Biofortification of Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) by Foliar Application of Agrochemicals and Growth Regulators for Improved Nutrient Assimilation, Oil Quality, and Crop Yield

Biofortification of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) by foliar application of growth regulators and agrochemicals is a potential method to improve crop yield and oil quality. The effects of boron, sulfur, and cytokinin on physiological and biochemical processes, including photosynthesis, nutrient assimilation, and assimilate partitioning, were determined. Physicochemical properties, such as density, saponification value, iodine value, peroxide value (PV), p-anisidine value (p-AV), and totox value of mustard oils were studied to evaluate the compositional quality of oils and also to investigate the effect of agrochemicals on quality attributes of the oil. These applications significantly improved the oil quality of mustard by enhancing oil content and modifying fatty acid composition. Boron increased oil content by 15-20%, while sulfur and cytokinin contributed 10-15 and 5-10%, respectively, compared to controls. These treatments also improved the fatty acid profile, with boron and sulfur boosting oleic acid levels by 8-12% and reducing erucic acid content by 10-15%, resulting in a healthier oil composition. Increased saponification, peroxide, and p-AVs along with refractive index and oil density by 66.66, 33.33, 19.35, 0.14, and 0.11%, respectively, suggested the improved oil quality. Combining B, S, and cytokinin at various doses (P < 0.05) improved the quality parameters of mustard oil. Such improved elements provide significant advantages for industrial and consumable uses. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy in this study revealed biochemical shifts, such as increased lipid and protein synthesis, directly influencing oil quality and yield. These findings underscore the potential of strategic foliar interventions to optimize mustard cultivation while ensuring efficient resource use.. KEYWORDS :Agrochemicals, Biochemicals, Mustard, Micronutrient, Oil analysis, Phytohormone, Zero hunger