Drought-Induced physiological and agronomic alterations in wheat and mustard (Triticum aestivum and Brassica campestris)

Drought stress poses a significant threat to global food security, particularly affecting staple crops like wheat (Triticum aestivum) and mustard (Brassica campestris), which are vital for human consumption and industrial use. As climate change intensifies water scarcity, understanding the physiological and agronomic responses of these crops to drought is critical for sustainable agriculture. This study aimed to analyze and compare the responses of wheat and mustard under varying drought levels to identify traits that enhance drought tolerance. Field experiments were conducted, subjecting both crops to three drought levels (well-watered, moderate, and severe) based on soil moisture content. Physiological parameters, including photosynthetic rate, relative water content (RWC), and stomatal conductance, were measured alongside agronomic traits such as seed yield, biomass, and harvest index. Key findings revealed that severe drought significantly reduced RWC by 20% in wheat and 15% in mustard, with seed yield losses more pronounced in wheat (40%) compared to mustard (30%), as detailed in Table 1. Both crops exhibited adaptive mechanisms, such as increased proline accumulation and reduced stomatal conductance, to mitigate water loss. These results underscore the differential drought tolerance between wheat and mustard, with mustard showing superior physiological stability. The findings have significant implications for breeding programs, suggesting that traits like enhanced proline synthesis and maintained RWC could be targeted to develop drought-resistant cultivars. Integrating these insights into crop improvement strategies can bolster food security in drought-prone regions.