Interactive Effect of Elevated CO₂ and Moisture Stress on Carbohydrate Partitioning Pattern

A study was conducted to find out the effect of elevated levels of CO₂ on two Brassica cultivars under moisture stress by comparing in the ambient condition. The experiment was carried out in Free Air CO₂ Enrichment Facility. The objective of the present study was to investigate the carbohydrate profile under such conditions. The results showed that the moisture stress significantly lowered the accumulation of various types of sugars and NSC in various stages of growth. The negative effect of moisture stress was ameliorated under higher level of CO₂ in every stages of growth and both the cultivars showed variation in response in terms of sugar, starch and NSC accumulation. The highest accumulation was recorded in RH-30 cultivar compared to Pusa Gold. The increase in accumulation non-structural carbohydrate NSC under elevated CO₂ condition and moisture stress in the later stages of growth may help in remobilization of NSC stored in the stem as reserve is important for the grain filling and development of siliquae in Brassica.