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Here we report that non-thermal atmospheric-pressure plasma exposure can improve Brassica juncea (leaf mustard) seed germination rate from 50 % to 98 %. The commercially relevant germination rate was achieved by plasma exposure for only 10 minutes and the effect sustains at least for one month under an appropriate storage condition. Improved germination by plasma exposure was also observed for Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis (Chinese cabbage) seeds. The plasma device used is simple. No pure gas flow system is necessary and it is easy to handle. A large number of seeds can be treated by simply scaling up the device. Plasma exposure can be a practical method for improving seed germination of crop plants important for agriculture. • Non-thermal atmospheric-pressure plasma exposure can improve Brassica seed germination rate. • The effect sustains at least for one month under an appropriate storage condition. • The plasma device used is simple and a large number of seeds can be treated. • Plasma exposure can be a practical method for improving seed germination in agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

\nHIGHLIGHTSBlack, brown, and white mustards are important spice and oil crops cultivated worldwide. In this study, the effect of mustard lines in terms of growth and yield under spring sown conditions during 2 years (2020 and 2021) was investigated under semi-arid climatic conditions in Ankara, Turkey. Fifteen lines and one standard were used in this study. The experiment was carried out according to the randomized block trial design with four replications. The results demonstrated statistically significant lines × years interaction for plant height, number of branches, number of capsules, number of seeds, thousand-seed weight, seed yield and crude oil yield of black, brown, and white mustard lines. The days to emergence, 4–6 leaves rosette stages, 50% flowering, 50% encapsulation, and harvest varied according to species and years. The better production year was 2021, when the highest seed yield (3080 kg ha−1) and oil yield (612 kg ha−1) were determined from the Brassica juncea-Bj3 line, while the lower production year was 2020, when the lowest seed yield (572 kg ha−1) and oil yield (133 kg ha−1) were detected for the B. nigra-Bn5 line. The B. juncea-Bj3 line for crude oil yield (612 kg ha−1) and the Sinapis alba-Sa5 line for seed yield (2282 kg ha−1) appeared to be superior in performance compared to the other lines and standards. The lines can be further exploited for breeding programs through selection and hybridization. Considering the yield data of the lines, it was detected that the lines of Brassica juncea, Sinapis alba and Brassica nigra have an important potential as a raw material resource for different industries. The experimental results showed the agronomic potential of growing Brassica species under spring conditions.The yield characteristics of 15 Brassica lines were significantly affected by the environmental situation.The Brassica juncea-Bj3 and Sinapis alba-Sa2 lines were the superior lines and had a high potential for breeding new Brassica cultivars.The experimental results showed the agronomic potential of growing Brassica species under spring conditions.The yield characteristics of 15 Brassica lines were significantly affected by the environmental situation.The Brassica juncea-Bj3 and Sinapis alba-Sa2 lines were the superior lines and had a high potential for breeding new Brassica cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Eukaryotic translation initiation factors (eIFs) are the primary targets for overcoming RNA virus resistance in plants. In a previous study, we mapped a BjeIF2Bβ from Brassica juncea representing a new class of plant virus resistance genes associated with resistance to Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV). However, the mechanism underlying eIF2Bβ‐mediated virus resistance remains unclear. In this study, we discovered that the natural variation of BjeIF2Bβ in the allopolyploid B. juncea was inherited from one of its ancestors, B. rapa. By editing of eIF2Bβ, we were able to confer resistance to TuMV in B. juncea and in its sister species of B. napus. Additionally, we identified an N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) demethylation factor, BjALKBH9B, for interaction with BjeIF2Bβ, where BjALKBH9B co‐localized with both BjeIF2Bβ and TuMV. Furthermore, BjeIF2Bβ recruits BjALKBH9B to modify the m6A status of TuMV viral coat protein RNA, which lacks the ALKB homologue in its genomic RNA, thereby affecting viral infection. Our findings have applications for improving virus resistance in the Brassicaceae family through natural variation or genome editing of the eIF2Bβ. Moreover, we uncovered a non‐canonical translational control of viral mRNA in the host plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract\nNOVELTY STATEMENTThe combined microbial-plant remediation has increasingly been used to remediate heavy metal-contaminated soil. Some microorganisms could enhance phytoremediation efficiency by solubilizing heavy metal and improve plant growth by producing phytohormones in the heavy metal contaminated soils. In the present study, a strong cesium (Cs)-tolerant fungal strain Paecilomyces lilacinus was identified from soil microorganisms contaminated with Cs, and the enrichment conditions for Cs were optimized. Furthermore, the effects of the A10 fermentation solution on the growth of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) seedlings were investigated. The results indicated that the optimal combination of factors consisted of a culture temperature of 28 °C, pH7.0, initial concentration of Cs at 5.91 g·L−1. The maximum enrichment of Cs in the A10 was up to 75.36 mg·g−1 DW. In addition, the enrichment of Cs in Indian mustard was significantly enhanced by the application of the A10 fermentation solution, and the growth of Indian mustard was promoted under Cs stress. The present study has expanded the repertoire of microbial resources available for facilitating the Cs contaminated soil, thereby enhancing its applicability in the phytoremediation strategies.Recently, cesium (Cs) pollution has become a global environmental problem. Although much attention has been paid to combined microbe-plant remediation, there is still a lack of microbial strains with efficient Cs adsorption capacity to assist phytoremediation. The present study identified a new Cs accumulation fungus that effectively enhances the growth of Brassica juncea L. under Cs stress. In a word, the findings of this study have expanded the repertoire of microbial resources available for facilitating the Cs contaminated soil, thereby enhancing its applicability in the phytoremediation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Here, we characterized the independent role of soil microbiomes (bacterial and fungal communities) in determining the flavor chemistry of harvested mustard seed (Brassica juncea). Given the known impacts of soil microbial communities on various plant characteristics, we hypothesized that differences in rhizosphere microbiomes would result in differences in seed flavor chemistry (glucosinolate content).In a glasshouse study, we introduced distinct soil microbial communities to mustard plants growing in an otherwise consistent environment. At the end of the plant life cycle, we characterized the rhizosphere and root microbiomes and harvested produced mustard seeds for chemical characterization. Specifically, we measured the concentrations of glucosinolates, secondary metabolites known to create spicy and bitter flavors. We examined associations between rhizosphere microbial taxa or genes and seed flavor chemistry.We identified links between the rhizosphere microbial community composition and the concentration of the main glucosinolate, allyl, in seeds. We further identified specific rhizosphere taxa predictive of seed allyl concentration and identified bacterial functional genes, namely genes for sulfur metabolism, which could partly explain the observed associations.Together, this work offers insight into the potential influence of the belowground microbiome on the flavor of harvested crops. See also the Commentary on this article by Nakano, 243: 1639–1641. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The minimum disturbance of soil is gaining popularity in different parts of the world because of definite advantages over conventional tillage (CT) especially with respect to rice cultivation. Conventionally, rice is transplanted in puddled soil in which soil is completely broken down and destroyed in presence of standing water to create an impervious layer below the surface so as to hold the rainwater for the rice. Such practice noticeably hampers the growth of the succeeding winter crop grown under conventionally tilled soil because of alteration of soil physical characteristics. Taking into consideration, a field experiment was conducted from 2016 to 2019 to assess the alterations in soil properties resulting from various tillage systems in the cultivation of rice followed by Indian mustard, either through transplanting or direct seeding, after the cultivation of Sesbania aculeata. The experiment was conducted with 20 treatment combinations comprising of five tillage practices combining minimum tillage (MT) and conventional tillage (CT) viz., T1: CT (S: Sesbania)-CT (TR: Transplanted rice)-CT (IM: Indian mustard), T2: MT (S)-CT (TR)-MT (IM), T3: MT (S)-CT (DSR: Direct seeded rice)-CT (IM), T4: MT (S)-MT (DSR)-MT + rice residue @1.5 tha−1 (IM), T5: MT (S)-MT (DSR)-MT (IM) and four weed management practices viz., W1: recommended herbicides (S and IM: pendimethalin 0.75 kg ha−1 pre-emergence; rice: pretilachlor 0.75 kg ha−1 pre-emergence) W2: IWM: integrated weed management (W1 + manual weeding), W3: manual weeding/hoeing, W4: weedy check, laid out in a split-plot design with tillage practices in the main plots and weed management practices in the sub-plots with three replications. Weed management is excluded from the results and discussion section of the paper due to no treatment effect on soil properties. The soil properties studied under the investigation were microbial population, microbial biomass carbon, soil enzymes such as dehydrogenase, phosphomonoesterase and fluorescein di-acetate, soil available NPK, soil organic carbon, bulk density, water holding capacity, total porosity, water stable aggregates, and mean weight diameter of aggregates were significantly changed under direct seeded rice based system as compared to puddled rice based system. Findings of the experiment suggested that by minimizing soil disturbance and residue retention in winter crop not only improved soil properties but also system productivity in terms of average rice equivalent yield (18.60%) of rice-Indian mustard cropping sequence over conventional tillage system. Minimum tillage in Sesbania-direct seeded rice-Indian mustard with rice residue retention improved macro water stable aggregates (> 0.25 mm sized aggregates) (62.08%) and mean weight diameter of aggregates (1.34 mm) at 0–30 cm soil depth as compared to conventional tillage system (60.04% and 1.27 mm, respectively). The same treatment improved total porosity and water holding capacity of 0–15 cm of soil depth by 47.42% and 45.87%, respectively as compared to conventional tillage after three years of investigation. Regression analysis shows that one unit reduction in bulk density increased total porosity of soil by 1.47 units; whereas a unit improvement in total porosity improved water holding capacity of soil by 1.25 units. Other soil properties viz., soil organic carbon (16.75% in 0–15 cm depth and 25.86% in 15–30 cm depth), available nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium (1.04%, 5.40% and 1.54%, respectively); bacterial and fungal population, microbial biomass carbon (49.90%), and activity of dehydrogenase, phosphomonoesterase and fluorescein di-acetate (25.39%, 17.02% and 48.94%, respectively) were also improved under the same treatment over conventional tillage system. A significant (P ≤ 0.01) positive correlation of soil macro-aggregates, water holding capacity, soil microbial biomass carbon with soil organic carbon as well as phosphomonoesterase, dehydrogenase and fluorescein di-acetate activities with soil microbial carbon was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Main conclusion: Using octoploid somatic hybrids with excessive C genome sets, AABBCCCC, a diverse allohexaploid, AABBCC, was produced by C genome reduction through subsequent crossing with various AABB cultivars. Even when somatic hybrids are produced, the plants that are produced are rarely in themselves an innovative crop. In this study, we used somatic hybrids of Brassica juncea (AABB) and B. oleracea (CC) as model cases for the genetic diversification of the somatic hybrids. One cell of ‘Akaoba Takana’ (B. juncea) and two cells of ‘Snow Crown’ (B. oleracea) were fused to create several somatic hybrids with excessive C genomes, AABBCCCC. Using AABBCCCC somatic hybrids as mother plants and crossing with ‘Akaoba Takana’, the AABBCC progenies were generated. When these AABBCC plants were self-fertilized, and flow cytometric (FCM) analysis was performed on the next generations, differences in the relative amount of genome size variation were observed, depending on the different AABBCCCC parents used for AABBCC creation. Further self-progeny was obtained for AABBCC plants with a theoretical allohexaploid DNA index by FCM. However, as the DNA indices of the progeny populations varied between plants used and aneuploid individuals still occurred in the progeny populations, it was difficult to say that the allohexaploid genome was fully stabilized. Next, to obtain genetic diversification of the allohexaploid, different cultivars of B. juncea were crossed with AABBCCCC, resulting in diverse AABBCC plants. Genetic diversity can be further expanded by crossbreeding plants with different AABBCC genome sets. Although genetic stability is necessary to ensure in the later generations, the results obtained in this study show that the use of somatic hybrids with excess genomes is an effective strategy for creating innovative crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the Geo-accumulation index (Igeo), Human Health Risk Assessment (HRA), and Ecological Risk Index (ERI) were utilized to examine the risks associated with the soils at the DaeyangYeongseong mine. Brassica juncea and Raphanus sativus were employed in the ecological toxicity test. In all soil samples, the mean Igeo value of arsenic measured 3.15, and cadmium measured 6.63, indicating a very high level of heavy metal contamination. The carcinogenic risk of cadmium and arsenic for adults was 4.30×10−3 and 1.43×10−5, respectively. For children, these values were 3.92 × 10−2 and 1.33 ×10−4, exceeding the acceptable level (1×10−6). In all soils, cadmium showed extremely high ecological risk levels, and arsenic had extremely high risk levels in 34.8% of the total area. This was also confirmed in toxicity assessments using plants. Therefore, arsenic and cadmium were found to be the main causes of soil contamination and ecological risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indian mustard (Brassica juncea; Brassicaceae) is an edible, oilseeds-yielding crop widely consumed as a food spice owing to its richness in nutrients with several health benefits. The current study aims to dissect the B. juncea metabolome heterogeneity among its different organs including leaf, stem, flower, and seed. Moreover, assessing the metabolome differences between two different varieties RH-725 and RH-761 grown at the same conditions. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) post-silylation was used to dissect the composition of nutrient metabolites coupled to multivariate data analysis. Variation in sulphur aglycones was measured using headspace-solid phase-microextraction HS-SPME coupled to GC–MS. A total of 101 nutrient metabolites were identified with the abundance of sugars represented by monosaccharides in all organs, except for seeds which were enriched in disaccharides (sucrose). α-Linolenic acid was detected as a marker fatty acid in leaf from RH-725 at 12.5 µg/mg. Malic acid was detected as a significant variant metabolite between the two varieties as detected in the leaf from the RH-725 variety at ca. 128.2 µg/mg compared to traces in RH-761. 7 Volatile sulphur compounds were detected at comparable levels in RH-725 and RH-761, with 3-butenyl isothiocyanate was the most abundant at 0.8–2 ng/mg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) is an important oilseed crop in India. Alternaria leaf spot (Alternaria blight) is incited by the fungus Alternaria brassicicola. It majorly affects crop production leading to a yield loss of up to 70%. To circumvent this problem, the study of the resistance mechanism and identification of biochemical markers is one of the important strategies for its management. In the present study, a total of 219 genotypes of Indian mustard with check were screened for Alternaria blight over two seasons. Based on the area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) scores, ten consistently performing genotypes were selected for the screening of biochemical and yield attributes under artificial inoculated conditions of Alternaria brassicicola (Berk) Sacc. The result showed a negative correlation between disease and yield attributes. The catalase (CAT) activity was significantly increased in resistant genotypes compared to susceptible ones, indicating the crucial role of CAT in the resistance mechanism. Pathogen infection also increases the total protein content and the Alternaria-resistant genotype showed the highest total soluble protein while the susceptible genotype showed the lowest total soluble protein. The ten genotypes were categorized by SSI (stress susceptibility index) and Varuna was identified as a tolerant genotype and Giriraj as a susceptible genotype for Alternaria brassicicola (Berk) Sacc. Varuna and Giriraj were chosen for quantitative analysis of methionine and tryptophan amino acids from seeds using RP-HPLC (Reverse Phase-High Performance Liquid Chromatography) and there were significant differences in the levels of methionine and tryptophan between the Varuna and Giriraj genotypes. Varuna showed higher methionine and tryptophan content compared to the Giriraj genotype. Higher protein content demonstrated an increase in biotic stress-responsive amino acids, such as methionine and tryptophan, suggesting increased resistance to Alternaria diseases in these high-protein genotypes. These amino acids could be used as biochemical markers for Alternaria resistance of mustard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

White rust disease caused by a biotrophic oomycete Albugo candida is one of the most serious impediments in realizing the production potential of Brassica juncea. Due to the obligate nature of the pathogen, R-gene-based resistance is unstable as the newer virulent races emerge quickly. For this, a deep understanding of the molecular basis of resistance is essential for developing durable resistant varieties. In this study, we selected one susceptible cultivar, 'Pusa Jaikisan' and its single R gene based resistant NIL, 'Pusa Jaikisan WRR as the source of understanding the defense mechanism in B. juncea against A. candida. Comparative histochemical analysis at 12 dpi showed higher callose deposition in the resistant cultivar than in the susceptible which hints towards its possible role in defense mechanism. Based on the biochemical markers observation, total protein was found to have a negative correlation with the resistance. The antioxidant enzymes (POX, CAT, and SOD) and non-enzymatic ROS scavenging compounds such as polyphenols and proline showed a positive correlation with the white rust resistance. Polyphenol Oxidase (PPO) total chlorophyll and total carotenoids were also found to be more abundant in the 'Pusa Jaikisan WRR'. Based on the heat map analysis, PAL was identified to be the comparatively most induced enzyme involved in the defense mechanism. The polyphenol oxidase, total chlorophyll and total carotenoids were also found to show higher activity in the 'Pusa Jaikisan WRR'. Furthermore, to study the defense response of 'Pusa Jaikisan WRR' compared to 'Pusa Jaikisan' against A. candida infection, the gene expression analyses of salicylic acid (SA)-marker PR protein genes (PR1 and PR2) and jasmonic acid (JA)-marker PR protein genes (PR3 and PR12) were done by qRT-PCR. Based on the results, PR2 emerged as the best possible gene for defense against A. candida followed by PR1. PR3 and PR12 also showed positive correlation with the disease resistance which may be due to the JA pathway acting complementary to the SA pathway in case of B. juncea-A. candida interaction. This provides evidence for the JA-SA hormonal crosstalk to be synergistic in case of the white rust resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants encounter a myriad of biotic and abiotic stresses throughout their life cycle, among which aphids pose a significant challenge as herbivorous insect pests. Aphids cause both direct damage through feeding and indirect damage by transmitting viruses. Given the growing concerns about insecticide resistance and the non‐target effects of synthetic insecticides, there is an urgent need to develop novel pest control strategies that are dependent on plant defence strategies. In this study, we assessed the effects of exogenous prohydrojasmon (PDJ), a derivative of jasmonic acid, at 24 h (PDJ24) and 48 h (PDJ48) post‐treatment on the cabbage aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae L. (Hemiptera: Aphididae), feeding on Brassica juncea L. (Brassicaceae). The impact of PDJ treatments was assessed by conducting performance bioassays (survival and fecundity) and behavioural bioassays (settlement and attraction to volatiles in an olfactometer). Our findings reveal that the exogenous application of PDJ did not significantly affect on the performance and behaviour of B. brassicae at 24‐h post‐treatment. However, PDJ treatment significantly reduced the performance of B. brassicae at 48‐h post‐treatment, and affected the behaviour in terms of reduced settlement on and attraction to volatiles of PDJ‐treated plants. These results suggest that PDJ has the potential to effectively induce defences in Brassica against sucking pests. This study provides valuable insights into possibility of employing PDJ as an alternative approach for sustainable pest management in agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Brassicaceae genus consists of many economically important mustards of value for food and medicinal purposes, namely Asian mustard (Brassica juncea), ball mustard (Neslia paniculata), black mustard (B. nigra), garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata), hedge mustard (Sisymbrium officinale), Asian hedge mustard (S. orientale), oilseed rape (B. napus), rapeseed (B. rapa), treacle mustard (Erysimum repandum), smooth mustard (S. erysimoides), white ball mustard (Calepina irregularis), white mustard (Sinapis alba), and Canola. Some of these are commercially cultivated as oilseeds to meet the global demand for a healthy plant-derived oil, high in polyunsaturated fats, i.e., B. napus and B. juncea. Other species are foraged from the wild where they grow on roadsides and as a weed of arable land, i.e., E. repandum and S. erysimoides, and harvested for medicinal uses. These plants contain a diverse range of bioactive natural products including sulfur-containing glucosinolates and other potentially valuable compounds, namely omega-3-fatty acids, terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, tannins, S-methyl cysteine sulfoxide, and trace-elements. Various parts of these plants and many of the molecules that are produced throughout the plant have been used in traditional medicines and more recently in the mainstream pharmaceutical and food industries. This study relates the uses of mustards in traditional medicines with their bioactive molecules and possible mechanisms of action and provides an overview of the current knowledge of Brassicaceae oilseeds and mustards, their phytochemicals, and their biological activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study explored the differential interaction between ethylene (ET) and abscisic acid (ABA) in relation to salt stress in mustard (Brassica juncea L.) plants. Significant reductions in seed germination, growth, and photosynthesis were observed with 100 mmol NaCl. Among the cultivars tested, the Pusa Vijay cultivar was noted as ET-sensitive. Pusa Vijay responded maximally to an application of 2.0 mmol ethephon (Eth; 2-chloethyl phosphonic acid-ethylene source), and exhibited the greatest growth, photosynthesis, activity of 1-aminocyclopropane carboxylic acid (ACC) synthase (ACS), and ET evolution. Notably, Eth (2.0 mmol) more significantly improved the seed germination percentage, germination and vigor index, amylase activity, and reduced H2O2 content under salt stress, while ABA (25 µmol) had negative effects. Moreover, the individual application of Eth and ABA on Pusa Vijay under both optimal and salt-stressed conditions increased the growth and photosynthetic attributes, nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) assimilation, and antioxidant defense machinery. The addition of aminoethoxyvinylglycine (0.01 µmol AVG, ET biosynthesis inhibitor) to ABA + NaCl-treated plants further added to the effects of ABA on parameters related to seed germination and resulted in less effectiveness of growth and photosynthesis. In contrast, the effects of Eth were seen with the addition of fluoridone (25 µmol Flu, ABA biosynthesis inhibitor) to Eth + NaCl. Thus, it can be suggested that ET is crucial for alleviating salt-induced inhibition in seed germination, growth, and photosynthesis, while ABA collaborated with ET to offer protection by regulating nutrient assimilation and enhancing antioxidant metabolism. These findings provide insight into the complex regulatory processes involved in ET–ABA interaction, enhancing our understanding of plant growth and development and the mitigation of salt stress in mustard. It opens pathways for developing hormonal-based strategies to improve crop productivity and resilience, ultimately benefiting agricultural practices amidst a challenging environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light-emitting diodes have been beneficial for plant growth, especially for microgreens in countries with low radiation, greenhouses, and chambers. However, information about how plants respond to additional light-emitting diode lighting after 12 hours of sunlight exposure in tropical areas is limited. This study examines the effects of long-duration light-emitting diodes on mustard greens in Kien Giang province, Vietnam (105°14’33.21” E; 9°91’41.13” N). The trials were conducted in the greenhouse for two growing seasons with a completely randomized design, including 0, 2, 4, and 6 hours of assembled light-emitting diodes lighting and 4 hours of commercial light-emitting diodes lighting after 6 pm, with three replications. Results showed that weather factors in season 2 favorably influenced mustard’s growth. At 4 hours of lighting, commercial light-emitting diodes showed a higher chlorophyll index, flowering time, flowering rate, leaf number, and absolute growth rate of leaf number but less leaf and fresh shoot weight than assembled light-emitting diodes. Four hours of assembled light-emitting diodes positively affected most mustard growth, while 6 hours of assembled light-emitting diodes were superior for flowering aspects. Adding 4 hours of light-emitting diodes could increase leafy yield and shorten the harvesting time of mustard greens grown in greenhouses under tropical conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pak choy and mustard greens are traditionally grown with many inorganic fertilisers, which can reduce soil fertility when applied frequently. The adoption of organic fertilisers offers a sustainable solution to this challenge. This study investigates the impact of liquid organic fertiliser (LOF) derived from goat urine, Moringa leaves, and banana stems on the growth and yield of pak choy and mustard greens. The research design employed a randomised complete block design with four treatments and ten replications. These treatments included a control group, 100% nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium (NPK, inorganic fertiliser), 100% LOF, and a 50% NPK + 50% LOF blend. The application of LOF, sourced from goat urine, Moringa leaves, and banana stems, demonstrated a significant influence on nearly all plant parameters. Notably, the 100% LOF treatment yielded the highest results for fresh leaf weight (26.46 g), fresh stalk weight (39.64 g), dry leaf weight (4.57 g), stem diameter (48.27 mm), Soil Plant Analysis Development value (SPAD, 40.73 units), plant height (31.59 cm), leaf width (8.45 cm), and leaf length (13.33 cm) for pak choy. Additionally, 100% LOF also produced the highest results for fresh leaf weight (21.34 g), dry root weight (0.31 g), stem diameter (21.53 mm), SPAD value (32.40 units), plant height (31.59 cm), leaf width (10.40 cm), and leaf length (15.65 cm) for mustard greens. This study demonstrates that a blend of goat urine, Moringa leaves, and banana stems can be used as a LOF that can replace inorganic NPK fertilisers in growing pak choy and mustard. It not only addresses issues with soil fertility but also contributes to environmentally friendly farming practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early‐stage responses of Brassica juncea, B. napus and B. oleracea during black spot disease and the development of Alternaria brassicicola were evaluated. Infection of plant cells by the fungus occurred mainly through direct penetration or by appressoria and, rarely, stomata in B. juncea and B. oleracea; in B. napus, penetration was mostly direct. The process of conidial germination, germ tubes and appressoria formation on a leaf surface was correlated with the post‐inoculation time and host species (p < 0.05). Changes in the leaf surface were observed at successful infection sites as bright, wax‐deprived areas. Significant differences in progression of infection between Brassica species were observed, with B. oleracea being the most susceptible and B. napus the least. Accumulation of superoxide anion radicals and hydrogen peroxide was not only observed in plant cells, but also in A. brassicicola germ tubes and appressoria at 8 and 12 h post‐inoculation (hpi). Enhanced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation during infection triggered diverse patterns of enzymatic and non‐enzymatic antioxidant activities and phenolic compound contents in response to A. brassicicola. In each Brassica species, a different antioxidant was the most active. With their antioxidant properties, phenolic compounds also played an essential role in these interactions. This phenomenon could be related to the disparate levels of susceptibility of the Brassica species to A. brassicicola; for example, the most susceptible, B. oleracea, showed high ROS accumulation with decreasing tendency during disease progression, unchanged phenolics content, and the highest catalase activity, differentiating it from B. juncea and B. napus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The addition of plant-growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) to heavy-metal-contaminated soils can significantly improve plant growth and productivity. This study isolated heavy-metal-tolerant bacteria with growth-promoting traits and investigated their inoculation effects on the germination rates and growth of millet (Panicum miliaceum) and mustard (Brassica juncea) in Cd- and Zn-contaminated soil. Leifsonia sp. ZP3, which is resistant to Cd (0.5 mM) and Zn (1 mM), was isolated from forest soil. The ZP3 strain exhibited plant-growth-promoting activity, including indole-3-acetic acid production, phosphate solubilization, catalase activity, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging. In soil contaminated with low concentrations of Cd (0.232 ± 0.006 mM) and Zn (6.376 ± 0.256 mM), ZP3 inoculation significantly increased the germination rates of millet and mustard 8.35- and 31.60-fold, respectively, compared to the non-inoculated control group, while the shoot and root lengths of millet increased 1.77- and 4.44-fold (p < 0.05). The chlorophyll content and seedling vigor index were also 4.40 and 18.78 times higher in the ZP3-treated group than in the control group (p < 0.05). The shoot length of mustard increased 1.89-fold, and the seedling vigor index improved 53.11-fold with the addition of ZP3 to the contaminated soil (p < 0.05). In soil contaminated with high concentrations of Cd and Zn (0.327 ± 0.016 and 8.448 ± 0.250 mM, respectively), ZP3 inoculation led to a 1.98-fold increase in the shoot length and a 2.07-fold improvement in the seedling vigor index compared to the control (p < 0.05). The heavy-metal-tolerant bacterium ZP3 isolated in this study thus represents a promising microbial resource for improving the efficiency of phytoremediation in Cd- and Zn-contaminated soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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SUMMARY: Brassica carinata (BBCC) commonly referred to as Ethiopian mustard is a natural allotetraploid containing the genomes of Brassica nigra (BB) and Brassica oleracea (CC). It is an oilseed crop endemic to the northeastern regions of Africa. Although it is under limited cultivation, B. carinata is valuable as it is resistant/highly tolerant to most of the pathogens affecting widely cultivated Brassica species of the U's triangle. We report a chromosome‐scale genome assembly of B. carinata accession HC20 using long‐read Oxford Nanopore sequencing and Bionano optical maps. The assembly has a scaffold N50 of ~39.8 Mb and covers ~1.11 Gb of the genome. We compared the long‐read genome assemblies of the U's triangle species and found extensive gene collinearity between the diploids and allopolyploids with no evidence of major gene losses. Therefore, B. juncea (AABB), B. napus (AACC), and B. carinata can be regarded as strict allopolyploids. We cataloged the nucleotide‐binding and leucine‐rich repeat immune receptor (NLR) repertoire of B. carinata and, identified 465 NLRs, and compared these with the NLRs in the other Brassica species. We investigated the extent and nature of early‐generation genomic interactions between the constituent genomes of B. carinata and B. juncea in interspecific crosses between the two species. Besides the expected recombination between the constituent B genomes, extensive homoeologous exchanges were observed between the A and C genomes. Interspecific crosses, therefore, can be used for transferring disease resistance from B. carinata to B. juncea and broadening the genetic base of the two allotetraploid species. Significance Statement: We report a highly contiguous genome assembly of allotetraploid mustard Brassica carinata HC20 (BBCC) which contains resistance to many diseases affecting the other extensively cultivated Brassica species of the U's triangle. Comparative analyses of the long‐read assemblies of the six Brassica species revealed high gene collinearity between the three diploid and their allotetraploid species. We tracked the early‐generation genomic interactions between the subgenomes of B. carinata (BBCC) and B. juncea (AABB) in their interspecific crosses using molecular karyotyping and proposed strategies to utilize this information for genomic introgressions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractPhytoextraction is an attractive method to extract excess soil phosphorus (P) builds up from the soils. The crops potential to extract an enriched P in soil is still lacking. Therefore, four crops were grown in three different soils with variable P levels (0 to 200 mg P/kg soil) and screened for P acquisition potentials. Total P accumulation in roots and shoot was high with enriched P levels in all soils, for example in soil A at 200 mg P/kg soil, the values were 0.44% for cucumber (Cucumis sativus), 0.40% for sunflower (Helianthus annus), and ∼0.30% for cabbage (Brassica oleracea) and 0.20% for Indian mustard (Brassica juncea). The cucumber and sunflower showed a greater biomass production (>6.0 g/pot) with enriched P levels and exhibited more prominent root characteristics, suggests more favorable for P acquisition from the P enriched soils. More prominent enhanced phosphomonoesterase and phytase activities in these crops possibly contributing to their P accumulation ability under high soil P conditions. This study shows that, cucumber and sunflower can generate high dry matter content and can accumulate greater quantity of P from the soils through different mechanisms and they can be potential candidates for phytoextraction of P from the soil P enriched areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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 traitlinked 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oil bodies or lipid droplets (LDs) in the cytosol are the subcellular storage compartments of seeds and the sites of lipid metabolism providing energy to the germinating seeds. Major LD-associated proteins are lipoxygenases, phospholipaseD, oleosins, TAG-lipases, steroleosins, caleosins and SEIPINs; involved in facilitating germination and enhancing peroxidation resulting in off-flavours. However, how natural selection is balancing contradictory processes in lipid-rich seeds remains evasive. The present study was aimed at the prediction of selection signatures among orthologous clades in major oilseeds and the correlation of selection effect with gene expression. Results: The LD-associated genes from the major oil-bearing crops were analyzed to predict natural selection signatures in phylogenetically close-knit ortholog clusters to understand adaptive evolution. Positive selection was the major force driving the evolution and diversification of orthologs in a lineage-specific manner. Significant positive selection effects were found in 94 genes particularly in oleosin and TAG-lipases, purifying with excess of non-synonymous substitution in 44 genes while 35 genes were neutral to selection effects. No significant selection impact was noticed in Brassicaceae as against LOX genes of oil palm. A heavy load of deleterious mutations affecting selection signatures was detected in T-lineage oleosins and LOX genes of Arachis hypogaea. The T-lineage oleosin genes were involved in mainly anther, tapetum and anther wall morphogenesis. In Ricinus communis and Sesamum indicum > 85% of PLD genes were under selection whereas selection pressures were low in Brassica juncea and Helianthus annuus. Steroleosin, caleosin and SEIPINs with large roles in lipid droplet organization expressed mostly in seeds and were under considerable positive selection pressures. Expression divergence was evident among paralogs and homeologs with one gene attaining functional superiority compared to the other. The LOX gene Glyma.13g347500 associated with off-flavor was not expressed during germination, rather its paralog Glyma.13g347600 showed expression in Glycine max. PLD-α genes were expressed on all the tissues except the seed,δ genes in seed and meristem while β and γ genes expressed in the leaf. Conclusions: The genes involved in seed germination and lipid metabolism were under strong positive selection, although species differences were discernable. The present study identifies suitable candidate genes enhancing seed oil content and germination wherein directional selection can become more fruitful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Broomrape (Phelipanche ramosa) is an obligate root parasitic plant that is known to infest many important crops. It is emerging as a serious biotic threat for Brassica juncea cultivation in India. There is very limited information available about broomrape species and its infestation in B. juncea. Hence, the present study encompassed a comprehensive five-year field survey spanning from 2018 to 2023 of 47 different B. juncea fields in the states of Rajasthan and Haryana in India. The level of broomrape infestation varied from season to season and field to field. In the B. juncea fields, broomrape with blue/violet color corolla, along with occasionally white color type were also noticed. The hairy anther, corolla shape and use of mitochondrial DNA-specific molecular markers revealed that both these broomrape types belong to Phelipanche ramosa. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed that P. ramosa seeds have varying shapes and seed coat have fibrillar periclinal cell wall. In addition to all the known host species for P. ramosa till date, we also identified a new host, a wild Brassicaceae weed species; Lepidium didymum in Haryana. The presence of an alternative weed host may help P. ramosa survive even in the absence of major crop host species. Overall, the present study revealed some insights into the P. ramosa-B. juncea host-parasite complex and its effect on B. juncea which could be further investigated in more detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaf mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern & Coss), an important vegetable crop, experiences pronounced adversity due to seasonal drought stress, particularly at the seed germination stage. Although there is partial comprehension of drought-responsive genes, the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in adjusting mustard's drought stress response is largely unexplored. In this study, we showed that the drought-tolerant cultivar 'Weiliang' manifested a markedly lower base water potential (−1.073 MPa vs −0.437 MPa) and higher germination percentage (41.2% vs 0%) than the drought-susceptible cultivar 'Shuidong' under drought conditions. High throughput RNA sequencing techniques revealed a significant repertoire of lncRNAs from both cultivars during germination under drought stress, resulting in the identification of 2,087 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs) and their correspondingly linked 12,433 target genes. It was noted that 84 genes targeted by DEL exhibited enrichment in the photosynthesis pathway. Gene network construction showed that MSTRG.150397, a regulatory lncRNA, was inferred to potentially modulate key photosynthetic genes (Psb27, PetC, PetH, and PsbW), whilst MSTRG.107159 was indicated as an inhibitory regulator of six drought-responsive PIP genes. Further, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) corroborated the involvement of light intensity and stress response genes targeted by the identified DELs. The precision and regulatory impact of lncRNA were verified through qPCR. This study extends our knowledge of the regulatory mechanisms governing drought stress responses in mustard, which will help strategies to augment drought tolerance in this crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The control of insect pests through biological means relies on the ability of natural enemies to prey on pests. This ability, known as the functional response. It plays a crucial role in selecting the appropriate species for biological control programs. In this particular study, the researchers aimed to evaluate the functional response of the third instar grub of C. zastrowi sillemi, a species of lacewing belonging to the family Chrysopidae, towards the aphid Lipaphis erysimi, which infests Raya plants (Brassica juncea). To achieve this, five different densities of aphids were used as Predator: prey ratio (1:50, 1:100, 1:150, 1:200, and 1:250). The results of the study indicated a type II functional curve response, as determined by logistic regression analysis, of C. zastrowi sillemi towards L. erysimi. The Hollings Type II functional response implies that the rate at which the predator consumes its prey increases with increasing prey density, but eventually reaches a plateau despite further increases in prey density. The aphids' consumption, search rate (a`), and maximum predation rate (1/Th) were observed to be lower (19.68, 0.97, and 0.55) in comparison to when grubs were fed on an artificial diet, where they were higher (20.16, 0.20, and 0.59). Nonetheless, the duration required by third instar grubs to handle prey was longer (2.58) when on a natural diet but shorter (2.42) when on an artificial diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The limiting factors for the popularization of Sarepta mustard in Ukraine are the lack of developed and ecologically adapted zonal technologies for its cultivation, certain dogmatism and stereotypes of the majority of agricultural producers regarding the economic feasibility of introducing Sarepta mustard in crop rotations, as well as bias regarding the effectiveness of biologic elements in the production technologies of plant raw materials. A field experiment was conducted to improve the technology of growing Sarepta mustard. The experiment scheme included the following factors and their variants: Factor A (culture cultivation technology) was represented by variants of the traditional zonal mustard cultivation technology; biologized technology (rejection of mineral fertilizers and their replacement with organic preparations) and organic (replacement of mineral fertilizers and synthetic pesticides with organic preparations). Factor B represented different rates of crop sowing (from 2.0 to 3.0 million pieces of similar seeds per 1 ha with an interval of 0.5 million). The Prima mustard variety was sown in the experiment. Plots in the experiment were placed using the method of split plots with partial randomization. An increase in the crop sowing rate from 2.0 to 3.0 million units/ha leads to a deterioration in the value of most biometric indicators (plant height, leafiness) and all indicators of the crop structure. However, taking into account the discrete nature of the real number of plants preserved in the agrocenosis at the time of the study, the values of such indicators as the area of the assimilation apparatus and the leaf index, as well as the yield of conditioned seeds of the culture, had a curvilinear relationship: with an increase in the sowing rate from 2.0 to 2.5 million pcs./ha grew, and subsequently decreased. The norm of 2.5 million seeds per hectare is recognized as the most optimal seeding rate for all variants of cultivation technology. Also, the study noted a significant advantage of the biological and organic technology of Sarepta mustard cultivation over the traditional intensive one in terms of both biometric and structural indicators, as well as the level of yield of conditioned seeds and its quality indicators, first of all, the content of raw fat in the seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Xinyang Normal University Natural Science Edition is the property of Journal of Xinyang Normal University Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract Indian mustard (Brassica juncea; Brassicaceae) is an edible, oilseeds-yielding crop widely consumed as a food spice owing to its richness in nutrients with several health benefits. The current study aims to dissect the B. juncea metabolome heterogeneity among its different organs including leaf, stem, flower, and seed. Moreover, assessing the metabolome differences between two different varieties RH-725 and RH-761 grown at the same conditions. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) post-silylation was used to dissect the composition of nutrient metabolites coupled to multivariate data analysis. Variation in sulphur aglycones was measured using headspace-solid phase-microextraction HS-SPME coupled to GC–MS. A total of 101 nutrient metabolites were identified with the abundance of sugars represented by monosaccharides in all organs, except for seeds which were enriched in disaccharides (sucrose). α-Linolenic acid was detected as a marker fatty acid in leaf from RH-725 at 12.5 µg/mg. Malic acid was detected as a significant variant metabolite between the two varieties as detected in the leaf from the RH-725 variety at ca. 128.2 µg/mg compared to traces in RH-761. 7 Volatile sulphur compounds were detected at comparable levels in RH-725 and RH-761, with 3-butenyl isothiocyanate was the most abundant at 0.8–2 ng/mg.

In the present experiment, 71 Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) genotypes were evaluated in six environments for two successive years (three environments in each year) to identify the influence of environment over the genotypes and to identify the stable, better-performing genotypes in respect to yield in Terai region of West Bengal. Statistical analysis was carried out to evaluate genotype × environment interaction using two different approaches, namely, additive main effect, and their multiplicative interaction model (AMMI) and genotype plus genotype by environment interaction (GGE) biplot for seed yield of mustard genotypes. AMMI ANOVA showed that genotype and environment accounted for 11.46% and 47.50% of the variation respectively, where GEI captured 36.57% of the variation for seed yield. The AMMI model and GGE biplots showed that genotype RGIN-73 was the highest yielding genotype to a specific environment but DRWR-15-9 was found to be well stable with good yielding in all environments.

Plutella xylostella (L.), a menacing threat to cruciferous crops, exhibits cross-resistance to various chemical agents. The exploration of plant-derived insecticides emerges as an intervention strategy for the successful management of P. xylostella. Millettia pachyloba Drake is renowned as a traditional remedy for diverse health issues and has insecticidal properties. Experimental investigations in both laboratory and greenhouse settings utilized M. pachyloba extract (EMPE) at concentrations ranging from 2 to 10% (w/v). The objectives included inducing toxicity and controlling P. xylostella larvae effectively, assessing nutritional impacts through parameters like relative consumption rate (RCR), relative growth rate of larvae (RGR), efficiency of conversion of digested food (ECD), efficiency of conversion of ingested food (ECI), approximate digestibility (AD), and assimilation ratio (AR), and evaluating leaf damage inflicted by P. xylostella larvae on Brassica juncea. In the laboratory, the application of EMPE on P. xylostella larvae and pupae for 24, 48, and 72 hours yielded markedly higher mortality rates than the water-treated control (p < 0.05). Significant reductions in RGR, RCR, ECD, ECI, AD, and AR were evident throughout the larval stage (p < 0.05). In the greenhouse, EMPE treatments demonstrated notable differences from the water control treatment. On the 15th day of treatment, the EMPE treatment at 10% (w/v) exhibited the highest mortality rate (p < 0.05). Significantly reduced leaf damage was observed with EMPE treatments, displaying an inverse correlation with escalating concentrations. Particularly, the highest enhancement across all surveyed parameters was observed in the EMPE 10% (w/v) treatment, which was comparable to the positive control with fipronil (p > 0.05). Noteworthy differences in damage reduction percentage (DRP) were identified between EMPE contact treatments and the water control group (p < 0.05), indicating the promising potential of Millettia pachyloba extract for pest control.

The use of artificial lighting in a total or supplementary way is a current trend, with growing interest due to the increase in the global population and climate change, which require high-yield, quality, and fast-growing crops with less water and a smaller carbon footprint. This experiment aimed to evaluate the effect of light-emitting diode (LED) lighting on the production of basil, mustard, and red cabbage seedlings under controlled artificial conditions and in a greenhouse as a supplementary lighting regime. Under controlled conditions, the experiment was conducted with basil seedlings, comparing LED light with two wavelengths (purple and white light). In a greenhouse, mustard and red cabbage seedlings were evaluated under natural light (regular photoperiod) and with supplementary purple lighting of 3 h added to the photoperiod. The variables assessed were aerial fresh mass (AFM), aerial dry mass (ADM), root dry mass (RDM), plant length (PL), and leaf area (LA). Basil seedlings grown under purple light showed greater length and AFM than those grown under white light, with no effect on the production of secondary metabolites. In the greenhouse experiment, red cabbage seedlings showed an increase in AFM, ADM, and DRM with light supplementation, with no effect on LA. AFM showed no statistical difference in mustard seedlings, but the productive parameters LA, ADM, and DRM were higher with supplementation. None of the evaluated treatments influenced the production of phenolic compounds and flavonoids in the three species evaluated. Light supplementation affected red cabbage and mustard seedlings differently, promoting better development in some production parameters without affecting the production of phenolic compounds and flavonoids in either plant. Thus, light supplementation or artificial lighting can be considered a tool to enhance and accelerate the growth of seedlings, increasing productivity and maintaining the quality of the secondary metabolites evaluated. Thus, this technology can reduce operational costs, enable cultivation in periods of low natural light and photoperiod, and cultivate tropical species in temperate environments in completely artificial (indoor) conditions.

Unremitting decline in crop productivity and nutrient recovery are resulted due to dearth of need based fertilizer recommendation over blanket application apart from nitrogen pollution in several means. An advance nutrient management tactic, GreenSeeker (GS) has developed and used in many field crops following the principle of four "R" (right source, right amount at right time, and place) nutrients stewardship technologies. But no studies have been conducted for evaluation of GS in mustard for improving productivity, profitability and nutrient use efficiency (NUE) while minimizing environmental risks. With this objective, a study was planned to conduct an experiment in rabi season of 2021–22 and 2022–23 to assess optical sensor based nitrogen management in mustard over blanket recommendation. The experiment was comprised of ten N treatments including control in randomized block design in triplicates. Research findings indicated that application of GreenSeeker based N significantly improved all growth traits and yield parameters in Brassica juncea L. Per cent enhancement in seed yield, net monetary returns and benefit-cost ratio was higher as 19.3 and 64.5%, 125.1 & 36.2% and 58.8 & 24.4%, respectively under GS based multi split N application over RDF and control. Further, real time N management with GS acquired higher crop production efficiency (CPE) (19.9 kg/day) with lesser cost/kg production (Rs 15.7/kg). Split application of N using GS increased oil yield by 79.9 and 26% over control and recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) with maximum oil content (42.3%), and increases soil organic carbon (SOC) content by 16.1% from its initial value. Moreover, GS crop sensor could be the probable solution to minimize the crop nitrogen requirement by 15–20% with a yield enhancement of about 18.7% over RDF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TGA transcription factors belong to Group D of the bZIP transcription factors family and play vital roles in the stress response of plants. Brassica napus is an oil crop with rich economic value. However, a systematic analysis of TGA gene family members in B. napus has not yet been reported. In this study, we identified 39 full-length TGA genes in B. napus, renamed TGA1~TGA39. Thirty-nine BnTGA genes were distributed on 18 chromosomes, mainly located in the nucleus, and differences were observed in their 3D structures. Phylogenetic analysis showed that 39 BnTGA genes could be divided into five groups. The BnTGA genes in the same group had similar structure and motif compositions, and all the BnTGA genes had the same conserved bZIP and DOG1 domains. Phylogenetic and synteny analysis showed that the BnTGA genes had a close genetic relationship with the TGA genes of the Brassica juncea, and BnTGA11 and BnTGA29 may play an important role in evolution. In addition, qRT-PCR revealed that three genes (BnTGA14/17/23) showed significant changes in eight experimental materials after drought treatment. Meanwhile, it can be inferred from the results of drought treatment on different varieties of rapeseed that the stress tolerance of parental rapeseed can be transmitted to the offspring through hybridization. In short, these findings have promoted the understanding of the B. napus TGA gene family and will contribute to future research aimed at B. napus resistant breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary objective of this research was to examine the biogenic production of TiO2 NPs using Brassica juncea (L.) Czern seed and investigate the prospective uses of thus synthesized nanoparticles in the area of biomedicine. The synthesized TiO2 NPs were subjected to characterization using several analytical methods namely TEM, UV‐vis, XRD, FE‐SEM, FTIR and EDAX. The average particle size (TEM) is found to be 38 nm, exhibiting irregular shapes. The FT‐IR spectra indicated that the extract contains functional groups, such as polyphenolic, hydroxyl and carboxylic groups, which are likely responsible for formation of nanoparticles. The cytotoxicity studies of the synthesized TiO2 NPs against breast cancer cells (MCF‐7) and lung cells (A549) are shown to be dosage dependent. The inhibitory doses (IC50) were determined to be 43.98 μg/mL and 74.50 μg/mL on MCF‐7 and A549 cells, respectively. Green synthesized TiO2 NPs were assessed for antioxidant activity inhibition rate (DPPH 89.42 %). TiO2 NPs exhibited a maximal zone of inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus 23±0.20 mm against and 20±0.30 against Klebsiella pneumoniae at a concentration of 100 μg/mL, indicating strong antibacterial activity. The findings suggest Brassica juncea (L.) Czern seed encapsulated TiO2 NPs possesses excellent biological applications which can be explored for its application in pharmaceutical field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of artificial lighting in a total or supplementary way is a current trend, with growing interest due to the increase in the global population and climate change, which require high-yield, quality, and fast-growing crops with less water and a smaller carbon footprint. This experiment aimed to evaluate the effect of light-emitting diode (LED) lighting on the production of basil, mustard, and red cabbage seedlings under controlled artificial conditions and in a greenhouse as a supplementary lighting regime. Under controlled conditions, the experiment was conducted with basil seedlings, comparing LED light with two wavelengths (purple and white light). In a greenhouse, mustard and red cabbage seedlings were evaluated under natural light (regular photoperiod) and with supplementary purple lighting of 3 h added to the photoperiod. The variables assessed were aerial fresh mass (AFM), aerial dry mass (ADM), root dry mass (RDM), plant length (PL), and leaf area (LA). Basil seedlings grown under purple light showed greater length and AFM than those grown under white light, with no effect on the production of secondary metabolites. In the greenhouse experiment, red cabbage seedlings showed an increase in AFM, ADM, and DRM with light supplementation, with no effect on LA. AFM showed no statistical difference in mustard seedlings, but the productive parameters LA, ADM, and DRM were higher with supplementation. None of the evaluated treatments influenced the production of phenolic compounds and flavonoids in the three species evaluated. Light supplementation affected red cabbage and mustard seedlings differently, promoting better development in some production parameters without affecting the production of phenolic compounds and flavonoids in either plant. Thus, light supplementation or artificial lighting can be considered a tool to enhance and accelerate the growth of seedlings, increasing productivity and maintaining the quality of the secondary metabolites evaluated. Thus, this technology can reduce operational costs, enable cultivation in periods of low natural light and photoperiod, and cultivate tropical species in temperate environments in completely artificial (indoor) conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: In today's consumer landscape, the health benefits of preserved foods, particularly pickled and salted mustard greens, are gaining recognition on a global scale. To compare health‐promoting compounds between fresh and preserved mustard greens, a comprehensive assessment using proximate composition analysis and untargeted metabolomics was conducted. The sub‐metabolome data revealed distinct profiles for each type of mustard greens, clearly seen in their separation through principal component analysis. The metabolite profiling identified 37 metabolites with significant differences (P‐value < 0.05, −log10 P‐value > 4). Fresh mustard greens were found to be rich in 16 identified metabolites, including sulfonic acids, purines, oxepanes, monosaccharides, fatty acids, amino acids and tripeptides, offering antioxidants, gut enhancers and immune boosters. In contrast, pickled mustard greens exhibited an abundance of 20 identified metabolites in the classes of flavonoids, amino acids and dipeptides, providing antioxidant properties. Salted mustard greens, on the other hand, primarily showcased a high level of uridine diphosphate glucose (a pyrimidine class metabolite), supporting glycoconjugate synthesis among all samples. This study highlights the prominent presence of various classes of metabolites associated with health‐benefit compounds in fresh and preserved mustard greens. These insights contribute to the evaluation of health benefits in the food industry when choosing between pickled and salted preservation methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global threat that the diamondback moth (DBM) (Plutella xylostella) poses to Brassica juncea creates an urgent need to develop effective mitigation strategies. With promising findings, this study explores the potential of plant-derived antioxidants, particularly Millettia pachyloba, in mitigating DBM-induced oxidative stress. Greenhouse experiments conducted using M. pachyloba leaf ethanol extract (MPEE) at concentrations of 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 % (w/v) showed the inhibitory effect of MPEE on DBM damage in B. juncea. The comprehensive assessment included the effectiveness of MPEE in reducing oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide), augmenting metabolites (flavonoids, phenolics), enhancing anti-oxidant compounds (glutathione, ascorbic acid, total protein), and stimulating key enzymes (su-peroxide dismutase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase). The results were compared to controls, in which the plants were treated with water or fipronil. Fipronil and MPEE significantly reduced leaf puncturing and damage, and the impact force increased with MPEE concentration. Both types of protection reduced the content of malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide in leaves, stems, and roots. However, a significant increase in the content of flavonoids, phenolic and antioxidant compounds (glutathione, ascorbic acid, and proteins) and enzyme activity (superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, and catalase) was observed. The enhancement of metabolites, enzymes, and antioxidants was comparable in plants treated with fipronil and MPEE 10%. This study, with its potential to replace synthetic fipronil with M. pachyloba extracts to reduce oxidative stress induced by Plutella xylostella on mustard plants, offers a promising solution for protection against this insect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) agronomically biofortification is required on mustard greens, as their nutritional value is still insufficient to meet human needs. This biofortification is anticipated to meet the dietary requirements of Zn and Fe to prevent the stunting phenomenon. This investigation aimed to examine the consequences of foliar Fe and Zn with varying concentrations (T1 to T16) on the physiology and biochemistry of biofortified mustard. The research was carried out in a greenhouse located in Karang-anyar, Central Java, Indonesia using a randomized block design (RBD) with two factors, namely Fe-EDTA and Zn-EDTA, each concentration of 0; 0.2; 0.4; 0.6 gl-1 with three replications. Fe and Zn were applied on the 21st day after sowing with foliar spray. The results showed that Fe biofortification up to a concentration of 0.6 g L-1 with or without a combination of Zn can increase physiological and biochemical parameters in mustard greens, namely photosynthetic rate up to 6.747 µmol m-2 s-1 (T15) transpiration rate 0.653 µmol m-2 s-1 (T5) stomatal conductance 18.854 µmol m-2 s-1(T5) number of stomata by 283.7 (T13), stomatal opening width by 7.777 µm (T16), iron content by 56.109 mg kg-1 (T14), but Zn content can only increase when Zn is added alone without Fe, an increase in Zn up to 18.127 mg kg-1 (T4). This study showed that Fe and Zn biofortification up to a concentration of 0.6 g L-1 was able to improve the biochemicals of mustard greens, especially their Fe and Zn contents and also the physiology of mustard greens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bionomics of an insect and metabolic flux of the host plant are important tools to decipher the status of plant resistance against insect species. This study illuminates vital information on aphid‐induced levels of phytochemicals in the siliquae of Brassica juncea cultivars and their effect on host selection and population growth parameters of Lipaphis erysimi. The current study unveiled that the siliquae preference, intrinsic rate of increase (r), finite rate of increase (λ), gross reproductive rate (GRR) and net reproductive rate (R0) were significantly lower on Pusa Mustard 27, DRMR 150‐35, RLC 3, NRCHB 101, Pusa Mustard 26 and Pusa Mustard 25. However, the mean generation time (T) and doubling time (DT) of L. erysimi were significantly longer (p < 0.001) in these genotypes. These cultivars were also found with elevated levels of aphid‐induced phytochemicals and their associated enzymes, except in a few cases. Total antioxidants, ferric ion reducing antioxidant power, chlorophyll A, total chlorophyll, ascorbate oxidase (AO), catalase, phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) and myrosinase were found to contribute 49.18–85.30% variation for siliquae preference and bionomics of L. erysimi on the test B. juncea cultivars. The study revealed that phenols, antioxidants, chlorophyll A, chlorophyll B, total carotenoids, AO, ascorbate peroxidase, PAL, tyrosine ammonia lyase and myrosinase had significant and negative direct consequences on the siliquae preference and bionomics, thus can be exploited as biochemical markers to identify sources of resistance against L. erysimi. Furthermore, DRMR 150‐35, NRCHB 101, RLC 3, Pusa mustard 26, RH 749 and Pusa Mustard 27 were found with greater aphid‐induced defence phytochemicals and detrimental effects on the host selection and bionomics of L. erysimi, thus can be deployed in Brassica improvement program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted at Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University, aimed to identify the optimal mustard hybrid among six varieties (Pio45S47, Sriram 1666, Proagro5210, Pio46S46, Kesari Gold, Advanta414). Using a randomized block design, Pio46S46 exhibited the highest seed yield (4,355.33 kg/ha), followed closely by Pio45S47. Advanta414 and Proagro5210 had the lowest yields. Pio46S46 also displayed the tallest plants (171.76 cm), while ADV414 was the shortest (152.63 cm). Pio46S46 had the most primary branches per plant (7.66), highest siliqua per plant, highest seeds per siliqua (18.00), and maximum 1000-seed weight (6.95 g). In addition, Pio46S46 had the highest oil content (39.73%), followed by Pio45S47. Consequently, Pio46S46 outperformed other hybrids and is recommended for cultivation in the Doon Valley, Uttarakhand. This hybrid superior performance in growth, yield attributing components, seed yield, and oil content make it a promising choice for farmers in the Doon Valley, Uttarakhand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Main conclusion: The study evaluates the potential of Spray-Induced Gene Silencing and Host-Induced Gene Silencing for sustainable crop protection against the broad-spectrum necrotrophic fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary, an aggressive ascomycete fungus causes white rot or cottony rot on a broad range of crops including Brassica juncea. The lack of sustainable control measures has necessitated biotechnological interventions such as RNA interference (RNAi) for effective pathogen control. Here we adopted two RNAi-based strategies—Spray-Induced Gene Silencing (SIGS) and Host-Induced Gene Silencing (HIGS) to control S. sclerotiorum. SIGS was successful in controlling white rot on Nicotiana benthamiana and B. juncea by targeting SsPac1, a pH-responsive transcription factor and SsSmk1, a MAP kinase involved in fungal development and pathogenesis. Topical application of dsRNA targeting SsPac1 and SsSmk1 delayed infection initiation and progression on B. juncea. Further, altered hyphal morphology and reduced radial growth were also observed following dsRNA application. We also explored the impact of stable dsRNA expression in A. thaliana against S. sclerotiorum. In this report, we highlight the utility of RNAi as a biofungicide and a tool for preliminary functional genomics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gregarines are usually classified as parasites, but recent studies suggest that they should be viewed on a parasitism-mutualism spectrum and may even be seen as part of the gut microbiota of host insects. As such, they may also impact the consumption of their hosts and/or be involved in the digestion or detoxification of the host's diet. To study such effects of a gregarine species on those traits in its host, the mustard leaf beetle (Phaedon cochleariae) was used. This beetle species feeds on Brassicaceae plants that contain glucosinolates, which form toxic compounds when hydrolyzed by myrosinases. We cleaned host eggs from gametocysts and spores and reinfected half of the larvae with gregarines, to obtain gregarine-free (G-) and gregarine-infected (G+) larvae. Growth and food consumption parameters of these larvae were assessed by rearing individuals on watercress (Nasturtium officinale, Brassicaceae). A potential involvement of gregarines in the glucosinolate metabolism of P. cochleariae larvae was investigated by offering G- and G+ larvae leaf discs of watercress (containing mainly the benzenic 2-phenylethyl glucosinolate and myrosinases) or pea (Pisum sativum, Fabaceae, lacking glucosinolates and myrosinases) treated with the aliphatic 4-pentenyl glucosinolate or the indole 1-methoxy-3-indolylmethyl glucosinolate. Larval and fecal samples were analyzed via UHPLC-QTOF-MS/ MS to search for breakdown metabolites. Larval development, body mass, growth rate and efficiency to convert food into body mass were negatively affected by gregarine infection while the pupal mass remained unaffected. The breakdown metabolites of benzenic and aliphatic glucosinolates were conjugated with aspartic acid, while those of the indole glucosinolate were conjugated with glutamic acid. Gregarine infection did not alter the larvae's ability to metabolize glucosinolates and was independent of plant myrosinases. In summary, some negative effects of gregarines on host performance could be shown, indicating parasitism. Future studies may further disentangle this gregarine-host relationship and investigate the microbiome potentially involved in the glucosinolate metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indian mustard is an important oilseed crop in India. The productivity of Indian mustard needs to be increased in marginal environments such as in arid and semi‐arid areas to boost production. For this, identification of promising genotypes with high yield and quality under arid and semi‐arid climate is required. In this study, 65 genotypes of Indian mustard were evaluated in Augmented Randomized Block Design in the Purulia district of West Bengal, a mustard growing zone characterized by red laterite soil and semi‐arid climate. Considerable variation was observed between the genotypes for most characters such as number of seeds per siliqua (coefficient of variation [CV] 7.39%), followed by days to first flowering (CV 6.9%) and total number of siliquae (CV 6.43%), respectively. However, variation was less for days to maturity and quality parameters. Strong positive correlations were observed between many traits such as number of branches and number of siliquae on branches (0.82), number of branches and siliquae per plant (0.73), number of branches and yield per plant (0.72), number of siliquae on branches and siliquae per plant (0.91), number of siliquae on branches and seed yield per plant (0.76). Relatively strong negative correlation was observed only between oil and glucosinolate content (−0.60). Most of the traits showed high heritability along with high genetic advance over mean. Principal component analysis and cluster analysis classified the genotypes into six clusters. Based on yield, its components, and other quality parameters, promising genotypes such as Pusa Mahak, Narendra Ageti Rai 4, and JM‐1 were identified. These genotypes may be targeted for further genetic improvement or be incorporated in breeding programmes for developing high‐yielding mustard varieties for arid and semi‐arid climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study synthesized and modified a semi-interpenetrating polymer network hydrogel from polyacrylamide, N,N′-dimethylacrylamide, and maleic acid in a potassium hydroxide solution. The chemical composition, interior morphology, thermal properties, mechanical characteristics, and swelling behaviors of the initial hydrogel (SH) and modified hydrogel (SB) in water, salt solutions, and buffer solutions were investigated. Hydrogels were used as phosphate fertilizer (PF) carriers and applied in farming techniques by evaluating their impact on soil properties and the growth of mustard greens. Fourier-transform infrared spectra confirmed the chemical composition of SH, SB, and PF-adsorbed hydrogels. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed that modification increased the largest pore size from 817 to 1513 µm for SH and SB hydrogels, respectively. After modification, the hydrogels had positive changes in the swelling ratio, swelling kinetics, thermal properties, mechanical and rheological properties, PF absorption, and PF release. The modification also increased the maximum amount of PF loaded into the hydrogel from 710.8 mg/g to 770.9 mg/g, while the maximum % release of PF slightly increased from 84.42% to 85.80%. In addition, to evaluate the PF release mechanism and the factors that influence this process, four kinetic models were applied to confirm the best-fit model, which included zero-order, first-order, Higuchi, and Korsmeyer–Peppas. In addition, after six cycles of absorption and release in the soil, the hydrogels retained their original shapes, causing no alkalinization or acidification. At the same time, the moisture content was higher as SB was used. Finally, modifying the hydrogel increased the mustard greens' lifespan from 20 to 32 days. These results showed the potential applications of modified semi–IPN hydrogel materials in cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the allelopathic potential of Crotalaria spp. to control guinea grass (Panicum maximum Jacq.). Experiments were done on germination and development of P. maximum in Petri-plate Lab Bioassays with the seed exudates of germinating seeds germination water of seed and leaf extract of C. juncea and also in Pot Culture coexistence by sowing and transplantation of two test species. Among the species studied, C. juncea gave the best result to inhibit the germination of target plant, hence, it was selected for further studies. The germination results showed that the highest densities (5, 10 and 20) of C. juncea affect different stages of P. maximum. The higher the concentration of bioextract from C. juncea, the lower was development of P. maximum was decreased with doses from 25 to 100 % for its control. The greater was the density and concentration of C. juncea extracts, the greater was the decrease in germination speed, germination (%), root length, plant height and dry mass weight of P. maximum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]