Influence of Sulphur and Zinc on Biochemical Properties and Severity of Alternaria Blight in Indian Mustard

Effect of different doses of sulphur and zinc application was studied on Indian mustard [Brassica juncea(L.) Czern & Coss.] for protein, methionine, tryptophan, allyl-isothiocynate, mineral status content in oil/cake and Alternaria blight severity (%). The highest protein content was obtained in Varuna variety followed by strain NDR8501. Application of 40 kg sulphur and 40 kg zinc resulted in highest protein percentage over control in seeds of mustard. Methionine content ranged from 0.743-1.561 g/16g N in Varuna variety whereas it varied from 0.899 to 1.503 g/16 g N in strain NDR8501. Methionine contents were increased significantly due to the application of sulphur and zinc. Sulphur is an essential constituent of sulphur containing amino acids viz. methionine, cysteine and cystine. Variation in tryptophan content was recorded from 0.545 to 1.079 g/16 g N in Varuna variety whereas it varied from 0.501 to 1.545 g/16 g N strain NDR8501. The highest rate of application of sulphur and zinc resulted in the highest content of minerals. The highest allyl-isothiocynate content in oil (0.342%) was recorded in variety NDR8501 followed by Varuna (0.311%) variety. The minimum Alternaria blight severity was recorded in the dose of SZn(34.57, 404032.04) in variety Varuna and NDR8501, respectively.