Comparative effects of soil and water salinity on oil quality parameters of Brassica juncea

Abstract

Effect of soil and water salinity on oil quality of Indian mustard was evaluated. Based on germination test,
five salt tolerant genotypes were selected out of 26 at seedling stage and used for field study. Pot experiment
was carried out on two crop seasons under three salinity levels of irrigation water (ECiw Control, 12 and 15
dS/m) while field experiment was conducted under three saline environments viz. Control, ECe 9 and 12 dS/
m. Soil salinity was monitored over the entire crop cycle. Harvested seeds were subjected to seed analysis
for oil, protein, erucic acid and crude fiber content using a pre-standardized Fourier Transform Near Infrared
Reflectance Spectrometer. Under increasing salinity (water and soil); oil, protein and crude fibre content
decreased, 7-10%; 18-19% and 36-42%, respectively, while erucic acid content increased by 30-42% compared
to control. The reductions and increments varied for different genotypes. Comparative study of salinity in pot
and field showed that soil salinity at ECe 9 dS/m have similar effect, as water salinity at ECiw 12 dS/m over
the oil and quality parameters in mustard. Consideration was given in this experiment to determine
appropriate breeding strategies for screening and development of superior oil quality genotypes under salinity
conditions.