The Biological Effects of Crude Aflatoxin B1 on Mustard (Brassica Juncea) Varieties

The effect on seed germination, seedling growth, chlorophyll and protein syntheses were recorded. An inhibition of 35.4 to 42.6% in seed germination, maximum being in case of Samruddhi Gold was found. Seedling growth comprising root and shoot lengths also showed a marked reduction. An inhibition of 32.9, 40.8 and 37.4% in root length and 41.5, 46.5 and 46.3% in shoot length were recorded in Pusa Bold, Samruddhi Gold and J.K. Suraj, respectively. Visual chlorosis was observed in the emerging leaves of all the varieties. A depletion of 30.5 to 42.3% in total chlorophyll was recorded in the varieties. A significant inhibition in protein biosynthesis was also noted. It was 15.9% in Pusa Bold, 22.8% in Samruddhi Gold and 26.8% in J.K. Suraj.