Rapeseed-Mustard Breeding in India: Scenario, Achievements and Research Needs

Abstract

Brassica spp., commonly known as rapeseed-mustard, plays a significant role in the Indian economy by providing edible oils, vegetables, condiments and animal feed. Globally, India holds second and third position in rapeseed-mustard area under cultivation and production, respectively. However, anthropogenically accelerated climate change thwarts yield potential of rapeseed-mustard by employing abiotic (drought, flood, temperature variation and salinity) and biotic (disease and insects) stresses. Various approaches such as molecular breeding, pre-breeding, −omics and biotechnological interventions have been used to develop varieties for improved yield and oil quality, climate resilient and resistance or tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses. In this context, this chapter highlighted the different cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) sources and their potential use for hybrid development. At the end, this chapter also enlisted salient achievement by the government and non-government institutes and briefly described the future perspective for improvement of rapeseed-mustard in India.

Genetic Analysis for Resistance to Sclerotinia Stem Rot, Yield and Its Component Traits in Indian Mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern & Coss.]

“…Even though this crop has achieved significant progress in terms of yield enhancement [ 4 ], current production is insufficient to meet the country’s demand. The requisite productivity goals can be met by producing high-yielding hybrids, which is possible in this crop due to abundant heterosis for seed yield and its components and a stable cytoplasmic male sterility/fertility restoration system [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ]. Pure line-breeding procedures are also thought to reach the equilibrium point in yield enhancement since they do not produce enough genetic variability.…”

Health benefits of oat (Avena sativa) and nutritional improvement through plant breeding interventions

“…Globally, cereals such as rice, wheat, maize, sorghum, millet and oat meet the food, nutritional and social security of billions of people (Chand et al . 2021; Mao et al .…”

“…2022). Anthropogenically accelerated climate change and global warming are adversely affecting the global food-production system and leading to shortages of food and nutrition to meet the ever-increasing demand of the human population (Chand et al . 2021, 2022).…”

Deciphering the Genetic Inheritance of Tocopherols in Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern and Coss)

“…Most tocopherol content and composition research has been conducted on Brassica napus [9][10][11]16]. In India, Indian mustard is the predominant species of oilseed brassicas, occupying more than 90% area under cultivation [17]. Despite being a predominant crop, the lack of in-depth knowledge of the genetic control of tocopherols has hampered the improvement of the nutritional value and stability features of Indian mustard seed oil.…”