Variability In Biochemical and Physiological Parameters of Mustard (Brassica Juncea (L.) Czern & Coss) Genotypes under Rainfed and Irrigated Conditions

Eight varieties of mustard were grown under irrigated and rainfed field conditions to assess their performance for biochemical, metabolic and yield characters. Rainfed condition caused significant reduction in dry matter accumulation, chlorophyll content, relative water content (RWC), branching behaviour, yield and oil content over irrigated condition while proline content increased under rainfed situation. Sowing of mustard under rainfed condition leads to the loss of 37.4% in seed yield, 25.0% in siliquae production and 14.9% in branching behaviour over irrigated condition. Variety Varuna showed maximum seed yield under irrigated condition closely followed by Pusa Jaikisan and Ashirwad. Vaibhav and Jawahar mustard were identified drought tolerant as they showed minimum reduction (<20%) in seed yield and possessed higher chlorophyll and proline content and also maintained higher RWC under rainfed situation. RWC (r = 0.870) and proline (r = 0.808) at flowering stage showed positive association with seed yield under rainfed condition.