.15–0.26 t/hа, oil content in seeds – by 0.8–1.6 %. However, efficiency of foliar fertilization was controversial. Thus, to obtain the highest seed yield (2.03 t/hа) and oil yield (0.86 t/hа) of spring brown mustard, it is necessary to conduct foliar fertilizing with a complex fertilizer Brassica in a dose of 2 l/hа in a phase of stem growth. The highest vegetative mass of mustard (33.6 t/hа) is formed at foliar fertilization with a fertilizer Vegetative in a dose of 2 l/hа in a phase of crop seedlings. The subsequent application of the complex fertilizer Vegetative in a dose of 2 l/ha in a phase of seedlings and the complex fertilizer Brassica in a dose of 2 l/ha in a phase of stem growth allowed obtaining yield of dry bi-mass of spring brown mustard by 0.4 t/hа higher comparing to other foliar fertilizations.

Phytotoxic Strains of Fusarium commune Isolated from Truffles.

Most Fusarium species are known as endophytes and/or phytopathogens of higher plants and have a worldwide distribution. Recently, information discovered with molecular tools has been also published about the presence of these fungi in the microbiome of truffle fruiting bodies. In the present work, we isolated and identified three Fusarium strains from truffle fruiting bodies. All isolates were assigned to the same species, F. commune, and the strains were deposited in the All-Russian Collection of Microorganisms under accession numbers VKM F-5020, VKM F-5021, and VKM F-5022. To check the possible effects of the isolated strains on the plants, the isolates were used to infect sterile seedlings of Sarepta mustard (Brassica juncea L.). This model infection led to a moderate suppression of the photosynthetic apparatus activity and plant growth. Here, we present characteristics of the F. commune isolates: description of the conidial morphology, pigmentation, and composition of the mycelium fatty acids. Overall, this is the first description of the Fusarium cultures isolated from truffle fruiting bodies. Possible symbiosis of the F. commune strains with truffles and their involvement in the cooperative fatty acid production are proposed.

Efektivitas Pupuk Organik Cair Limbah Jerami Padi dan Batang Pisang Terhadap Pertumbuhan dan Kandungan Fosfor Tanaman Sawi Hijau (Brassica juncea L.)

The research aims to determine the effectiveness of the growth and phosphorus (P) content of green mustard plants (Brassica juncea L.) after administering POC from rice straw waste and banana stems at different time intervals and doses. The research method used was an experiment with a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) type of two factors, including the dose of liquid organic fertilizer (D1 = 10 ml and D2 = 13 ml) and the time interval for fertilizer application (I1 = once 5 days and I2 = once 7 days) and 3 repetitions. The results were analyzed using a two-way ANOVA with a significance level of 0.05. The results showed that the treatment given had a significant effect on the growth of plant height, wet weight, root length, and phosphorus content but had no significant effect on the growth of the number of leaves. I1D1 treatment (5 day interval, dose of 10 ml) is the best treatment for plant growth and phosphorus content of green mustard greens (Brassica junea L.). Keywords: Mustard Greens, Rice Straw, Banana Stems, Liquid Organic Fertilizer, Growth, Phosphorus

Respon Tanaman Sawi Hijau (Brassica juncea L.) dan Status Hara Nitrogen Tanah Terhadap Pemberian Pupuk Kandang dan Phonska Pada Berbagai Dosis

This research aims to determine the response of green mustard plants (Brassica juncea L.) to the application of cattle manure and phonska at various rates, and to determine Nitrogen status of the soils. The experiment was set up using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) which consisted of 2 factors. The first factor was the application of 15:15:15 phonska with three doses, namely ; P1 = 100 kg/ha, P2 = 200 kg/ha, and P3 = 300 kg/ha. The second factor was cattle manure in 4 doses, namely ; K1 = 5 tons/ha, K2 = 10 tons/ha, K3 = 15 tons/ha, and K4 = 20 tons/ha. So that obtain 12 treatments. Each treatment was repeated 3 times, resulting in 36 experimental polybags. The results showed that the interaction of cattle manure and Phonska had influence on plant parameters, namely plant height at 28 days after planting, fresh and dry weight, and fresh weight of root, while on soil parameters, namely pH and C-Organic. The application of Phonska had a significant effect on plant parameters, namely plant height at 14 and 28 days after planting, number of leaves at 14, 21 and 28 days after planting, leaf area, fresh and dry weight, and fresh weight of root, while soil parameters such as soil pH and C-Organic. And cattle manure had a significant on soil parameters, namely pH and total soil N.

Effect of transplanting dates on growth, yield and quality of broad leaf mustard (Brassica juncea L. var. rugosa) varieties at Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal

Broad Leaf Mustard, one of the most popular, highly commercialized, and widely grown green vegetables due to its richness in vitamin and minerals with peculiar taste. The precise knowledge of ideal planting time with right selection of variety provides suitable environmental conditions at all growth stages that increase the yield. The field experiment was carried at Horticulture Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Agriculture and Forestry University, Rampur, Chitwan to evaluate the effect of transplanting dates on growth, yield and quality of Broad Leaf Mustard (Brassica juncea L. var. rugosa) varieties in Terai condition of Nepal during October 2021 to March 2022. The experiment was laid out in two factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. There were sixteen treatment combination comprising four varieties (Khumal Broad Leaf, Marpha Broad Leaf, Manakamana and Mike Giant) with four transplanting dates (October 25, November 9, November 24 and December 9). The results revealed that transplanting dates and varieties along with interaction significantly influenced the growth, yield and quality of Broad Leaf Mustard. Among the varieties, Khumal Broad Leaf was significantly superior on growth parameters like plant height, leaf length and breadth, plant canopy but on yield attributes the superior variety was Mike Giant based on number of leaves harvested per plot (226.08) and leaf yield (26.43 mt ha-1). However, the organoleptic test result revealed that the Mike Giant had excellent taste (74%) along with highest recovery percentage of Gundruk (27.62 %). Among the date of transplanting, mid transplanting on November 9 was better in terms of growth and leaf yield of 28.92 mt ha-1. While poorest performance was recorded on last transplanting on December 9 in all growth, yield and quality parameters with leaf yield of 17.36 mt ha-1. The interaction effect of different varieties and transplanting dates resulted better growth and quality in Khumal Broad Leaf and Manakamana varieties when transplanted on November 9. So based on the results of the experiment, Mike Giant transplanted on November 9 produced better growth and yield than others for the optimum yield production in Chitwan, Nepal.

Effect of Nutrient Management on Physico-chemical Properties of Soil in Indian Mustard

A field experiment was conducted at the IFS Unit Instructional Farm of Banda University of Agriculture & Technology, Banda (UP) during the winter (rabi) seasons of 2022-23 and 2023-24. The study aimed to examine the impact of nutrient management on the soil properties of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) grown in clay loam soil. Mustard, an essential oilseed crop in India, encounters issues like low productivity and diminished soil fertility caused by excessive use of chemical fertilizers. The paper highlights the importance of integrating chemical and organic sources, such as vermicompost. Vermicompost enriched with biofertilizers, especially Azotobacter, PSB, PMB, NPK Consortia, and ZSB demonstrates significant potential in improving the soil conditions for mustard crops. The experiment utilized a split plot design (SPD) with four main factors in the main plot and four levels in the sub-plot, resulting in sixteen treatment combinations, each applied three times. The soil at the experimental site was characterized by a clay loam texture and low levels of organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus, zinc and sulfur, with moderate levels of available potash. The main plot treatments consisted of different fertility levels: 50% RNPKS, 75% RNPKS, 100% RNPKS and 125% RNPKS. Each main plot was further divided into four sub-plots, each with a combination of micronutrients and enriched vermicompost. The results indicated that the treatment of either 125% or 100% RNPKS and 2.5 kg Zn + 0.5 kg B + 500 kg enriched vermicompost ha-1 was superior in improving the soil properties for Indian mustard.

Assessment of weed species composition of Cabbage family plants (Brassicaceae) of ruderal and segetal habitats of the Ussuriysk urban district of the Primorsky Territory

The data on the species composition of weeds from the Cabbage family (Brassicaceae) that grow stably in the territory of the Ussuriysk urban district of the Primorsky Territory and dominate in agrocenoses are given in the article. Objectives of the study are: to summarize data on the most widespread (background) plant species of natural and adventive flora of the Cabbage family of ruderal and segetal habitats of the Ussuriysk urban district of the Primorsky Territory; to note the species listed in the "Black Book of Flora of the Far East" and growing within the limits of the urban district; to cite the species composition of herbaceous plants of the Cabbage family found in the Ussuriysky Nature Reserve. Field studies were conducted using the traditional route-reconnaissance method in 2010–2023. Phenological observations, geobotanical descriptions of identified habitats, collection, identification of herbarium material and photographing of objects from growing sites were carried out. Of the 23 species of Brassicaceae cited in the paper, ten are invasive in the ecosystems of the Far Eastern Federal District: Armoracia rusticana Gaertn., Mey. et Scherb., Berteroa incana (L.) DC., Brassica juncea (L.) Czern., Bunias orientalis L., Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik., Hesperis matronalis L., Lepidium densiflorum Schrad., Thlaspi arvense L., Turritis glabra L., Velarum officinale (L.) Reichenb. Most of them, with the exception of B. juncea, C. bursa-pastoris and Th. arvense, are classified as plants that do not cause significant damage at this stage of development. Ruderal habitats are also sites of biodiversity conservation. In the V.L. Komarov Ussuriysky Nature Reserve, 16 species of Cabbage, of which Barbarea orthoceras, B. incana, and Th. arvense are segetal, were identified on the territory of the Ussuriysk Urban District.

GWAS for the identification of introgressed candidate genes of Sinapis alba with increased branching numbers in backcross lines of the allohexaploid Brassica.

Plant architecture is a crucial determinant of crop yield. The number of primary (PB) and secondary branches (SB) is particularly significant in shaping the architecture of Indian mustard. In this study, we analyzed a panel of 86 backcross introgression lines (BCILs) derived from the first stable allohexaploid Brassicas with 170 Sinapis alba genome-specific SSR markers to identify associated markers with higher PB and SB through association mapping. The structure analysis revealed three subpopulations, i.e., P1, P2, and P3, in the association panel containing a total of 11, 33, and 42 BCILs, respectively. We identified five novel SSR markers linked to higher PB and SB. Subsequently, we explored the 20 kb up- and downstream regions of these SSR markers to predict candidate genes for improved branching and annotated them through BLASTN. As a result, we predicted 47 complete genes within the 40 kb regions of all trait-linked markers, among which 35 were identified as candidate genes for higher PB and SB numbers in BCILs. These candidate genes were orthologous to ANT, RAMOSUS, RAX, MAX, MP, SEU, REV, etc., branching genes. The remaining 12 genes were annotated for additional roles using BLASTP with protein databases. This study identified five novel S. alba genome-specific SSR markers associated with increased PB and SB, as well as 35 candidate genes contributing to plant architecture through improved branching numbers. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of introgressive genes for higher branching numbers in B. juncea from S. alba.

Exploring interfacial properties and thermodynamic parameters of synthesized biodegradable surfactants from Brassica Juncea and their emulsification characteristics

This study investigates the synthesis and characterization of four non-ionic surfactants of different spacer lengths derived from Brassica Juncea (mustard oil) and explore their potential applications. The chemical structures of the surfactants were confirmed by FTIR, 1HNMR spectroscopy and GC. Surface tension values of the surfactants were measured at various temperatures, unveiling temperature-dependent behaviour and associated thermodynamics. The critical micelle concentrations (CMC) of different surfactants were found to be very low (0.064–0.096 mmol/l at 303 K) compared to conventional surfactants. The CMC and the surface tension further decrease significantly with an increase in temperature. Surface-active thermodynamic parameters of the surfactants demonstrate their lower interfacial characteristics and enhanced self-aggregation capability. At CMC, the synthesized surfactants effectively decrease the interfacial tension (IFT) between water and dodecane to a notably low range of 9.5 to 12.1 mN/m, which is further reduced to a range of 3.2 to 6.1 mN/m at optimal salinity. The surfactants also show good emulsification properties, the emulsions formed in the water-dodecane system using the gemini surfactants as emulsifiers were extensively characterized, encompassing phase behaviour and droplet size distribution analysis. These emulsions exhibit favourable viscous properties, with viscosities ranging from 5 to 20 mPa.s at a 5 s-1 shear rate. This study establishes that the synthesized Gemini surfactants are viable candidates for Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR), showcasing robust stability, interfacial activity, and favourable rheological properties, alongside biodegradability.

Pengaruh Konsentrasi dan Frekuensi Pemberian Pupuk Organik Cair Terhadap Pertumbuhan Tanaman dan Produksi Sawi Samhong (Brassica juncea L.)

In mustard cultivtion, the right combination of the concentration of liquid organic fertilizer given through the leaves and the frequency of application are factors that can optimize growth and yield. This research aimed to test the effectiveness of the concentration and frequency of NASA liquid organic fertilizer on the growth and yield of Samhong mustard (Brassica juncea L.). The research was carried out in the greenhouse of the Faculty of Agriculture, Pattimura University, Ambon. This research was conducted as an experiment using a Randomized Block Design with 2 factors. The first factor was the concentration of NASA liquid organic fertilizer which consisted of 4 levels, namely: concentration of 0 mL/L of water (without giving POC); 4 mL/L of water; 8 mL/ mL/L of water; and 12 mL/L of water. The second factor was the frequency of fertilizer application which consists of 3 levels, namely 6 times, 3 times and 2 times of application. There were 12 treatment combinations, with 3 replications, so there were 36 experimental units. The research results showed that the concentration of NASA liquid organic fertilizer had a very significant effect on plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, plant fresh weight, plant dry weight and root dry weight. A concentration of 8 mL/L of water was the best concentration for plant fresh weight, namely 323.89 g. For the treatment of frequency of application, there was a very significant effect on the number of leaves, leaf area, plant fresh weight, plant dry weight and root dry weight, with a frequency of 3 applications being the best frequency for the growth and yield of Samhong mustard greens. The interaction between NASA liquid organic fertilizer concentration and application frequency did not significantly effect all observed variables.

Integrated transcriptomic and physio-molecular studies unveil the melatonin and PGPR induced protection to photosynthetic attributes in Brassica juncea L. under cadmium toxicity

Cd is highly mobile, non-essential trace element, that has become serious environmental issue due to its elevated concentration in soil. The present study was taken up to work out salutary effect of melatonin (Mlt) and PGPR ((Pseudomonas putida (Pp), Pseudomonas fluorescens (Pf) in 10 days old Cd stressed (0.3 mM) Brassica juncea L. seedlings. The present work investigated growth characteristics, photosynthetic pigments, secondary metabolites in melatonin-PGPR inoculated B. juncea seedlings. It was backed by molecular studies entailing RT-PCR and transcriptomic analyses. Our results revealed, substantial increase in photosynthetic pigments and secondary metabolites, after treatment with melatonin, P.putida, P. fluorescens in Cd stressed B. juncea seedlings, further validated with transcriptome analysis. Comparative transcriptome analyses identified 455, 5953, 3368, 2238 upregulated and 4921, 430, 137, 27 down regulated DEGs, Cn-vs-Cd, Cd-vs-Mlt, Cd-vs-Mlt-Pp-Pf, Cd-vs-Mlt-Pp-Pf-Cd comparative groups respectively. In depth exploration of genome analyses (Gene ontology, Kyoto encyclopaedia of genes), revealed that Cd modifies the expression patterns of most DEGs mainly associated to photosystem and chlorophyll synthesis. Also, gene expression studies for key photosynthetic genes (psb A, psb B, CHS, PAL, and PSY) suggested enhanced expression in melatonin-rhizobacteria treated Cd stressed B. juncea seedlings. Overall, results provide new insights into probable mechanism of Mlt-PGPR induced protection to photosynthesis in Cd stressed B. juncea plants.

PEMANFAATAN EKOENZIM DARI KULIT BUAH-SAYUR UNTUK PENINGKATAN KUALITAS AIR DANAU BATUR DI KECAMATAN KINTAMANI BANGLI, BALI

Eco enzyme production through the fermentation process of household waste, such as leftover fruit and vegetables can also be a solution to minimize waste from its source. This research aims to determine the effect of a mixture of organic materials, fruit and vegetable waste eco enzyme on pH, and the effect of eco enzyme dosage on improving the water quality of Lake Batur, Kintamani Bali. Making eco enzymes using vegetable and fruit waste. water, molasses in a ratio of 3: 10: 1. The liquid is fermented for 3 months while observing the fermentation process. Eco enzyme is harvested and filtered, ready for testing to improve the water quality of Lake Batur. The results of observations of making eco enzyme can be explained that in the first 4 weeks, there was a change in colour with shades of brown to reddish, after the fourth week the colour was relatively stable (no colour change. Changes in pH during the process of making eco enzymes were related to variations in the composition of organic material (vegetable residues. There was a decrease in pH). with an average of up to 1 digit, the highest reduction occurred in ingredients containing papaya, mango and mustard greens. Eco enzymes can improve water quality as indicated by several water quality parameters, but are not enough to achieve conformity with the established quality standards. Keyword: Eco Enzyme; Water Quality; Batur Lake

Physiological and biochemistry response of mustard greens (Brassica juncea var. Tosakan) to iron and zinc biofortification

Physiological and biochemistry response of mustard greens (Brassica juncea var. Tosakan) to iron and zinc biofortification

Genome-wide characterization of Related to ABI3/VP1 transcription factors among U's triangle Brassica species reveals a negative role for BnaA06.RAV3L in seed size

The transcription factors Related to ABI3/VP1 (RAV) are crucial for various plant processes and stress responses. Although the U's triangle Brassica species genomes have been released, the knowledge regarding the RAV family is still limited. In this study, we identified 123 putative RAV genes across the six U's triangle Brassica species (Brassica rapa, 14; Brassica oleracea, 14; Brassica nigra, 13; Brassica carinata, 27; Brassica juncea, 28; Brassica napus, 27). Phylogenetic analysis categorized them into three groups. The RAV genes exhibited diversity in both functional and structural aspects, particularly in gene structure and cis-acting elements within their promoters. The expression analysis revealed that BnaRAV genes in Group 1/2 exhibited diverse expression patterns across various tissues, while those in Group 3 did not show expression except for BnaRAV3L-2 and BnaRAV3L-6, which were exclusively expressed in seeds. Furthermore, the seed-specific expression of BnaA06. RAV3L (BnaRAV3L-2) was confirmed through promoter-GUS staining. Subcellular localization studies demonstrated that BnaA06.RAV3L is localized to the nucleus. The overexpression of BnaA06. RAV3L in Arabidopsis led to a remarkable inhibition of seed-specific traits such as seed width, seed length, seed area, and seed weight. This study provides insights into the functional evolution of the RAV gene family in U triangle Brassica species. It establishes a foundation for uncovering the molecular mechanisms underlying the negative role of RAV3L in seed development.

Yield maximization in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea (L.) Czernj. & Cosson) through nutrient management and optimizing sowing date

In order to maximize yield of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea (L.) Czernj. & Cosson) by optimizing sowing dates and nutrient management, a field experiment was conducted at Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute, Jaipur, India during 3 consecutive rabi seasons (2012–13 to 2014–15). The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with four replications. The two main plot treatments comprised date of sowing (D1: IV week of October; D2: II week of November) and four sub-plot treatments comprised nutrient applications (T1: RD-N40P60K40; T2: RD-N40P60K40+RDgypsum250; T3: RD-N40P60K40+RDgypsum250+Zn and T4: RD-N40P60K40+RDgypsum250+Zn + Fe). Result showed that the seed germination, seedling growth and seedling vigor index were better in D1 sowing over D2 sowing under control as well treated conditions. Chlorophyll content increased with the application of sulfur, zinc and iron during both the sowings, with greater magnitude in D2 sowing. Seed yield and its contributing factors viz. days to flowering, plant height, shoot length, leaf area; primary branches per plant, number and length of siliqua were significantly and variably affected by different nutrient combinations. Application of T3 significantly enhanced the seed and biological yield (23.13 and 74.03 q ha−1) (16.35% and 20.63%) over T1, respectively, and T3 was statistically at par with T4. T3 also provided the highest benefit:cost (B:C) ratio (2.14) and net returns (₹ 38168 ha−1). Thus, sowing of Indian mustard in the month of October and application of RD-N40P60K40+RDgypsum250+Zn (T3) is recommended to maximize its seed yield along with higher B:C ratio and returns under semi-arid conditions of India.

Interactive effect of rhizobacterium Bacillus sp. strain MRD-17 and macro-nutrients on the amelioration of drought stress in mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

ABSTRACT Drought is a major abiotic stress in mustard. In the present investigation, the interactive effects of rhizobacterium Bacillus sp. MRD-17 and nutrients nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N, P, K), 100% and 50% of the recommended dose of fertiliser (RDF) on shoot-root growth and nutrient uptake by mustard under well-watered (−0.33 bar) and water deficit (−8 bar) conditions were determined. Drought stress for 30 days, reduced root growth, but rhizobacterial inoculation under drought and nutrient stress improved root viability (73%, and 39%, respectively) and architecture, nitrate reductase (20% and 12%, respectively) and glutamine synthetase activity (21% and 14%, respectively), shoot nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium and seed K content. The protective effects of Bacillus sp. MRD-17 to mustard under drought stress was also accompanied by decreased acid phosphatase activity. However, rhizobacterial and macro-nutrient interactions had no impact on seed N and P content on drought and nutrient-stressed plants. Therefore, in terms of plant growth and nutrient uptake, the efficiency of Bacillus sp. MRD-17 was dependent on the soil nutrient status. Furthermore, rhizobacterial application might facilitate a higher uptake of water and nutrients by the plant from the soil and thus sustain crop productivity under water and nutrient stress scenarios.

Bio-efficacy of mustard seed extracts against Bihar hairy caterpillar Spilosoma obliqua (Erebidae: Lepidoptera) & assessment of mustard allelo-chemicals in response to mustard aphid Lipaphis erysimi (Aphididae: Hemiptera) infestation

Mustard seed contains glucosinolate-myrosinase system of substrate-enzyme metabolism, accompanied with compartmentalized cells. Upon rupture, enzyme myrosinase leads to breakdown of glucosinolates and its metabolized products like allyl, benzyl, phenyl type of isothiocyantes and many other types like nitriles are released. The myrosinase activity is tested in three globally utilized different seed coat color mustards viz., brown mustard (Brassica juncea), white mustard (Sinapis alba) and black mustard (Brassica nigra) to demonstrate the release of glucosinolates which are known to deter insect pests. Aqueous seed extracts of these mustard types were subjected to anti-feedant activity analysis and oil extracted from these mustard seeds was subjected to insecticidal activity analysis against Spilosoma obliqua 4th instars on castor leaves. Meanwhile, the mustard leaves in open field were allowed for natural aphid infestation during early months from January to March. Thereafter, the leaf twigs of white, black and brown mustard, infested and uninfested by aphids, were collected and myrosinase activity of plants was analyzed with varying levels of important pest inflicted biochemicals in plant, viz., Total phenols, ortho-dihydric phenols and flavonols. Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry analysis of mustard oil used in insecticidal activity was performed to elucidate the role of biochemicals involved in action. These compounds along with fatty acids and sterols compounds are known to have anti-feedant & insecticidal activities. Aqueous extract components were also subjected to total glucosinolate analysis, spectrophotometrically for knowing their concentration, with highest in brown (85.81 µmol/g) followed by black (59.32 µmol/g) and lowest in white mustard (47.63 µmol/g). The amount of glucosinolates, free fatty acids & sterol compounds present in different coat color mustard seed types are being correlated here with their potential bioactivities against biological plant pests. Bio-control of potentially harmful insect pests is possible by utilizing anti-feeding & insecticidal potential of mustard seed extracts.

An Evaluation of Recycled Papers as Storage and Germination Medium of Vegetable Seeds

An innovative approach to storing and germinating seeds can be achieved by embedding seeds in recycled papers. This quantitative study was conducted to evaluate the viability and germination of vegetable seeds in recycled paper compared to soil. Pechay (Brassica rapa), mustard (Brassica juncea), spinach (Spinacia oleracea), and saluyot (Corchorus olitorius) were seed samples examined in both media. Daily monitoring of seedlings' height and germination count was conducted using a counting method and rulers, as well as water sprays. As a result, viability varied among seeds, with pechay (100%) and mustard (96.30%) showing higher rates in recycled paper than spinach (25.93%) and saluyot (44.44%). The viability of pechay (96.30%), mustard (96.30%), spinach (96.30%), and saluyot (70.37%) was generally higher in soil. Germination rates differed across seed types and media. Pechay and mustard grew consistently in both media, while spinach and saluyot had different growth patterns and showed slower growth. Statistical analysis using the Fisher Exact Test and T-test showed no significant difference in viability between recycled paper and soil (P = 0.214). Soil remains preferred, but recycled paper can serve as an alternative starting medium. Long-term growth assessment and matching media to more plant species are recommended to enhance germination practices and sustainable agriculture.