Unraveling the Nitrogen Fertilization Puzzle: Impact on Carbon Flux to Seed Storage Compounds in Indian Mustard Genotypes

Abstract

Unlocking the secrets of C-flux variation among genotypes under nitrogen fertilization can provide valuable insights into energy storage mechanisms and carbon dioxide fixation. This study investigated the influence of N application on oil and starch accumulation in seeds of Indian mustard. Results showed that most genotypes exhibited low oil content under N fertilization, indicating a negative correlation between oil and starch content. The uptake of N influenced metabolites by enhancing photosynthesis and the carbon supply, leading to changes in starch, protein, and oil content. The study also showed that sugar content played a regulatory role in lipid synthesis, and a reduction in sugar levels during the flowering stage could be due to its utilization in fatty acid biosynthesis. The findings of this study have important implications for optimizing agricultural practices and improving crop yields in the future. Understanding the partitioning of carbon is crucial for shedding light on the regulatory points influenced by nitrogen, and more research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms.