Evaluation and Characterization of Germination Traits in Brassica juncea ((L.) Czern Cross) Inbred Lines through PEG Induced Simulated Osmotic Stress

Author: Saleem Jahangir Dar, Pushp Sharma, Rajni Sharma and S.S. Banga

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Abstract

Crop growth stages commencing from germination to maturity are affected by water scarcity or water deficit. Seed germination and seedling establishment are the critical phases impeded by drought stress resulting in high mortality. The present investigation was aimed to evaluate drought tolerance of 82 inbred lines at seedling stage. Polyethylene glycol was used to create osmotic potentials (-0.20, -0.40, -0.60, -0.80, -1.00 and -1.20 Mpa) and distilled water as control (0 Mpa). The experiment was conducted in completely randomised design with three replications in the growth chamber at 25 ± 1°C and RH 85%. The germination traits and their interactions with stress levels varied significantly. All the studied germination traits suffered a decline over control with increased stress levels contrary to mean germination time that increased with PEG concentrations. Root and shoot length with their respective fresh and dry weights declined in all inbred lines with increased stress levels or reduced osmotic potentials, maximum reduction was noticed at -0.6 Mpa and afterward. Furthermore, a significant and positive correlation existed among the germination traits while mean germination time was weakly associated with other studied traits. The lesser decline in germination traits along with PCA and hierarchical clustering rated three varieties RLM-619, PBR97 and Pusa Bold, five natural B. juncea germplasm lines DJ-101-DT-A-4, DJ-113 DT-3, DJ-124-1-DT-31, DJ-124-1-DT-62 and MCN 2-14, two exotic B. juncea lines EC-564647, and JM-06-0206, two introgression lines JC-1359-23-558 and MCP-12-224 and one zero erucic acid quality mustard line QM-7-196 promising for drought stress.

Keywords

Polyethylene glycol, Osmotic potential, Moisture stress, Germination traits

Conclusion

Screening large germplasm for drought tolerance in-vitro is simple, economical, and time-effective methodology. Therefore, the performance of B. juncea inbred lines were evaluated with PEG induced drought stress levels. Based on the lesser decline in the germination traits, confirmed through PCA and hierarchical clustering, three varieties RLM-619, PBR97 and Pusa Bold, five natural B. juncea germplasm lines DJ-101-DT-A-4, DJ-113 DT-3, DJ-124-1-DT-31, DJ-124-1-DT-62, MCN 2-14, two exotic B. juncea EC-564647 and JM-06-0206, two introgression lines JC-1359-23-558 and MCP-12-224 and one zero erucic acid line QM-7-196 (S106) were found promising. The PEG induced screening and evaluation of 82 inbred lines helped to identify and categorize the germplasm for further evaluation under field conditions for drought stress. Considering the degree and impacts of drought stress on the productivity of Brassicas, present study may have practical implications for farmers and agricultural policy makers.

References

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How to cite this article

Saleem Jahangir Dar, Pushp Sharma, Rajni Sharma and S.S. Banga (2024). Evaluation and Characterization of Germination Traits in Brassica juncea ((L.) Czern Cross) Inbred Lines through PEG Induced Simulated Osmotic Stress. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 16(3): 136-146.