A comprehensive review of genetic and biochemical approaches for trait improvement in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea)

Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) is considered an important oilseed crop in India as it possesses a high oil percentage with multiple uses in food (cooking oil and condiment), feed (animal feed), and industrial use, as well as being adaptable to a wide variety of agro-climatic circumstances. In spite of its agronomic and nutritional importance, Indian mustard is subject to limitations from biotic (diseases and pests) and abiotic stresses (drought, salinity, terminal heat) as well as inevitable anti-nutritive factors (high levels of erucic acid and glucosinolates) that limit its usefulness and acceptance within the market. This review discusses recent developments in trait improvement strategies to overcome these limits by using both "traditional" and contemporary methods, such as marker-assisted selection, genomic selection, doubled haploids, and interspecific hybridization. It also discusses widely emerging biotechnological methods (such as CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing and RNA interference (RNAi)) for modifying undesirable traits. The review also highlights areas that can be complemented with biochemical characterization techniques (such as Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIR), Gas Chromatography (GC), and ELISA), utilized with genetic tools for determining traits. Finally, the review also discusses the significant prospects of multi-omics and high-throughput phenotyping platforms as integrated strategies to help reduce breeding cycle times. Collectively, these integrated strategies offer a roadmap for developing climate-resilient, high-yielding, and nutritionally improved Indian mustard cultivars suited for future agricultural sustainability.