Impact of Inadequate Concentration of Boron in Seed Storage Proteins Content in Oilseed Crops

Abstract

For the estimation of Impact of inadequate concentration of boron in seed storage proteins content in oilseed crops, a sand culture experiment was designed and all the three crops i.e. soyabean, mustard and linseed were grown under sufficient and insufficient boron treatment till maturity. Seed germination and seed storage protein concentration was determined in seeds after the harvesting of crops. Earlier oilseed crops like soyabean, mustard and linseed are cultivated for oil production but at this time these crops are reliable source of protein also and are real asset for human dietary protein. The storage protein present in seeds varies from ~10% (in cereals) to 40% (in certain legumes and oilseeds) of dry weight. Seeds contain one or more groups of proteins that are present in high amounts and that serve to provide a store of amino acids and sulfur required during germination and seedling growth. Quality of seeds is driven by the total protein content present in the form of storage reserve in seeds. There are major four types of storage proteins known as- globulins (insoluble in water), albumins (soluble in water), prolamins (soluble in alcohol) and glutelins (soluble in dilute acid and alkaline medium). Globulins and albumins are the major storage seed proteins of legumes and oilseed crops whereas prolamins and glutelins are mostly found in cereal seeds. Functionally boron is crucial micronutrient for a considerable amount of agricultural yield. Seed reserves (proteins, carbohydrates, starch, lipids) of post harvested seeds are depended on the appropriate boron supply during cropping. Boron insufficiency in oilseed crops found to be an inhibitory factor for seed vigor and seed quality. So this chapter deals with the effect of boron deprivation on seed quality in terms of germination capacity and seed storage protein reserves in the post harvested seeds of soybean, mustard and linseed.