Screening of Mustard Germplasm against Powdery Mildew (Erysiphe cruciferarum) and Analysis of Yield Contributing Characters

The current experiment was carried out at the Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS) Polasa, Jagtial during rabi 2020-21, with the goals of (1) assessing the resistance of Indian mustard germplasm lines to powdery mildew disease and (2) analysing the yield and its contributing traits, days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height in centimetres, primary branch number, secondary branch number, siliqua number and siliqua length in centimetres. The results of the analysis of variance showed that there were statistically significant differences between the genotypes and their characteristics. The genotypes viz., DRMR-150-35, Black gold, and RH-9304 performed best on average out of 50 different varieties for twelve different characteristics, including high seed yield per plant, high 1000-seed weight and high harvest index.Two resistant genotypes (GM-3 and Swarna Jyothi) and nine genotypes (Pusa mahak, PM-25, PM-26, PDZM-31, Pusa tarak, Pusa bahar, Ashirwad, DRMR-601, and JM-2) demonstrated considerable resistance reaction to the powdery mildew disease after being screened against the illness. We can solve the disease effect problem by utilizing these germplasm lines as donors in future breeding programme to develop powdery mildew resistant lines.

Evaluation of Cytoplasmic Male Sterile Lines and Restorer Lines in Moricandia System for Heterosis Breeding in Indian Mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern & Coss.]

This study was undertaken with the objectives of Cytoplasmic Male Sterility (CMS) assessment and study of pollen fertility restoration using five Mori based Cytoplasmic Male Sterile lines viz., Mori ‘A’ SKM 109, Mori ‘A’ SKM 125, Mori ‘A’ SKM 201, Mori ‘A’ SKM 219, Mori ‘A’ SKM 303 and eight diverse Mori based fertility restorer lines viz., Mori ‘R’ GM 2, Mori ‘R’ GM 3, Mori ‘R’ SKM 9033, Mori ‘R’ SKM 301, Mori ‘R’ Pusa Bahar, Mori ‘R’ Vardan, Mori ‘R’ Bio 902, Mori ‘R’ 1-14 to identify good fertility restorer line and stain ability of pollen grains of sterile and fertile lines to Moricandia arvensis, cytoplasmic background of converted cytoplasmic male sterile lines of Indian Mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern & Coss.] by repeated backcrossing at the Main Castor-Mustard Research station, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar-385506 Banaskantha. The pollen stain ability, plant fertility status and percentage siliquae set per plant was recorded for the morphological characterization and to confirm stability of true Cytoplasmic Male Sterile (CMS) line. The experimental material comprised of fifty-four genotypes consisting of five diverse CMS lines and eight Fertility Restorer lines were crossed in line X tester mating design and resultant forty hybrids along with their thirteen parents and standard check variety (Kranti) were evaluated in randomized block experimental design. The morphological characters were studied viz., pollen fertility, Number of siliquae set per plant, per cent siliquae set per plant in field as well as laboratory tests were conducted with 2 % Aceto-carmine to confirm pollen stain ability and purity of CMS (A-lines) for male sterility and pollen fertility restorability of R-lines. There were visual differences observed for the parents (male sterile lines and fertility restorer lines), all the F1 crosses and standard check parent for pollen fertility. The male sterile lines exhibited (100%) pollen sterility and the pollen fertility restorer lines varied from 80.05 % (Mori ‘R’ Pusa Bahar) to 97.97 %(Mori ‘R’ SKM 9033).

Genome-wide identification and characterization of the WOX gene family in Brassica juncea / 生物工程学报

The WUSCHEL related-homeobox (WOX) family is one of the plant-specific transcription factor families, playing important roles in plant growth and development. In this study, 51 WOX gene family members were identified from the genome data of Brassica juncea by searching and screening with HUMMER, Smart and other software. Their protein molecular weight, amino acids numbers, and isoelectric point were analyzed by using Expasy online software. Furthermore, bioinformatics software was used to systematically analyze the evolutionary relationship, conservative region, and gene structure of the WOX gene family. The mustard WOX gene family was divided into three subfamilies: ancient clade, intermediate clade, and WUS clade/modern clade. Structural analysis showed that the type, organization form and gene structure of the conservative domain of WOX transcription factor family members in the same subfamily were highly consistent, while there was a certain diversity among different subfamilies. 51 WOX genes are distributed unevenly on 18 chromosomes of mustard. Most of the promoters of these genes contain cis acting elements related to light, hormone and abiotic stress. Using transcriptome data and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis, it was found that the expression of mustard WOX gene was spatio-temporal specific, among which BjuWOX25, BjuWOX33, and BjuWOX49 might play an important role in the development of silique, and BjuWOX10, BjuWOX32, and BjuWOX11, BjuWOX23 respectively might play an important role in the response to drought and high temperature stresses. The above results may facilitate the functional study of mustard WOX gene family.

Mutant construction of HDA9 and its interactions with promoters of flowering integrator SOC1 and AGL24 in Brassica juncea / 生物工程学报

HDA9, a member of the deacetylase family, plays a vital role in regulating plant flowering time through flowering integrator SOC1 and AGL24. However, it remains elusive how HDA9 interacts with SOC1 and AGL24 in flowering time control. Here, HDA9 was cloned in Brassica juncea and then its three active sites were separately replaced with Ala via overlap extension PCR. Thus, mutants of HDA9(D172A), HDA9(H174A) and HDA9(D261A) were constructed and fused into the pGADT7 vector. The yeast one-hybrid assays indicated that HDA9 mutants remained the interactions with the promoters of SOC1 and AGL24. Furthermore, the aforementioned results were confirmed in the dual luciferase assays. Interestingly, the DNA-protein interactions were weakened significantly due to the mutation in the three active sites of HDA9. It suggested that flowering signal integrator SOC1 and AGL24 were regulated by the key amino acid residues of 172th, 174th and 261th in HDA9. Our results provide valuable information for the in-depth study of the biological function and molecular regulation of HDA9 in Brassica juncea flowering time control.

Bioactivity of methanolic extract of Brassica juncea in animal model of diabetes mellitus / 中草药·英文版

Objective: To study the bioactivity of methanolic extract of Brassica juncea on animal model of diabetes mellitus along with its effect on diabetic and metabolic parameters. Methods: Diabetes mellitus was induced in rats by injecting streptozotocin (60 mg/kg) intraperitonealy. Blood glucose was measured on day 3 by GOD-POD method to confirm the diabetes mellitus. Rats having fasting blood glucose > 250 mg/dL were further selected for study and they were divided into four groups, control, control + streptozotocin, streptozotocin + metformin (75 mg/kg) and streptozotocin+ extract of B. juncea (450 mg/kg). Each group consisted of six rats of either sex. Metformin and experimental extract were administered for 21 d. Triglyceride, cholesterol level were measured on day 21 by commercially available kit. Blood glucose was measured on days 7 and 21. Anti-oxidant potential was assessed by estimating extent of lipid peroxidation (LPO) by malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) in liver, kidney, pancreas, muscle tissues on day 21. Unpaired and paired student's t-test was applied for statistical analysis. Results: The extract of B. juncea showed significant decrease in blood glucose level on day 21. The treatment group showed significant difference in oxidative stress by increasing SOD and GSH and decreasing LPO and NO activity on day 21. The treatment did not show statistically significant difference of cholesterol, and triglycerides level on day 21. Conclusion: The study showed anti-hyperglycemic and anti-oxidative properties of methanolic extract of B. juncea.

Nitrogen and phosphorus uptake efficiency in Indian mustard cultivated during three growth cycles in a copper contaminated soil treated with biochar / Eficiência de absorção de nitrogênio e fósforo em mostarda indiana cultivada por três ciclos sucessivos em um solo contaminado com cobre e tratado com biocarvão

ABSTRACT: Biochar has been used worldwide as an efficient soil amendment due to its beneficial interaction with soil particles and nutrients; however, studies on the effect of biochar on the availability of nutrients such as N and P in tropical soils are still missing. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of different types and doses of biochars on the concentration and uptake of N and P in Indian mustard plants (Brassica juncea L.) grown in a Cu contaminated soil during three successive growth cycles. The greenhouse experiment was set up as randomized block design in a 3x3 factorial scheme, with 3 types of biochars (coconut shell, orange bagasse and sewage sludge) and three rates of application (0, 30 and 60t ha-1), and 4 replicates. Biochar increased plant growth by approximately 30 to 224%; however, the orange bagasse biochar was the most effective. Biochar reduced plant N concentration in approximately 15-43%, regardless of the rate of application, indicating the need to carefully adjust N fertilization. In the last growth cycle, biochar from coconut shell and orange bagasse improved the N uptake efficiency suggesting a better amelioration effect with ageing in soil. Biochar did not affect P nutrition in Indian mustard to a great extent; however, it significantly decreased the N:P ratio in the plant.

RESUMO: O biocarvão tem sido usado mundialmente como um eficiente insumo agrícola devido à sua interação benéfica com as partículas e os nutrientes do solo. Contudo, seu efeito na disponibilidade de nutrientes como N e P em solos tropicais tem sido pouco investigado. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o efeito de diferentes tipos e doses de biocarvão na concentração e na eficiência de absorção de N e P em plantas de mostarda indiana (Brassica juncea L.) cultivadas em solo contaminado com cobre, em três ciclos sucessivos de cultivo. O estudo foi desenvolvido em delineamento de blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 3x3, em casa de vegetação, com três tipos de biocarvão (casca de coco, bagaço de laranja e lodo de esgoto) e três doses (0, 30 e 60t ha-1). Todos os biocarvões aumentaram o crescimento das plantas, com variação de 30 a 224%. No entanto, o biocarvão de bagaço de laranja foi o mais eficiente. A presença de biocarvão reduziu a concentração de N nas plantas em torno de 14 a 43%, independente da dose aplicada, indicando a necessidade de monitoramento mais cuidadoso da fertilização nitrogenada. Os biocarvões de casca de coco e bagaço de laranja melhoraram a eficiência da planta na absorção de N no terceiro ciclo de cultivo, indicando melhor efeito com o tempo de contato como o solo. O uso de biocarvão teve pouca influência na nutrição fosfatada na mostarda indiana, mas diminuiu significativamente a relação N:P.

Effects of methanolic extract of Brassica juncea seeds on biochemical parameters and histological integrity of the heart and liver of albino rats / Efectos del extracto metanólico de las semillas de Brassica juncea sobre los parámetros bioquímicos y la integridad histológica del corazón y el hígado de ratas albinas

SUMMARY: Brassica juncea (Indian mustard) seeds are consumed in treatment of high blood pressure, headache and prevention of heart disease. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of methanol extract of Brassica juncea seeds [BJME] on the heart and liver of adult Albino Wistar rats. A total of 24 albino rats of both sexes were divided into 6 groups [I - VI] of 4 rats per group. Groups I to IV received graded doses of the methanol extract by oral gavage while groups V and VI (controls) received 2 ml/kg body weight of 3 % Tween 80 and water respectively via oral gavage once daily. Treatment lasted for four weeks and the serum levels of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were estimated. The animals were sacrificed and the heart and liver tissues were excised for further histological processing for light microscopy. There was significant increase in AST and ALT levels following BJME treatment when compared to the controls. ALP activity did not differ significantly among the treatment and control groups. Histopathological changes consistent with toxic injury were observed in the heart and liver tissues of BJME- treated rats. In conclusion, the results of this study show that sub-acute administration of methanol seed extract of Brassica juncea can exert cardiotoxic and hepatotoxic effects in rats.

RESUMEN: Las semillas de Brassica juncea (mostaza india) se consumen en el tratamiento de la hipertensión arterial, el dolor de cabeza y la prevención de enfermedades del corazón. El objetivo del presente estudio fue investigar los efectos del extracto de metanol de semillas de Brassica juncea [BJME] en el corazón y el hígado de ratas Albino Wistar adultas. Un total de 24 ratas albinas de ambos sexos se dividieron en 6 grupos [I - VI] de 4 ratas por grupo. Los grupos I a IV recibieron dosis del extracto de metanol por sonda oral progresivamente, mientras que los grupos V y VI (control) recibieron 2 ml / kg de peso corporal de 3 % de 80 y agua, respectivamente, por sonda oral una vez al día. El tratamiento duró cuatro semanas y se estimaronlos niveles séricos de aspartato transaminasa (AST), alanina transaminasa (ALT) y fosfatasa alcalina (ALP). Los animales se sacrificaron y fueron analizados los tejidos del corazón y el hígado, para un procesamiento histológico adicional con microscopía óptica. Hubo un aumento significativo en los niveles de AST y ALT después del tratamiento con BJME en comparación con los controles. La actividad de ALP no difirió significativamente entre los grupos de tratamiento y control. Se observaron cambios histopatológicos compatibles con lesiones tóxicas en los tejidos del corazón y el hígado de ratas tratadas con BJME. En conclusión, los resultados de este estudio muestran que la administración subaguda de extracto de semilla de metanol de Brassica juncea puede ejercer efectos cardiotóxicos y hepatotóxicos en ratas.

Effectiveness of Brassica juncea (mustard green) leaf decoction as an adjunct in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus among Filipinos: a randomized clinical trial / The Health Sciences Journal

INTRODUCTION@#This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of mustard green leaf decoction as an adjunct to drug treatment in controlling blood glucose among Filipinos with type 2 diabetes mellitus.@*METHODS@#Participants were randomly assigned to receive mustard green decoction or a placebo solution for eight weeks on top of their oral anti-hyperglycemic medication. Fasting blood sugar and complete blood counts were determined at baseline, Week 4 and Week 8, and compared within and across the two groups.@*RESULTS@#There was a decreasing trend in the blood sugar level in the mustard green group while the opposite was noted in the placebo group. The mean FBS levels of the mustard green group were significantly lower than that of the placebo group at the Week 8 determination (6.10 vs 8.69 mmol/ L, p = 0.004). The decrease in blood sugar level on the eighth week in the mustard green group was significant compared with the baseline level (p = 0.008).@*CONCLUSION@#This study has demonstrated that the intake of Brassica juncea decoction can significantly decrease blood sugar levels among type 2 diabetics compared to metformin alone.

Effectiveness of Brassica juncea (mustard green) leaf decoction as an adjunct in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus among Filipinos: a randomized clinical trial / The Health Sciences Journal

Introduction This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of mustard green leaf decoction as an adjunct to drug treatment in controlling blood glucose among Filipinos with type 2 diabetes mellitus.Methods Participants were randomly assigned to receive mustard decoction or a placebo solution for eight weeks on top of their oral anti-hyperglycemic medication. Fasting blood sugar and complete blood counts were determined at baseline, Week 4 and Week 8, and compared within and across the two groups. Results There was a decreasing trend in the blood sugar in the mustard green group while the opposite was noted in the placebo group. The mean FBS levels of the mustard green group were significantly lower than that of the placebo group at the Week 8 determination (6.10 vs 8.69 mmol/L, p=0.0004). The decrease in blood sugar level on the eight week in the mustard green group was significant compared with the baseline level (p=0.008).Conclusion This study had demonstrated that the intake of Brassica juncea decoction can significantly decrease blood sugar level among type 2 diabetics compared to metformin alone. 

The effects of Brassica juncea L. leaf extract on obesity and lipid profiles of rats fed a high-fat/high-cholesterol diet

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Obesity is a global health problem of significant importance which increases mortality. In place of anti-obesity drugs, natural products are being developed as alternative therapeutic materials. In this study, we investigated the effect of Brassica juncea L. leaf extract (BLE) on fat deposition and lipid profiles in high-fat, high-cholesterol diet (HFC)-induced obese rats. MATERIALS/METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups (n = 8 per group) according to diet: normal diet group (ND), high-fat/high-cholesterol diet group (HFC), HFC with 3% BLE diet group (HFC-A1), and HFC with 5% BLE diet group (HFC-A2). Each group was fed for 6 weeks. Rat body and adipose tissue weights, serum biochemical parameters, and tissue lipid contents were determined. The expression levels of mRNA and proteins involved in lipid and cholesterol metabolism were determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis, respectively. RESULTS: The HFC-A2 group showed significantly lower body weight gain and food efficiency ratio than the HFC group. BLE supplementation caused mesenteric, epididymal, and total adipose tissue weights to decrease. The serum levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were significantly reduced, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly increased in rats fed BLE. These results were related to lower glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, acetyl-coA carboxylase, and fatty acid synthase mRNA expression, and to higher expression of the cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase and low density lipoprotein-receptor, as well as increased protein levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α. Histological analysis of the liver revealed decreased lipid droplets in HFC rats treated with BLE. CONCLUSIONS: Supplementation of HFC with 3% or 5% BLE inhibited body fat accumulation, improved lipid profiles, and modulated lipogenesis- and cholesterol metabolism-related gene and protein expression.

Antidepressant-like effects of Brassica juncea L. leaves in diabetic rodents.

The objective of the study was to evaluate for antidepressant like activity of a methanolic extract of B. juncea leaves (BJ 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/day, po), and Imipramine (15 mg/kg/day, po) in alloxan monohydrate (120 mg/kg, ip) induced diabetic and nondiabetic rodents, using behavioural despair, learned helplessness, and tail suspension tests for antidepressants and locomotor activity test for quantifying the behavioural effects of treatments. In addition, effects of BJ treatments on brain levels of norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine were also estimated. Enhanced depressive states, and motility were observed in diabetic animals. Antidepressant and motor function depressing effects of BJ were apparent in all behavioural tests in diabetic rats and mice only. Decreased contents of dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin in brain of diabetic rats were also dose dependently compensated by repeated daily BJ treatments. However, brain dopamine level of BJ treated normal rats was higher than that in control nondiabetic. The results suggest that BJ could be a nutritional alternative for combating exaggerated depression commonly associated with diabetes.

Avaliação dos efeitos tóxicos de Cd e Pb na cultura da mostarda (Brassica juncea) / Evaluation of the toxic effects of Cd and Pb in the crop of mustard (Brassica juncea)

Com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito da aplicação de cádmio (Cd) e chumbo (Pb) na cultura da mostarda (Brassica juncea) e sua relação com o desenvolvimento das plantas, os teores, o acúmulo e a translocação nas raízes e na parte aérea, plantas de mostarda em solução nutritiva de Clark foram cultivadas e submetidas a doses crescentes de Cd (0,00; 0,25; 1,00; 5,00 e 10,00 mg.L-1) e de Pb (0,00; 2,50; 10,00; 50,00 e 100,00 mg.L-1). O Cd mostrou significativa translocação na planta, o que se deve à formação de um complexo entre essa espécie química e a fitoquelatina; a baixa translocação de Pb e o efeito deletério se devem a depósitos radiculares de quelatos estáveis de Pb.

With the objective of evaluating the effect of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in the culture of mustard (Brassica juncea) and its relationship with plant development, levels, accumulation and translocation in roots and shoots, mustard plants were grown in Clark nutrient solution and subjected to increasing doses of Cd (0.00; 0.25; 1.00; 5.00 and 10.00 mg.L-1) and Pb (0.00; 2.50; 10.00; 50.00 and 100.00 mg.L-1). Cd showed a significant translocation into the plant, which is due to the formation of a complex between the chemical species and phytochelatin; the low translocation of Pb and deleterious effects are due to root deposits of Pb stable chelates.

Assessment of genetic diversity in Brassica juncea Brassicaceae genotypes using phenotypic differences and SSR markers / Evaluación de la diversidad genética en genotipos de Brassica juncea Brassicaceae utilizando diferencias fenotípicas y marcadores SSR

Brassica mustard species represent one of the most important oilseed crops in India, nevertheless, their genetic diversity is barely known. A better understanding on this topic is essential for the proper utilization of genotypes in breeding programmes. We evaluated the genetic diversity among 44 Indian mustard Brassica juncea genotypes including varieties/purelines from different agro-climatic zones of India and few exotic genotypes Australia, Poland and China. For this, we used A and B genome specific SSR markers and phenotypic data on 12 yield and yield contributing traits. Out of the 143 primers tested, 134 reported polymorphism and a total of 355 alleles were amplified. Dendrograms based on Jaccards similarity coefficients and Manhattan dissimilarity coefficients were generated based on an average linkage algorithm UPGMA using marker data and phenotypic data. Genotypes were grouped into four clusters based on genetic distances. Both the clustering patterns based on Jaccards similarity and Manhattan dissimilarity coefficients, independently, discriminated the genotypes effectively as per their pedigree and origin. PCoA revealed that, the grouping of genotypes based on SSR marker data is more convincing than phenotypic data, however, the correlation between phenotypic and genetic distance matrices was observed to be very low r=0.11. Hence, for diversity studies reliability on molecular markers is worth proving and SSR markers are the stronger tools than quantitative traits in discriminating B. juncea genotypes.

Las especies de mostaza del género Brassica representan uno de los cultivos de semillas oleaginosas más importantes en India, sin embargo, su diversidad genética es poco conocida. Para la utilización de genotipos en programas de cultivos resulta esencial un mayor conocimiento sobre este tema. Debido a ello, se evaluó la diversidad genética entre 44 genotipos de mostaza de la India Brassica juncea incluyendo variedades y líneas puras de diferentes zonas agro-climáticas de la India y algunos genotipos exóticos Australia, Polonia y China. Para ello, se utilizaron marcadores SSR específicos del genoma A y B y datos fenotípicos del rendimiento de 12 cosechas y sus características. De los 143 primers evaluados, 134 reportaron polimorfismo y un total de 355 alelos fueron amplificados. Se generaron dendrogramas a partir de los coeficientes de similitud de Jaccard y de disimilitud Manhattan, basados en un algoritmo de vinculación promedio UPGMA. Se utilizaron datos de marcadores genéticos y datos fenotípicos. Los genotipos se agruparon en cuatro grupos basados en las distancias genéticas. Ambos patrones de agrupamiento, tanto los basados en los coeficientes de similitud de Jaccard como los basados en los de disimilitud Manhattan, separaron independientemente los genotipos por su genealogía y origen, de una manera efectiva. El PCoA reveló que la agrupación de genotipos basada en datos de marcadores SSR, es más convincente que los datos fenotípicos, sin embargo, se observó que la correlación entre las matrices de distancia fenotípica y genética resultó muy baja r=0.11. Por lo tanto, para estudios de diversidad basados en marcadores moleculares es necesario realizar más pruebas. Los marcadores SSR constituyen herramientas más eficientes para discriminar entre genotipos de B. juncea, que las características cuantitativas.

Effect of cadaverine on Brassica juncea (L.) under multiple stress.

The cadaverine (Cad), an organic diamine was examined for its response on growth in salinity and metal stressed B. juncea cv RH-30 vis-à-vis compared the response of ammonium nitrate. The Cad (1 mM) application ameliorated the effect caused by salinity and metal stress on seed germination and plant growth. The plant growth recovery (dry biomass accumulation) was dependent on stress and diamine type. The higher growth recovery potential of Cad under both stresses was due to elevation in photosynthetic pigments, nitrate reductase activity and organic nitrogen as well as soluble protein, It is inferred that growth in stressed seedlings was mediated by Cad through lowering endogenous Cd/Pb and Na+/K+ level in leaf and shoot tissues.

Indian mustard brassica juncea l. mediated phytoremediation of lead.

The contamination from heavy metals has risen during the last decade due to increase in Industrialization. This has led to a significant increase in health problems. Many of the known remediation techniques to remove heavy metal from soil are expensive, time consuming and environmentally destructive. Phytoremediation is an emerging technology for removal of heavy metals which is cost effective, and has aesthetic advantages and long term applicability. The present study aims at efficiently utilizing Brassica juncea L. to remove lead (Pb). The result of our study indicate that amount of lead in Indian mustard is increased with the amount of EDTA applied to the soil and maximum accumulation was achieved with 5mmol/kg of EDTA. On further increase in EDTA resulted in leaf necrosis and early shedding of leaves. Therefore EDTA at a concentration of 5mmol/kg was considered optimum for lead accumulation by Brassica juncea L.

Organic matrix based slow release fertilizer enhances plant growth, nitrate assimilation and seed yield of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.).

Field experiments were conducted to study the effect of organic matrix based slow release fertilizers (SRFs) on plant growth, nitrate assimilation and seed yield of Brassica juncea L. cv. pusa bold. The agro-waste materials like cow dung, clay soil, neem leaves and rice bran were mixed together in 2:2:1:1 ratio and used as organic matrix for the immobilization of chemical fertilizer nutrients with commercial grade saresh (Acacia gum, 15% solution) as binder. Different fertilizer treatments were organic matrix based slow release fertilizers, SRF-I (542.0 kg ha-1); SRF-II (736.5 kg ha-1) and chemical fertilizer combinations, boron (3 kg ha-1)+sulphur (15 kg ha-1)+nitrogen (80 kg ha-1) and boron (3 kg ha-1) + sulphur (15 kg ha-1)+nitrogen (80 kg ha-1)+phosphorus (15 kg ha-1)+potassium (100 kg ha-1). Organic matrix based SRF-II released ammonium up to 50-d in wet soil under laboratory conditions which showed maximum retention of the nutrients. A very significant increase in plant growth, nitrate assimilation and seed yield was recorded in organic matrix based SRF-II applied plants. The maximum percent increase in biomass production was observed with organic matrix based SRF-II (increase of 65.8% in root fresh weight, 38.0% in root dry weight, 45.9% in leaf fresh weight plant-1 and 27.5 % in leaf dry weight plant-1 in 60-d old plants). It also increased the acquisition and assimilation of nitrate from the plant’s rhizosphere which was evident by 45.6% increase in nitrate, 27.5% in nitrite and 11.7% in nitrate reductase activity (NRA) in leaves of 45-d old plants over control. The organic matrix based SRF-II significantly increased the seed yield by 28% in Indian mustard. Cost analysis revealed that this formulation is cost effective as it is based on agro waste materials.

Comparative study on the effect of chemicals on Alternaria blight in Indian mustard - A multi-location study in India.

High severity of Alternaria blight disease is a major constraint in production of rapeseed-mustard in India. The aim of this study was to investigate the suppressive potential of chemicals viz., zinc sulphate, borax, sulphur, potash and calcium sulphate, aqueous extracts viz., Eucalyptus globosus (50 g l-1) leaf extract and garlic (Allium sativum) bulb (20 g l-1) extract, cow urine and bio-agents Trichoderma harzianum, Pseudomonas fluorescence in comparison with the recommended chemical fungicide (mancozeb), against foliar disease Alternaria blight of Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. and Coss] under five different geographical locations of India. Mancozeb recorded the lowest mean severity (leaf: 33.1%; pod: 26.3%) of Alternaria blight with efficacy of garlic bulb extract alone (leaf = 34.4%; pod = 27.3%) or in combination with cow urine (leaf = 34.2%; pod = 28.6%) being statistically at par with the recommended chemical fungicide. Chemicals also proved effective in reducing Alternaria blight severity on leaves and pods of Indian mustard (leaf = 36.3- 37.9%; pod = 27.5-30.1%). The effective treatments besides providing significant reduction in disease severity also enabled increase in dry seed yield of the crop (mancozeb = 2052 kg ha-1; garlic = 2006 kg ha-1; control = 1561 kg ha-1).

Effect of exogenous H2O2 on antioxidant enzymes of Brassica juncea L. seedlings in relation to 24-epibrassinolide under chilling stress.

Hydrogen peroxide is most stable molecule among reactive oxygen species, which play a vital role in growth and development of plant as signaling molecule at low concentration in response to various abiotic and biotic stresses. Exogenous application of H2O2 is known to induce chilling tolerance in plants. Brassinosteroids are plant steroid hormones known for their anti-stress properties. In this study, effect of exogenous H2O2 on antioxidant defense system of Brassica juncea L. seedlings was investigated in 24-epibrassinolide (24-EBL) treated and untreated seedlings under chilling stress. The surface sterilized seeds of B. juncea L. were germinated in petriplates containing different concentrations of H2O2 alone and in combination with 10-8 M 24-EBL. Chilling treatment (4 ºC) was given to 10-days old seedlings grown in different treatments for 6 h daily up to 3 days. 24 h recovery period was given to chilling treated seedlings by placing at 25ºC ± 2ºC and harvested for antioxidant enzymes on 14th day after sowing (DAS). Treatment of 24-EBL in combination with H2O2 (15 and 20 mM) helped in reducing the toxicity of seed and seedlings due to H2O2 exposure on their germination rate, shoot and root length respectively. 24-EBL treatment at seed and seedling stage helped in alleviating the toxic effect of H2O2 through antioxidant defense system by increasing the activities of various enzymes involved in antioxidant defense system such as catalase (CAT, E.C. 1.11.1.6), ascorbate peroxidase (APOX, E.C. 1.11.1.11), and superoxide dismutase (SOD, E.C. 1.15.1.1). In conclusion, exogenous pretreatment of H2O2 to seeds of B. juncea L. adapted the seedlings to tolerate chilling stress, which was further ameliorated in combination of H2O2 with 24-EBL.

Genotypic variation in Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. cultivars in growth, nitrate assimilation, antioxidant responses and phytoremediation potential during cadmium stress.

Four cultivars of Brassica juncea i.e. TM-4, TM-2, RH-30 and T-59 were screened for seed germination and seedling growth up to 15 days in the presence of 0.5-1.5 mM cadmium (Cd). The exposure to Cd reduced seed germination and seedling growth (root and shoot length and dry weight) in all four cultivars; the effect being more severe in TM-2 and RH-30 than in TM-4 and T-59 and at 3 d than at 7 d and 15 d. The cultivars TM-4 and T-59, with higher tolerance to Cd toxicity, were selected for further analysis including the estimation of nitrate reductase (NR) and peroxidase (POD) activities, total organic nitrogen (TON), total soluble proteins, proline levels and Cd accumulation. The NR activity and total soluble proteins decreased upon Cd exposure in a concentration dependent manner, whereas TON increased significantly in 3 d seedlings upon Cd exposure. The activity of POD and proline level increased significantly as compared to the respective controls. The level of Cd accumulation was higher in T-59 than in TM-4. Therefore, T-59 was found to be the most tolerant cultivar to Cd than other three cultivars possibly due to a better capacity to transport Cd in their vacuolar sink. The variety T-59, thus, appears to be suitable for Cd phytoremediation.

PATHOGEN IDENTIFICATION OF MOSAIC VIRUS DISEASE OF BRASSICA JUNCEA COSS IN ZHEJIANG / 微生物学通报

The virus isolates were collected from Brassica juncea Coss whose symptom was mosaic, stunt and distorted in Tongxiang and Haining, in Zhejiang province. The isolates could infect five identification hosts and produced different symptoms. The results of indirect ELISA test indicated that the specimens infected by Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) accounted for 87.5% of the total . 73.08%and 65.48% of the total specimens were infected by Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV) and TuMV + CMV complex , respectively. All specimens didn' t infected by Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) . There were 0. 7kb 和 0.85kb special stripe in 1 % agrose gel electrophoresis after immunocapture polymerase chain reaction (IC-RT-PCR) . All tests results indicated that TuMV, CMV and TuMV + CMV complex were the predominant causal viruses infecting Brassica juncea Coss in Zhejiang province.