abstract

The increasing frequency and severity of drought due to climate change pose a significant threat to global agricultural productivity, especially for oilseed crops like Indian mustard (Brassica juncea). Traditional breeding methods have faced challenges in developing drought-tolerant varieties due to the complex genetic networks that govern drought tolerance. This study explores the potential of genetic engineering to enhance drought tolerance in Indian mustard by introducing the DREB1A and P5CS genes, which are known for their roles in stress response and osmotic adjustment, respectively. Through field trials in Rajasthan and Punjab, combined with laboratory experiments, we evaluated the performance of genetically engineered lines under drought conditions. The results demonstrate that the genetically modified DREB1A line significantly outperformed non-transgenic controls in plant height, chlorophyll content, relative water content (RWC), and seed yield. Similarly, the P5CS line exhibited enhanced drought tolerance through improved osmotic adjustment. These findings suggest that genetic engineering offers a promising approach for developing drought-resistant crops, crucial for maintaining agricultural productivity in drought-prone regions.