Variability in nitrogen distribution in Brassica species at flowering and harvesting stage

The study was conducted to examine the variation in the pattern of nitrogen distribution indifferent plant parts of Brassica species. In a field experiment, eleven genotypes of three different species of Brassica viz. B. napus var GSB-7027, ISN - 114, ISN - 602 and GSL - 1, B. juncea var RLM 619, RLM 198, Kranti and Varuna and B. campestris BSH 1, SPAN and KBS 1 were analyzed to understand the possible differences in the pattern of nitrogen distribution and partitioning in different parts of the plant at 50% flowering and maturity among Brassica species. B. campestris contained highest percentage of nitrogen at 50% flowering and at maturity stage compared with B. napus and B. juncea. At harvest more than 60% reduction in nitrogen in different plant parts of all the three Brassica species indicated the utilization of assimilates from component plant parts for the seed formation. However, the significant genetic variation in Brassica species for nitrogen content of all the component plant parts was observed thereby indicating different nitrogen uptake rates and its distribution. The study indicates that B. campestris was best among the three different species of Brassica for partitioning of nitrogen from leaf to seeds and it can be used for varietal improvement for getting maximum yield.