Recent technology interventions for agronomic traits enhancement in Indian mustard [ Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. & Coss.]

Brassica juncea (L.) Czern & Coss. commonly known as Indian mustard is a versatile oilseed crop which is widely cultivated in India as well as in some parts of Canada, Russia, China, and Australia. While the plant's seeds serve as a spice, its vegetative parts are edible and used as green vegetable. Apart from its usage as vegetable oil, B. juncea has various other applications in biofertilizer, chemical and paint industries. The plant also shows medicinal properties due to its anti-cancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. Furthermore, mustard oil is a valuable reservoir of unsaturated fatty acids, resulting in a significant surge in demand relative to supply during the past decade. Also, the production of this crop is severely hindered by a number of biotic and abiotic stresses which cause significant yield losses. Therefore, it is important to create mustard varieties that can withstand a wide range of agroclimatic conditions and provide high yields while being resistant to biotic and abiotic challenges. Plant tissue culture, ovary culture, and Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation are the important methods of propagation and regeneration in Brassica species. In addition, molecular marker studies have shown new directions for crop improvement, with different combinations of promoters and markers influencing traits such as seed germination, enhanced oil content, disease resistance, and abiotic stress handling. Marker-assisted selection (MAS) and SSR markers are crucial in molecular investigations due to their ability to reveal genetic diversity and resistance features. In recent years nanotechnological interventions have also provided novel avenues for crop improvement. Various metal and metal oxide nanoparticles have been used as nanofertilizers for crop improvement. Future research should focus on developing stress-resistant varieties using advanced breeding techniques, genetic engineering and nanotechnological interventions.