BIOCHEMICAL-CHANGES ASSOCIATED WITH CHEMICAL CRYOPROTECTION IN MUSTARD CULTIVARS [BRASSICA-JUNCEA (L)]

Sprays of DMSO resulted in highest seed as well as oil yield of mustard. The cell wall permeability to water (efflux rate) was significantly increased by spray of DMSO (Dimethyl sulfoxide), H2SO4 and glucose over control. However, increase in water soluble carbohydrates content of fresh leaves was maximum with H2SO4 spray as compared to other cryoprotectants. Cold hardening was associated with water soluble carbohydrate and cell wall permeability. The highest water soluble carbohydrate content in per cent was observed in cultivar Varuna (1.671) followed by Prakash (1.568) and Durgamani (1.422).