Manganese with Salicylic Acid Optimize the Growth Dynamics and Quality Potential in Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

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Aritra Guin, Santosh Korav, Rajanna G. A, Hosam O. Elansary This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4365009/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract As an oilseed crop, mustard—a plant in the family Brassicaceae —is essential in India and worldwide. Crucial to plant metabolism are manganese and salicylic acid. We performed a field experiment to determine how they affected Indian mustard ( Brassica juncea ). Using a Randomized Block Design with three replications, the experiment included ten treatment combinations. These included control groups, different doses of sole salicylic acid (75, 150, 300 ppm), sole manganese (0.25, 0.5, 0.75 mM MnSO 4 ), and combinations of the two. According to the experimental results, increasing dosages of both manganese and salicylic acid reversed the effects of sole foliar application by increasing the mustard growth and biochemical properties. It is worth mentioning that the addition of 0.5 mM manganese and 150 ppm salicylic acid externally increased stem dry weight by 1.24-fold, total chlorophyll content by 2.35-fold, relative water content by 1.25-fold, grain protein content by 1.11-fold, and oil content by 1.19-fold. To top it all off, the leaf membrane injury index went down by 36.2–53.2% after the combined application. The combination of salicylic acid and manganese yielded superior outcomes in optimizing growth dynamics and quality potential compared to individual applications of either compound. Biological sciences/Plant sciences/Plant physiology Biological sciences/Plant sciences/Plant stress responses Total chlorophyll content Membrane stability index Relative water content Stem dry weight Grain protein content Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Introduction Indian mustard ( Brassica juncea ), belonging to the Cruciferae family and Brassica genus, is a crucial oilseed crop. Central Asia, particularly Afghanistan, is proposed as its center of origin by Vavilov, (1951). Rich in fat (51.6%), protein (23.11%), fiber (9.34%), and carbohydrates (8.23%) 1 , mustard seeds offer numerous health benefits due to their potassium, vitamins C and K, minerals, and glucosinolates content 2 , 3 . The pungent flavor comes from allyl isothiocyanate and 4-hydroxybenzyl isothiocyanate 4 . Globally, mustard and rapeseed cultivation spans 41.88 million hectares 5 , with China, Canada, India, Australia, Ukraine, Russia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh as major producers. In India, the third-largest producer, mustard and rapeseed occupy 8.85 million hectares, yielding 11.3 MMT with 1.28 MT/hectare productivity in 2022 − 23 5 . Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, West Bengal, Assam, Gujarat, and Jharkhand are the major growing states. Punjab cultivated mustard on 30.5 thousand hectares with 46.5 thousand tons production and 1524 kg ha − 1 productivity during the same period 6 . Micronutrients, or trace elements, play a pivotal role in sustaining optimal plant growth and development, thereby ensuring food security and sustainable agricultural practices. Among these essential micronutrients, manganese (Mn) stands out as a vital mineral, exhibiting multifaceted functions that underscore its significance in plant physiology 7 . Manganese's involvement in photosynthesis, the fundamental process that drives plant growth, is particularly noteworthy. As a crucial component of the oxygen-evolving complex (OEC) within the photosystem II (PSII) of photosynthetic organisms, manganese facilitates the conversion of light energy into chemical energy, a process that fuels plant metabolism and biomass accumulation. Furthermore, manganese serves as a cofactor for various enzymes engaged in respiration, antioxidant defense mechanisms, and metabolic pathways. Its pivotal role in the activation of the enzyme manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) exemplifies its significance in mitigating the detrimental effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated during photosynthesis and stress conditions, thereby preserving cellular integrity and promoting plant resilience. Soil properties, such as pH, organic matter content, and oxygen partial pressure, significantly influence the bioavailability of manganese to plant roots 8 . Deficiencies or excesses of this micronutrient can have adverse effects on plant growth and development, manifesting as interveinal and marginal chlorosis, necrotic leaf spots, and metabolic disturbances that disrupt cellular homeostasis 9 . Notably, manganese plays a crucial role in enhancing plant tolerance to various environmental stressors, including salinity, drought, and heavy metal toxicity, by bolstering antioxidant defense systems. This attribute underscores the importance of optimizing manganese levels in agricultural contexts, particularly in regions prone to abiotic stresses, to safeguard crop productivity and ensure food security 10 . As the global population continues to grow, the demand for sustainable agricultural practices that optimize crop yields while minimizing environmental impact becomes increasingly paramount. Comprehensive understanding and judicious management of micronutrients like manganese are essential components of this endeavour, paving the way for resilient and productive crop systems that can withstand the challenges of a changing climate and meet the world's food needs 11 . Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are substances that control vital physiological processes in plants, such as respiration, senescence, cell division, and photosynthesis 12 (Kawano and Bouteau, 2013). Salicylic acid, a naturally occurring PGR, plays a crucial role in regulating plant growth, development, and stress responses, acting as a signalling molecule in plant defense mechanisms. Salicylic acid is essential for plants' defense against biotic stresses like bacterial, fungal, and viral infections, as well as abiotic stresses 13 . Salicylic acid significantly influences photosynthesis 14 , water relations, and metabolic processes in plants, depending on its concentration, application method, and the plant species. It impacts chloroplast and leaf structure, stomatal closure 15 , chlorophyll content 16 and the activities of key enzymes like carbonic anhydrase 17 and rubisco (ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase), which are crucial for photosynthesis 18 . Enough information is available on salicylic acid's reaction to several abiotic stressors. However, nothing is known about how salicylic acid reacts to Brassica juncea 's with rising Mn levels. Thus, the current study aims to investigate how Mn affects the photosynthetic apparatus and plant growth. It also aims to ascertain how varying levels of salicylic acid reacts with varying concentration of Mn with mustard growth, biochemical changes and quality. Materials and methods Weather of the experimental site The experiment was conducted at Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, at 31° 15' 29" North latitude and 75° 42' 28" East longitudes at 249 m above mean sea level. During experimentation, the temperature ranged between 5.4° C and 36.5° C with total rainfall of 118.4 mm, relative humidity was 52.3–96.3%, and evaporation ranged between 0.7 mm and 37.9 mm. The maximum rain (42.6 mm) occurred in the 4th week of 2023, and maximum (36.5° C) and minimum (5.4° C) temperatures were noticed in the 15th week and 1st week of 2023, respectively, during experimentation. The meteorological data collected from meteorological station LPU, Phagwara (Punjab) (Fig. 1). Treatment details A randomized block design of thirty plots was used for the experiment. The treated seeds were placed in plots with 30cm X 10 cm spacing and given time to germinate in their natural habitat at Lovely Professional University's agricultural field in Punjab, India. Thirty plots were divided into three replications and ten treatments. They were, T 1 : Control, T 2 : 0.25 mM MnSO₄, T 3 : 0.5 mM MnSO₄, T 4 : 0.75 mM MnSO₄, T 5 : 75 ppm SA (Salicylic Acid), T 6 : 150 ppm SA, T₇: 300 ppm SA, T₈: 0.25 mM MnSO₄ + 300 ppm SA, T₉: 0.5 mM MnSO₄ + 150 ppm SA, T₁₀: 0.75 mM MnSO₄ + 75 ppm SA. The size of each plot was 5 m x 3.5 m. The truthfully labelled seeds of Brassica juncea var. GSC 7, with 98% genetic purity, were acquired from Narindra Hybrid Seeds Company, Hyderabad, India. The producer had already treated the seeds. The mustard seeds were sown with spacing 30 cm with row to row and 10 cm with the plant to plant with a depth of 3 to 4 cm. The recommended dose of nutrients (100:30:15 kg NPK ha − 1 ) was applied using urea, DAP and MOP, respectively, in each plot 19 . According to the treatments, all plots were sprayed at 20, 40, 60, and 80 days after sowing and data were gathered at 40, 60, 80, and 100 DAS and maturity. Five random plant samples from gross plots of each treatment were used for different types of analysis. Four irrigations were given, from sowing to crop maturity. Foliar spray preparation Central Drug House Pvt. Ltd. produces salicylic acid (SA) in India. The required concentration (75, 150, and 300 ppm) of SA was dissolved in 5 ml of ethanol to create a solution, which was then added to a 100 ml volumetric flask using doubled distilled water (DDW) to get the desired final volume. The manganese (Mn) producer was Loba Chemie Pvt. Ltd. in India. Manganese (Mn) was obtained from manganese sulphate (MnSO₄). MnSO₄ was dissolved in DDW to provide the necessary concentrations of 0.25, 0.5 and 0.75 mM. Morphological traits After being taken out of the plots, the plants with dirt were submerged in a pail of water. To get rid of the dirt particles sticking to the plants, they were gently moved, and a meter scale was used to measure the length of the shoot. Then, the plants were separated into leaves, shoots and roots, and their fresh weight was measured by electronic balance. After that, leaves, stems and roots were dried in sunlight and subsequently placed into an oven for drying at 65˚ C until the weight became constant and weighed by electronic balance. The following parameters were computed by using plant samples. The leaf area index is defined as leaf area per unit of ground covering the area. It was calculated at 40, 60, and 80 DAS using Watson's formula (1947) 20 . $$\text{LAI}=\frac{\text{T}\text{o}\text{t}\text{a}\text{l} \text{l}\text{e}\text{a}\text{f} \text{a}\text{r}\text{e}\text{a}}{\text{G}\text{r}\text{o}\text{u}\text{n}\text{d} \text{c}\text{o}\text{v}\text{e}\text{r}\text{i}\text{n}\text{g} \text{a}\text{r}\text{e}\text{a}}$$ Relative water content The leaf's relative water content (RWC) was calculated using Barrs and Weatherley's formula (1962) 21 . $$\text{R}\text{W}\text{C} \left(\text{\%}\right)=\frac{\left(\text{F}\text{W}-\text{D}\text{W}\right)}{\left(\text{T}\text{W}-\text{D}\text{W}\right)}⨯100$$ where, FW- Fresh weight of leaf (g); DW- Dry weight of leaf (g) and TW- Turgid weight (g). Chlorophyll a, b and ab The third leaf from the top was chosen as a sample for chlorophyll quantification and ground with an 80% acetone solution. The needed amount was collected, and absorbance was measured at 645nm and 663 nm 22 . The formulas were used to do additional computations. Chl. a (mg g − 1 FW) = (12.72 × A663–2.58 × A645) × (V/W) × (1/1000) Chl. b (mg g − 1 FW) = (22.87 × A645–4.67 × A663) × (V/W) × (1/1000) Chl. ab (mg g − 1 FW) = (8.05 × A663 + 20.29 × A645) × (V/W) × (1/1000) Where V: total volume of the extract, W: weight of the tissue used for pigment assays, Leaf MSI (Membrane Stability Index) and Leaf MII (Membrane Injury Index) The sampling procedure entailed the deliberate collection of the most recently matured leaf. Afterwards, the membrane stability index (MSI) and membrane injury index (MII) were determined by dissolving 200 mg of leaf material in 10 ml of double-distilled water. This process was carried out in two separate batches. A group of samples underwent a thermal treatment process in which they were exposed for 30 minutes in a water bath maintained at 40°C. After this, the electrical conductivity (C1) was measured. Meanwhile, the second batch was treated similarly but with stricter conditions. It was heated for 10 minutes in a boiling water bath at 100°C. The resulting conductivity (C2) was then measured using a conductivity meter 23 . The MSI and MII were determined using the following formula: MSI = 100 [1-(C1/C2)] MII = 100 [C1/C2] Grain Protein content Samples weighing 1 g were placed into a Kjeldahl flask, and samples were digested in 10 ml of concentrated H 2 SO 4 after 5 g of digestion mixer (0.1 M anhydrous K 2 SO 4 and 0.1 M CuSO 4 .5H 2 O) was added. Afterwards, the water aspirator was turned on to its maximum capacity, and the exhaust system was attached to the rack's digesting tubes. The samples were digested until they became apparent. After removing, the tubes were set aside to cool for ten to twenty minutes. The tubes were filled with deionized water. The conical flask containing the receiver solution was put into the distillation apparatus. The distillation unit is filled with the digesting tube. The distillation unit is filled with the digesting tube. 50 millilitres of 40% NaOH was poured into the test tube. When the distillation flask's receiver solution becomes green, it indicates the presence of an alkali (ammonia). Standardized 0.1 N H 2 SO 4 was used to titrate the distillate until the desired pink colour (endpoint) was reached. Before each batch of analysis, blanks were run. The following formula was used to represent the nitrogen concentration in percentage terms. $$\text{N}\left(\text{\%}\right)=\frac{\left(\text{T}\text{i}\text{t}\text{r}\text{a}\text{t}\text{e} \text{v}\text{a}\text{l}\text{u}\text{e}-\text{B}\text{l}\text{a}\text{n}\text{k}\right)⨯\text{N}\text{o}\text{r}\text{m}\text{a}\text{l}\text{i}\text{t}\text{y} \text{o}\text{f} \text{H}₂\text{S}\text{O}₄⨯1.4}{\text{W}\text{e}\text{i}\text{g}\text{h}\text{t} \text{o}\text{f} \text{s}\text{a}\text{m}\text{p}\text{l}\text{e} \left(\text{g}\right) }⨯100$$ Protein content (%) of seed = 6.25 X Nitrogen content (%) of seed Oil content As per the standard procedure of the AOAC, the oil was extracted using the Soxhlet equipment. Extraction was done close to the solvent's boiling point to prevent solvent loss by evaporation. The initial drop of extracting solvent was used to measure the extraction time and repurposed within the thimble. In a rotary evaporator operating under vacuum, the solvent was collected and utilized again in the subsequent extraction batch. After cooling, the leftover oil was weighed. The exact process was repeated under various circumstances using various solvents for oil extraction. The following equation was used to compute the oil content: $$\text{O}\text{i}\text{l} \text{C}\text{o}\text{n}\text{t}\text{e}\text{n}\text{t} \left(\text{\%}\right)=\frac{\text{W}\text{e}\text{i}\text{g}\text{h}\text{t} \text{o}\text{f} \text{e}\text{x}\text{t}\text{r}\text{a}\text{c}\text{t}\text{e}\text{d} \text{o}\text{i}\text{l}}{\text{W}\text{e}\text{i}\text{g}\text{h}\text{t} \text{o}\text{f} \text{s}\text{e}\text{e}\text{d} \text{u}\text{s}\text{e}\text{d} }⨯100$$ Peroxide value The peroxide value (PV) is a numerical measure that indicates the concentration of peroxides in oils. This metric is obtained by measuring the amount of iodine released when it reacts with potassium iodide. To calculate the PV, a specific amount of oil samples is dissolved in acetic acid and mixed with chloroform and a saturated potassium iodide solution sequentially. The release of iodine, caused by the oxidising action of peroxides in the oil, is determined by titration with standardized sodium thiosulfate, using starch solution as an indicator. Simultaneously, titration procedures are performed on blank samples to ensure precision and eliminate false results. PV (meq O 2 Kg oil − 1 ) = (S-B) × W × N Where B is the amount of sodium thiosulphate used for the blank, W is the weight of the sample, S is the volume of sodium thiosulphate eaten by the sample oil, and N is the standard sodium thiosulphate normalcy 24 . Oil density An R.D. bottle measured the densities of oil samples with a capacity of 25 ml. The values of oil density were stated in g ml − 1 . Statistical analysis To determine the impact of various Manganese and Salicylic Acid on the growth and biochemical characteristics of Indian mustard, an analysis of variance (ANOVA) was carried out. For the statistical data analysis, Pearson's correlation analyses with RStudio and Origin Pro 2024, version 10.1.0.178. The error resulting from field variances was managed by subtracting the replication error. To determine the significant differences between various treatments, Duncan's multiple range test (DMRT) was used in conjunction with the standard error of the mean (SEm±) and least significant difference (LSD) computations 25 . Results The final stage of crop development always leads to the achievement of crop yield. The growth of crops involves a complex interaction of different metabolic pathways that occur in other parts of a plant at various stages of its development. The accumulation of dry matter is essential for the development of plant infrastructure. The coordination of metabolic processes, including the creation, storage, and movement of molecules critical to the economically important parts of the plant, relies on the strength and flexibility of its structure. Significantly, various agronomic interventions can influence the effectiveness of these metabolic dynamics. Morphological traits Leaf area index Significant maximum leaf area index was found in 0.5 mM MnSO₄ + 150 ppm SA (0.94 to 4.37), which was at par with T 8 (0.92 to 4.31) from 40 to 80 DAS, respectively. Significantly lower LAI was found at control. The combined application of Mn and SA (T 9 ) produced 2.04-fold, 1.38-fold, and 1.19-fold higher leaf area index at 40, 60, and 80 DAS, respectively, over the control (Table 1 ). Table 1 Effect of foliar spray of Manganese and Salicylic acid on leaf area index of Indian mustard during 2022–2023. *Means within the groups are significantly different based on Duncan´s mean range test. Treatments Leaf area index 40 DAS 60 DAS 80 DAS T 1 : Control 0.46 ± 0.01 g 1.42 ± 0.01 f 3.67 ± 0.10 e T 2 : 0.25 mM MnSO₄ 0.51 ± 0.01 f 1.52 ± 0.04 e 3.87 ± 0.09 d T 3 : 0.5 mM MnSO₄ 0.57 ± 0.01 e 1.52 ± 0.04 e 3.87 ± 0.06 d T 4 : 0.75 mM MnSO₄ 0.59 ± 0.01 e 1.54 ± 0.04 de 3.91 ± 0.03 d T 5 : 75 ppm SA (Salicylic Acid) 0.74 ± 0.01 d 1.57 ± 0.01 de 4.10 ± 0.06 c T 6 : 150 ppm SA 0.77 ± 0.01 d 1.63 ± 0.01 d 4.16 ± 0.06 bc T 7 : 300 ppm SA 0.81 ± 0.02 c 1.74 ± 0.02 c 4.16 ± 0.05 bc T 8 : 0.25 mM MnSO₄ + 300 ppm SA 0.92 ± 0.01 ab 1.93 ± 0.01 ab 4.31 ± 0.01 ab T 9 : 0.5 mM MnSO₄ + 150 ppm SA 0.94 ± 0.02 a 1.96 ± 0.01 a 4.37 ± 0.01 a T 10 : 0.75 mM MnSO₄ + 75 ppm SA 0.89 ± 0.01 b 1.86 ± 0.05 b 4.30 ± 0.04 abc SEm± 0.01 0.03 0.06 C.D. (p = 0.05) 0.03 0.09 0.18 Leaf fresh weight The fresh leaf weight of mustard varied from 13.35 to 117.99 g plant − 1 from 40 to 80 DAS. The significant maximum leaf fresh weight was found in the combined application of Mn and SA (T9) (24.53 to 117.99 g plant-1), which was statistically at par with T 8 (22.51 to 110.72 g plant − 1 ) and T 10 (21.28 to 108.02 g plant − 1 ) from 40 to 80 DAS, respectively. The lowest fresh was found in control. The application of T 9 produced 1.84-fold, 1.97-fold, and 1.51-fold higher leaf fresh weight at 40, 60, and 80 DAS, respectively, over the control (Table 2 ). Table 2 Effect of foliar spray of Manganese and Salicylic acid on leaf fresh and dry weight (g plant − 1 ) of Indian mustard during 2022–2023. Treatments Leaf fresh weight (g plant − 1 ) Leaf dry weight (g plant − 1 ) 40 DAS 60 DAS 80 DAS 40 DAS 60 DAS 80 DAS T 1 13.35 ± 1.06 f 35.09 ± 2.58 f 78.08 ± 3.32 d 1.13 ± 0.08 d 8.41 ± 0.35 e 12.78 ± 0.95 d T 2 15.28 ± 1.22 ef 38.60 ± 2.66 ef 80.43 ± 5.29 d 1.23 ± 0.15 cd 9.53 ± 0.21 de 14.67 ± 1.21 cd T 3 17.18 ± 1.08 e 42.51 ± 2.14 def 83.04 ± 4.48 d 1.32 ± 0.15 cd 9.81 ± 0.18 cd 14.90 ± 1.34 bcd T 4 17.68 ± 1.05 de 44.28 ± 2.07 cde 84.16 ± 3.38 d 1.35 ± 0.12 cd 9.85 ± 0.70 cd 15.08 ± 0.59 bcd T 5 18.22 ± 1.06 cde 49.44 ± 2.36 bcd 87.63 ± 3.14 cd 1.41 ± 0.12 cd 10.39 ± 0.79 bcd 15.09 ± 1.25 bcd T 6 18.41 ± 1.26 cde 51.76 ± 2.27 bc 95.86 ± 3.36 c 1.53 ± 0.26 bcd 10.48 ± 0.51 bcd 15.45 ± 1.10 bcd T 7 20.62 ± 1.12 bcd 53.35 ± 2.11 b 97.93 ± 4.07 bc 1.53 ± 0.12 bcd 10.72 ± 0.40 bcd 15.61 ± 1.13 bc T 8 22.51 ± 1.13 ab 63.67 ± 2.62 a 110.72 ± 4.72 a 1.81 ± 0.18 ab 11.26 ± 0.63 ab 17.49 ± 0.74 ab T 9 24.53 ± 1.34 a 68.96 ± 2.59 a 117.99 ± 3.67 a 1.99 ± 0.25 a 12.11 ± 0.48 a 18.78 ± 0.92 a T 10 21.28 ± 1.09 bc 61.75 ± 2.49 a 108.02 ± 4.33 ab 1.59 ± 0.11 bc 10.93 ± 0.21 abc 16.50 ± 0.49 abc SEm± 0.98 2.42 3.61 0.12 0.42 0.82 C.D. (p = 0.05) 2.91 7.20 10.72 0.36 1.23 2.43 *Means within the groups are significantly different based on Duncan´s mean range test. T 1 : Control; T 2 : 0.25 mM MnSO₄; T 3 : 0.5 mM MnSO₄; T 4 : 0.75 mM MnSO₄; T 5 : 75 ppm SA (salicylic acid); T 6 : 150 ppm SA; T 7 : 300 ppm SA; T 8 : 0.25 mM MnSO₄ + 300 ppm SA; T 9 : 0.5 mM MnSO₄ + 150 ppm SA; T 10 : 0.75 mM MnSO₄ + 75 ppm SA Leaf dry weight The leaf dry weight of mustard varied from 1.13 to 18.78 g plant − 1 from 40 to 80 DAS. Foliar application of Mn and SA (T 9 ) was superior (1.99 to 18.78 g plant − 1 ) over the rest of the treatment. However, T 8 (1.81 to 17.49 g plant − 1 ) and T 10 (1.59 to 16.50 g plant − 1 ) are statistically on par with T 9 . Similarly, the combined application of 0.75 mM MnSO₄ + 75 ppm SA (T 10 ) was at par with the rest of the alone application of Mn and SA except control. The lowest leaf dry weight was found in the control. Applying Mn and SA (T 9 ) produced 1.76-fold, 1.44-fold, and 1.47-fold higher leaf dry weight at 40 DAS, 60 DAS, and 80 DAS, respectively, over the control (Table 2 ). Stem fresh weight The fresh stem weight of mustard varies from 1.97 to 172.42 g plant − 1 from 40 DAS to maturity. The significant maximum stem fresh weight was found in the combined application of Mn and SA (T 9 ) (4.01 to 172.42 g plant − 1 ), which was statistically at par with T 8 (3.8 to 167.6 g plant − 1 ) and T 10 (3.31 to 160.07 g plant − 1 ) from 40 DAS to maturity, respectively. The lowest fresh stem weight was found in the control. The application of T 9 produced 2.04-fold, 1.76-fold, 1.71-fold, 1.74-fold, and 1.86-fold higher stem fresh weight at 40, 60, 80, and 100 DAS and maturity, respectively, over the control (Table 3 ). Table 3 Effect of foliar spray of manganese and salicylic acid on stem fresh and dry weight (g plant − 1 ) of Indian mustard during 2022–2023. Stem fresh weight (g plant − 1 ) Stem dry weight (g plant − 1 ) Treatments 40 DAS 60 DAS 80 DAS 100 DAS At Harvest 40 DAS 60 DAS 80 DAS 100 DAS At Harvest T 1 1.97 ± 0.18 d 21.61 ± 4.12 d 56.01 ± 1.77 d 79.31 ± 6.12 e 92.61 ± 1.08 f 0.19 ± 0.03 d 10.13 ± 0.02 e 14.21 ± 0.37 f 16.18 ± 0.34 e 18.34 ± 0.29 d T 2 2.33 ± 0.21 cd 26.40 ± 1.16 cd 63.59 ± 5.41 cd 85.36 ± 6.07 de 103.79 ± 1.31 ef 0.19 ± 0.03 cd 10.66 ± 0.10 d 15.58 ± 0.12 e 17.58 ± 0.02 d 19.68 ± 0.02 c T 3 2.43 ± 0.24 cd 26.55 ± 0.91 cd 64.75 ± 2.04 cd 90.64 ± 6.44 de 106.53 ± 0.71 e 0.21 ± 0.03 bcd 10.67 ± 0.11 d 15.75 ± 0.59 e 17.89 ± 0.08 d 19.99 ± 0.08 c T 4 2.45 ± 0.22 cd 26.60 ± 0.02 cd 72.22 ± 3.88 bc 98.47 ± 8.59 cd 131.23 ± 0.79 d 0.22 ± 0.03 bc 10.68 ± 0.12 cd 15.78 ± 0.25 e 18.18 ± 0.18 d 20.28 ± 0.18 c T 5 2.52 ± 0.22 cd 30.45 ± 0.22 bc 74.81 ± 6.85 bc 101.36 ± 3.40 cd 135.45 ± 2.38 cd 0.22 ± 0.03 bc 10.77 ± 0.14 cd 16.65 ± 0.20 de 18.30 ± 0.29 cd 20.36 ± 0.29 c T 6 2.60 ± 0.47 bcd 30.69 ± 0.06 bc 75.50 ± 2.94 bc 109.55 ± 5.07 bc 140.25 ± 1.35 cd 0.22 ± 0.02 bc 10.89 ± 0.05 bcd 17.26 ± 0.33 cd 19.26 ± 0.16 bc 21.36 ± 0.16 b T 7 2.81 ± 0.27 bc 30.76 ± 3.03 bc 79.09 ± 2.98 b 113.09 ± 4.81 bc 143.82 ± 1.68 c 0.23 ± 0.03 b 10.93 ± 0.07 bc 17.51 ± 0.17 bcd 19.54 ± 0.20 b 21.64 ± 0.20 b T 8 3.80 ± 0.35 a 34.31 ± 0.23 ab 84.73 ± 3.90 ab 123.42 ± 6.32 ab 167.60 ± 1.46 ab 0.27 ± 0.03 a 11.11 ± 0.02 ab 18.58 ± 0.48 ab 20.58 ± 0.48 a 22.68 ± 0.48 a T 9 4.01 ± 0.26 a 38.01 ± 3.92 a 95.98 ± 5.18 a 138.02 ± 3.51 a 172.42 ± 1.30 a 0.29 ± 0.03 a 11.20 ± 0.02 a 18.70 ± 0.45 a 20.77 ± 0.63 a 22.87 ± 0.63 a T 10 3.31 ± 0.39 ab 33.37 ± 1.12 abc 81.61 ± 3.77 b 122.83 ± 4.61 ab 160.07 ± 1.90 b 0.26 ± 0.03 a 11.07 ± 0.08 ab 17.84 ± 0.32 abc 19.84 ± 0.32 ab 21.94 ± 0.32 ab SEm± 0.23 2.09 4.29 5.35 3.83 0.01 0.08 0.36 0.33 0.32 C.D.(p = 0.05) 0.69 6.21 12.74 15.90 11.38 0.02 0.24 1.08 0.97 0.95 *Means within the groups are significantly different based on Duncan´s mean range test. T 1 : Control; T 2 : 0.25 mM MnSO₄; T 3 : 0.5 mM MnSO₄; T 4 : 0.75 mM MnSO₄; T 5 : 75 ppm SA (salicylic acid); T 6 : 150 ppm SA; T 7 : 300 ppm SA; T 8 : 0.25 mM MnSO₄ + 300 ppm SA; T 9 : 0.5 mM MnSO₄ + 150 ppm SA; T 10 : 0.75 mM MnSO₄ + 75 ppm SA Stem dry weight The stem dry weight of mustard varies from 0.19 to 22.87 g plant − 1 from 40 DAS to maturity. The significant maximum stem dry weight was found in the combined application of Mn and SA (T 9 ) (0.29 to 22.87 g plant − 1 ), which was statistically at par with T 8 (0.27 to 22.68 g plant − 1 ) and T 10 (0.26 to 21.94 g plant − 1 ) from 40 DAS to maturity, respectively. The lowest stem dry weight was found in the control. The application of T 9 produced 1.53-fold, 1.11-fold, 1.32-fold, 1.28-fold, and 1.24-fold higher stem dry weight at 40, 60, 80, and 100 DAS and maturity, respectively, over the control (Table 3 ). Root fresh weight The root fresh weight of mustard varies from 1.13 to 47.13 g plant − 1 from 40 DAS to maturity. The significant maximum root fresh weight was found in the combined application of Mn and SA (T 9 ) (1.93 to 47.13 g plant − 1 ), which was statistically at par with T 8 (1.65 to 46.43 g plant − 1 ) and T 10 (1.6 to 45.11 g plant − 1 ) from 40 DAS to maturity, respectively. The lowest root fresh weight was found in the control. The application of T 9 produced 1.71-fold, 2.21-fold, 1.51-fold, 1.24-fold, and 1.24-fold higher root fresh weight at 40, 60, 80, and 100 DAS and maturity, respectively, over the control (Table 4 ). Table 4 Effect of foliar spray of manganese and salicylic acid on root fresh and dry weight (g plant − 1 ) of Indian mustard during 2022–2023. Root fresh weight (g plant − 1 ) Root dry weight (g plant − 1 ) Treatments 40 DAS 60 DAS 80 DAS 100 DAS At Harvest 40 DAS 60 DAS 80 DAS 100 DAS At Harvest T 1 1.13 ± 0.12 c 3.47 ± 0.21 e 20.99 ± 0.55 d 35.99 ± 0.83 e 37.98 ± 0.74 f 0.13 ± 0.02 b 0.78 ± 0.15 e 8.11 ± 0.14 c 10.80 ± 0.21 d 12.12 ± 0.12 e T 2 1.16 ± 0.15 c 4.21 ± 1.00 de 21.93 ± 1.00 cd 37.26 ± 0.64 de 38.54 ± 0.67 ef 0.13 ± 0.02 b 0.84 ± 0.14 de 8.18 ± 0.16 c 11.26 ± 0.30 cd 13.09 ± 0.14 de T 3 1.33 ± 0.04 bc 4.62 ± 0.25 cde 23.55 ± 0.62 bc 37.57 ± 0.82 de 39.59 ± 0.53 def 0.14 ± 0.01 b 0.93 ± 0.13 cde 8.34 ± 0.17 c 11.56 ± 0.34 cd 13.25 ± 0.18 de T 4 1.33 ± 0.03 bc 4.84 ± 0.11 cd 23.60 ± 0.59 bc 38.65 ± 1.05 cde 39.99 ± 0.85 def 0.14 ± 0.01 b 0.95 ± 0.13 cde 8.43 ± 0.14 c 11.77 ± 0.77 cd 13.47 ± 0.61 cd T 5 1.40 ± 0.03 bc 5.51 ± 0.12 c 24.30 ± 0.97 b 39.54 ± 0.97 cd 40.68 ± 0.79 de 0.14 ± 0.01 b 1.26 ± 0.14 bcde 9.02 ± 0.12 b 12.75 ± 0.64 bc 14.63 ± 0.17 c T 6 1.46 ± 0.10 bc 5.64 ± 0.29 c 24.56 ± 0.74 b 39.82 ± 0.88 bcd 41.61 ± 0.72 cd 0.14 ± 0.01 b 1.30 ± 0.14 bcd 9.27 ± 0.12 b 12.81 ± 0.54 bc 14.67 ± 0.36 c T 7 1.56 ± 0.05 b 5.76 ± 0.03 bc 25.40 ± 0.32 b 40.84 ± 0.64 bc 43.09 ± 0.81 bc 0.15 ± 0.02 b 1.32 ± 0.15 bcd 9.34 ± 0.15 b 13.07 ± 0.40 bc 15.94 ± 0.92 b T 8 1.65 ± 0.15 ab 7.49 ± 0.60 a 31.08 ± 0.45 a 44.10 ± 0.59 a 46.43 ± 0.76 a 0.16 ± 0.02 ab 1.52 ± 0.16 ab 11.18 ± 0.24 a 14.94 ± 0.76 a 17.86 ± 0.15 a T 9 1.93 ± 0.36 a 7.66 ± 0.03 a 31.72 ± 0.45 a 44.74 ± 0.95 a 47.13 ± 0.68 a 0.19 ± 0.01 a 1.82 ± 0.12 a 11.55 ± 0.14 a 15.69 ± 0.57 a 18.33 ± 0.22 a T 10 1.60 ± 0.19 ab 6.90 ± 0.35 ab 29.66 ± 0.75 a 42.50 ± 0.93 ab 45.11 ± 0.54 ab 0.16 ± 0.02 ab 1.38 ± 0.14 abc 11.07 ± 0.19 a 13.99 ± 0.34 ab 17.76 ± 0.21 a SEm± 0.11 0.39 0.67 0.86 0.71 0.01 0.15 0.16 0.55 0.41 C.D. (p = 0.05) 0.32 1.15 1.99 2.56 2.12 0.03 0.44 0.49 1.64 1.23 *Means within the groups are significantly different based on Duncan´s mean range test. T 1 : Control; T 2 : 0.25 mM MnSO₄; T 3 : 0.5 mM MnSO₄; T 4 : 0.75 mM MnSO₄; T 5 : 75 ppm SA (salicylic acid); T 6 : 150 ppm SA; T 7 : 300 ppm SA; T 8 : 0.25 mM MnSO₄ + 300 ppm SA; T 9 : 0.5 mM MnSO₄ + 150 ppm SA; T 10 : 0.75 mM MnSO₄ + 75 ppm SA Root dry weight The root dry weight of mustard varies from 0.13 to 18.33 g plant − 1 from 40 DAS to maturity. The significant maximum root dry weight was found in the combined application of Mn and SA (T 9 ) (0.19 to 18.33 g plant − 1 ), which was statistically at par with T 8 (0.16 to 17.86 g plant − 1 ) and T 10 (0.16 to 17.76 g plant − 1 ) from 40 DAS to maturity, respectively. The lowest root dry weight was found in the control. The application of T 9 produced 1.46-fold, 2.33-fold, 1.42-fold, 1.45-fold, and 1.51-fold higher root dry weight at 40, 60, 80, and 100 DAS and maturity, respectively, over the control (Table 4 ). Relative water content The relative water content of mustard varies with the duration of the crop; increasing crop duration reduced the RWC. Significantly, the maximum relative water content was found at 40 DAS (71.78 to 89.78%) compared with 60 and 80 DAS. Similarly, a higher RWC of mustard was found in the foliar application of both Mn and SA (T 9 ) at 40 DAS (89.78%), which was superior to the rest of the treatments. T 8 and T 10 are immediate followers of T 9 . A single dose of Mn and SA low was performed (72.83 to 82.43%) compared to the combined application of Mn and SA. The application of T 9 produced 1.25-fold more RWC than the control (Fig. 2). Chlorophyll a, b and ab The chlorophyll a was especially maximum at 60 DAS (0.69 to 1.78 mg g − 1 ) compared to 80 DAS (0.78 to 1.21 mg g − 1 ). Application of both Mn and SA (T 9 ) produced maximum chlorophyll a (1.78 mg g − 1 ) followed by T 8 and T 10 . Application of MnSO 4 with 0.25 mM to 0.75 mM created less chlorophyll a (0.98 to1.15 mg g − 1 ) than the application of SA with 75 ppm to 300 ppm (1.19 to1.24 mg g − 1 ) lowest chlorophyll a produced by control. The application of T 9 made 2.58-fold and 1.55-fold higher chlorophyll content at 60 and 80 DAS, respectively, over the control. Chlorophyll b was especially maximum at 60 DAS (0.27 to 0.49 mg g − 1 ) compared to 80 DAS (0.21 to 0.35 mg g − 1 ). Mn and SA (T 9 ) application produced maximum chlorophyll b (0.49 mg g − 1 ), followed by T 8 and T 10 . Application of MnSO 4 with 0.25 mM to 0.75 mM created less chlorophyll b (0.30 to 0.32 mg g − 1 ) than the application of SA with 75 ppm to 300 ppm (0.34 to 0.36 mg g − 1 ) lowest chlorophyll b produced by control. The application of T 9 made 1.81-fold and 1.67-fold higher chlorophyll b content at 60 and 80 DAS, respectively, over the control. Varying levels of MnSO 4 and Salicylic acid significantly affected chlorophyll ab content of mustard during 2022-23. The chlorophyll ab was especially maximum at 60 DAS (0.96 to 2.26 mg g − 1 ) compared to 80 DAS (0.99 to 1.56 mg g − 1 ). Application of both Mn and SA (T 9 ) produced maximum chlorophyll ab (2.26 mg g − 1 ), followed by T 8 and T 10 . Application of MnSO 4 with 0.25 mM to 0.75 mM produced less chlorophyll ab (1.28 to1.48 mg g − 1 ) than the application of SA with 75 ppm to 300 ppm (1.53 to 1.61 mg g − 1 ) lowest chlorophyll ab produced by control. The application of T 9 had 2.35-fold and 1.58-fold higher chlorophyll ab content at 60 and 80 DAS, respectively, over the control (Fig. 2). Leaf Membrane Stability Index (MSI) and Leaf Membrane Injury Index (MII) The membrane stability of mustard was high at 80 (62.61 to 82.52%) over 60 DAS (52.40 to 80.25%). Application of both Mn and SA (T 8 : 0.25 mM MnSO₄ + 300 ppm SA) increased MSI with 82.52% and 80.25% at 80 and 60 DAS, respectively. Similarly, T 8 enhanced the MSI by 2.8% from 60 to 80 DAS. Application of MnSO 4 with 0.25 mM to 0.75 mM showed less MSI (73.11 to 75.59%) than the application of SA with 75 ppm to 300 ppm (75.74 to 78.73%) and combined application of Mn and SA, i.e. T 9 -T 10 (76.17 and 78.81%). The lowest MSI was found in control. The T 8 produced 1.53-fold and 1.32-fold higher membrane stability index at 60 and 80 DAS, respectively, over the control. The MII was reduced with increased crop duration. During 80 DAS treatment combinations, there were fewer injuries to the membranes of mustard leaves (37.39 to 17.48%) than 60 DAS (47.60 to 19.75%). Applying Mn and SA (T 8 ) reduced the MII by 17.48% at 80 DAS, which was 11.4% less than 60 DAS. However, application of MnSO 4 with 0.25 mM to 0.75 mM induced more MII (24.42 to 26.90%) over application of SA with 75 ppm to 300 ppm (21.27 to 24.26%) and combined application of Mn and SA (T 9 and T 10 ) (21.19 and 23.83%) at 80 DAS. The highest MII was found in control (37.39 to 47.60%). Application of Mn and SA (T 8 ) reduced MII from 53.2–58.5% over control (Fig. 2). Grain protein content The maximum protein content was found in the application of both Mn and SA (T 9 ) at 26.38%, which was statistically at par with T 8 (26.23%) and T 10 (26.19%). There is no significant difference between the application of Mn with 0.25 and 0.5 mM MnSO 4 with control. Still, the application of 0.75 mM MnSO 4 (T 4 : 24.52%) showed a significant difference with control and lower than that of SA with 75 ppm to 300 ppm (24.75 to 25.21%). The lowest protein content of mustard seeds was found in the control (23.71%). Mn and SA (T 8 -T 10 ) application produced 1.1-fold to 1.11-fold more grain protein content than control (Fig. 3). Oil content The maximum oil content was found in the application of both Mn and SA (T 9 ) at 42.53%, which was statistically different from T 8 (42.02%) and T 10 (41.43%). Application of Mn with 0.50 to 0.75 mM MnSO 4 and 75 ppm SA (40.22–40.49%) was found statistically at par with each other but lower than T 6 and T 7 (40.93 and 41.12%) which are statistically on par. The lowest oil content of mustard grain was found in control (35.80%). Combined application of Mn and SA (T 9 ) produced 1.19-fold more oil content of mustard grain over control (Fig. 3). Peroxide value and oil density The experimental findings showed that the various treatment combinations reduced the peroxide value and increased the oil density except for the control. The maximum peroxide value of mustard oil was found in control (1.64 meq O 2 kg oil − 1 ). Similarly, maximum oil density (0.951 g ml − 1 ) was found in T 8 (0.25 mM MnSO 4 + 300 ppm SA) (Fig. 3). Correlation studies among growth, productivity, and quality aspects of mustard influenced by MnSO₄ and salicylic acid Leaf area index was positively correlated with leaf fresh weight (r = 0.71), leaf dry weight (r = 0.59), stem new weight (r = 0.88), stem dry weight (r = 0.86), root fresh weight (r = 0.80), root dry weight (r = 0.86), relative water content (r = 0.86), chlorophyll a (r = 0.82), chlorophyll b (r = 0.80), chlorophyll ab (r = 0.84), membrane stability index (r = 0.74), grain protein content (r = 0.88), oil content (r = 0.76). Further, the leaf fresh weight showed positive correlation with leaf dry weight (r = 0.64), stem fresh weight (r = 0.85), stem dry weight (r = 0.83), root fresh weight (r = 0.87), root dry weight (r = 0.83), relative water content (r = 0.80), chlorophyll a (r = 0.80), chlorophyll b (r = 0.72), chlorophyll ab (r = 0.8), membrane stability index (0.63), grain protein content (0.87), oil content (0.71). The investigation uncovered strong positive correlations between different physiological parameters and biomolecular constituents in the plant species examined. The leaf dry weight was significantly positively correlated with the stem fresh weight (r = 0.73), stem dry weight (r = 0.74), root new weight (r = 0.78), root dry weight (r = 0.74), relative water content (r = 0.69), chlorophyll a (r = 0.76), chlorophyll b (r = 0.63), chlorophyll ab (r = 0.77), membrane stability index (r = 0.63), grain protein content (r = 0.69), and oil content (r = 0.75). In addition, the weight of the stem showed strong positive relationships with various botanical factors, particularly the weight of the stem when it is dry (r = 0.92), the weight of the root when it is fresh (r = 0.89), the weight of the root when it is dry (r = 0.91), the relative water content (r = 0.92), the amount of chlorophyll a (r = 0.92), the amount of chlorophyll b (r = 0.86), the amount of chlorophyll ab (r = 0.94), the stability of the membrane (r = 0.78), the protein content of the grain (r = 0.92), and the oil content (r = 0.81). In addition, the dry weight of the stem showed significant positive correlations with the fresh weight of the root (r = 0.93), the dry weight of the root (r = 0.88), the relative water content (r = 0.91), chlorophyll a (r = 0.88), chlorophyll b (r = 0.80), chlorophyll ab (r = 0.90), the membrane stability index (r = 0.82), grain protein content (r = 0.91), and oil content (r = 0.81). Similarly, the fresh weight of the roots showed strong positive relationships with the dry weight of the roots (r = 0.93), the relative water content (r = 0.89), the concentration of chlorophyll a (r = 0.82), the concentration of chlorophyll b (r = 0.79), the concentration of chlorophyll ab (r = 0.85), the membrane stability index (r = 0.69), the protein content of the grains (r = 0.94), and the oil content (r = 0.73). The root dry weight showed positive correlations with relative water content (r = 0.92), chlorophyll a (r = 0.84), chlorophyll b (r = 0.77), chlorophyll ab (r = 0.86), membrane stability index (r = 0.70), grain protein content (r = 0.94), and oil content (r = 0.76) simultaneously. The relative water content was positively correlated with chlorophyll a (r = 0.89), chlorophyll b (r = 0.81), chlorophyll ab (r = 0.91), membrane stability index (0.80), grain protein content (0.93), and oil content (0.80). Further, chlorophyll ab showed a positive correlation with membrane stability index (r = 0.84), grain protein content (r = 0.87), and oil content (r = 0.89), and the membrane stability index was also positively correlated with grain protein content (r = 0.67) and oil content (r = 0.90). However, the membrane injury index negatively correlated with mustard's growth and biochemical parameters. Contradictorily, oil density (r = 0.22 and r = 0.25) showed a weak correlation with leaf area index (r = 0.18), leaf fresh weight (r = 0.32), stem fresh weight (r = 0.23), stem dry weight (r = 0.17), root fresh weight (r = 0.14), root dry weight (r = 0.21), relative water content (r = 0.31), chlorophyll a (r = 0.23), chlorophyll b (r = 0.17), chlorophyll ab (r = 0.23), membrane stability index (r = 0.27), grain protein content (r = 0.20), oil content (r = 0.12) (Fig. 4). Discussion The results indicate a notable improvement in growth parameters after applying MnSO₄ and salicylic acid to the leaves, including the leaf area index and the fresh and dry weight of the leaves, stem, and root. An important element for plant metabolism is manganese. In plants, it functions as a co-factor and activator for hundreds of metalloenzymes. Mn is essential for a wide variety of enzyme-catalyzed processes, such as phosphorylation, hydrolysis, decarboxylation, and redox reactions, due to its propensity to quickly alter oxidation state in biological systems 26 . Mn functions as a metalloenzyme in the plant system, including manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) and oxygen-evolving complexes (OEC) of photosystem II (PS II) 27 . Mn is especially accumulated in the spongy and palisade parenchyma cells and the periphery cells of the leaf petiole and petiolule 28 . The isochorismate (IC) route and the phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) pathway are the two separate processes involved in SA production in plants. These processes contribute to the development of plants, thermogenesis, and ion absorption 29 . In our study, the leaf area index was significantly affected by the simultaneous foliar application of Mn and SA compared to separate applications. When SA is used with MnSO₄, it significantly impacts leaf size and growth. Research has revealed that salicylic acid promotes the growth and division of cells, which is essential for increasing the size of leaves and improving the leaf area index as the concentration of the acid increases. Applying salicylic acid from an external source has been proven to improve growth characteristics and net photosynthesis without stress while reducing drought's negative impacts 30 . Similar findings found in mustard by Nazar et al., 2015 30 . It is well recognized that SA functions as a signaling molecule in plants, inducing a range of physiological and morphological reactions. It controls the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are essential to the metabolic activities of plants 31 . In addition, the combination of higher levels of salicylic acid and Mn improves crop growth by regulating different physiological processes in plants, including thermogenesis, flower induction, nutrient uptake, ethylene production, stomatal movement, photosynthesis, and antioxidative enzyme activity 32 . These factors likely contribute to the observed increase in growth attributes in mustard. The promotion of cell growth by salicylic acid can result in the development of larger leaves, which in turn increases the surface area of the leaves. This leads to an augmentation of the leaf area index and enhances physiological activities. In addition, the application of micronutrients to the leaves of plants activates around 35 enzymes involved in metabolic pathways, thereby improving the process of photosynthesis 33 . The application of MnSO₄ on leaves has been shown to increase the overall chlorophyll content in leaves due to its positive impact on cellular metabolic processes 34 . In the photosynthetic oxygen-evolving complex (OEC) of photosystem II (PSII), manganese is an essential component that helps convert light energy into chemical energy during photosynthesis, which is used for the synthesis of organic compounds, leading to plant growth and biomass accumulation 35 . In addition, MnSO₄ promotes dry matter accumulation by increasing photosynthesis through higher chlorophyll levels, although not as much as when salicylic acid is applied. The activities of many enzymes involved in the growth and development of plants are influenced by SA. For instance, it has been seen to boost the activity of the enzyme nitrate reductase, which is essential for plant growth and biomass accumulation and is involved in nitrogen metabolism 36 . The results of our study show that the application of 150 parts per million (ppm) of salicylic acid combined with 0.5 millimolar (mM) of manganese sulphate (MnSO₄) resulted in increased fresh and dry leaf weights. The augmentation in leaf area and photosynthetic rate results in a more substantial accumulation of dry matter, thereby contributing to an increase in fresh and dry stem weight. These results align with the earlier discoveries in Brassica juncea by Fariduddin et al. (2003) 16 . Previous studies have documented comparable impacts of salicylic acid treatment on dry matter accumulation and plant development in rapeseed 37 , 38 , 39 and sugarcane 40 . Salicylic acid has attracted attention due to its ability to enhance root development in different plant species. It promotes the growth of roots by increasing their length and the number of branches, increasing the overall mass and weight of the roots. In addition, salicylic acid assists plants in reacting to both living and non-living factors that cause stress, such as pathogen invasion, lack of water, and high salt levels. Salicylic acid induces stress responses in plants, allowing them to adapt to unfavourable environmental conditions while promoting root development and biomass 41 . Research examining the impact of salicylic acid has shown that higher concentrations stimulate the growth of longer radicle or seminal roots 42 (Bahrani and Pourreza, 2012). Monocots respond to salicylic acid concentration in a manner that depends on the concentration. Low levels of salicylic acid enhance the growth of the radicle, while high levels of salicylic acid diminish it. This response is similar to that observed in dicots 43 . The study found that higher concentrations of salicylic acid increased root growth. Manganese, an essential micronutrient for plants, affects various physiological processes, such as the development of roots. Sufficient manganese levels promote root growth, increasing the weight of both fresh and dry roots. Applying MnSO₄ directly to plants lacking manganese can improve these symptoms and stimulate root growth, increasing fresh and dry root mass. In addition, the application of manganese increases the effectiveness of auxin, leading to the development of longer roots and an increase in both fresh and dry weight of plants 44 . Prior studies have shown that treating crops like grapes 45 and barley 44 with manganese enhances root metrics, specifically fresh and dry weight. In our study, we applied a concentration of 150 parts per million (ppm) of salicylic acid along with a concentration of 0.5 millimolar (mM) of MnSO₄.The use of H₂O led to increased fresh and dry root weights, with the application of 300 ppm salicylic acid and 0.25 mM MnSO₄ following closely behind. Salicylic acid is crucial in controlling stomatal behaviour, affecting the water lost through transpiration. Studies have shown that the application of salicylic acid prompts the closure of stomata in plants, resulting in a decrease in water loss and an improvement in water usage efficiency 46 . Stomatal cell conductance's regulatory role helps maintain an optimal level of relative water content in leaves. In addition, the application of salicylic acid has been shown to enhance the stability and integrity of plant membranes, which may lead to improved water retention 47 . The rise in relative water content can be attributed to an increase in cytoplasmic osmotic pressure caused by the production of higher amounts of proline (osmolytes), which helps in the absorption of water in unfavourable conditions 48 . In addition, applying salicylic acid can increase the ability of plant tissues to transport water by increasing the expression of aquaporin genes and improving water absorption efficiency 49 . The increased water transport capacity helps plants maintain water content and reduce water stress 50 . Similarly, manganese is vital in numerous plant physiological processes, such as regulating stomatal conductance and water absorption. Optimal manganese levels can enhance roots' growth and function by improving water absorption from the soil, which may increase the relative water content in plant tissues 51 . It has consistently found that the application of manganese increases the leaf relative water content in mustard and rapeseed 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 , rice 11 and barley 57 . There is a direct correlation between the increase in salicylic acid and MnSO₄ concentration and the increment in leaf relative water content. Nevertheless, salicylic acid exhibits superior effects on the relative water content when compared to the application of only MnSO₄. The synergistic use of Salicylic Acid and MnSO₄ produces superior outcomes compared to using either compound individually. Our study's results demonstrate that applying MnSO₄ and salicylic acid to the leaves has a significant positive effect on leaf relative water content. Specifically, the combination of 150 ppm salicylic acid with 0.5 mM MnSO₄ significantly increases leaf relative water content compared to other combinations. Salicylic acid has been shown to increase plant chlorophyll production by activating gene expression in the chlorophyll biosynthesis pathway. The upregulation results in an elevated production of chlorophyll a, b, and chlorophyll ab concentrations in plant tissues 58 . By promoting defensive photosynthetic activities, SA regulates the amount of chlorophyll and carotenoid content, ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase activity, stomatal conductance, and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) absorption 31 . In addition, salicylic acid has antioxidant properties that allow it to remove reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced during photosynthesis. Salicylic acid helps reduce oxidative stress and protects chloroplasts from damage caused by light, resulting in higher levels of chlorophyll in leaves 59 . In addition, salicylic acid improves the process of photosynthesis in plants and increases their efficiency in absorbing carbon. This leads to higher levels of chlorophyll, as chlorophyll molecules are constantly produced and replaced to support photosynthesis 30 , 60 . Furthermore, salicylic acid impacts the expression of various genes that break down chlorophyll, such as chlorophyllase and pheophytinase. As a result, it hinders chlorophyll degradation and helps maintain higher concentrations of chlorophyll molecules in plant tissues 61 . Research has shown that higher concentrations of salicylic acid in Brassica juncea lead to increased chlorophyll content, as reported by Sharma et al. (2017) 62 ; Parashar et al. (2014) 63 and Alam et al. (2013) 52 . Similar findings found in rapeseed by Hasanuzzaman et al. (2019) 55 . Manganese plays a critical role as a micronutrient in the process of photosynthesis. It is essential for increasing the production of chlorophyll by activating enzymes involved in the biosynthesis pathways of chlorophyll 51 . As a result, administering MnSO₄ increases the concentrations of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll in plant tissues. Similar results were reported for Brassica rapa by Jannah et al. (2022) 64 , Brassica juncea by Khan et al. (2016) 65 , and Brassica cultivars by Khodabin et al. (2021) 66 . Chlorophylls a and b are essential pigments that capture light energy in photosynthesis and play a crucial role in forming and functioning photosystem II (PSII) complexes, including chlorophyll molecules. Optimal manganese levels are necessary for the efficient functioning of PSII, which allows for the adequate absorption of light and conversion of sunlight into chemical energy 67 . The levels of salicylic acid and MnSO₄ have a direct proportional relationship with the increase in chlorophyll a, b, and total chlorophyll content. Nevertheless, salicylic acid demonstrates superior efficacy when compared to the application of MnSO₄ alone. The combined application of salicylic acid and MnSO₄ leads to better results compared to using each treatment separately, as shown by the increase in the content of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and chlorophyll ab after applying them to the leaves. Our study demonstrates that the utilisation of 150 parts per million (ppm) salicylic acid combined with 0.5 millimolar (mM) MnSO₄ leads to an increase in the levels of chlorophyll a, b, and total chlorophyll content. Salicylic acid has a notable impact on improving the membrane stability index (MSI) and decreasing the membrane injury index (MII) in mustard leaves 68 . The enhancement in MSI can be attributed to a significant reduction in lipid peroxidation, resulting in a substantial decrease in MII. Salicylic acid reduces the production of free radicals, which helps to prevent damage to cellular membranes caused by lipid peroxidation. In addition, it helps to decrease the leakage of electrolytes from the leaves, indicating a lower membrane injury index 69 . Godara et al. (2016) 53 found similar results in Brassica juncea , while Aldesuquy and Ghanem (2015) 69 observed comparable outcomes in wheat. On the other hand, Khan et al. (2016) 65 conducted a study on the effect of foliar application of zinc and manganese on Brassica juncea under water stress condition and reported that plants treated with different doses of MnSO 4 significantly decrease the membrane injury index. Similarly, manganese has a similar effect by reducing the membrane injury index and decreasing electrolyte leakage. According to Ghorbani et al. (2019) 34 , an increase in manganese concentration leads to a decrease in the membrane injury index and an increase in the membrane stability index. The membrane stability index was significantly enhanced when salicylic acid and manganese were applied together, compared to when either compound was applied individually. More precisely, we noticed the external administration of 150 parts per million (ppm) of salicylic acid and 0.5 millimolar (mM) of MnSO₄.The presence of H₂O resulted in an increased membrane stability index and a decreased membrane injury index, followed by the application of 300 ppm salicylic acid and 0.25 mM MnSO₄. Salicylic acid regulates gene expression and metabolic pathways, potentially affecting protein synthesis and accumulation. The influence of this phenomenon reaches the expression of genes related to different cellular functions, such as protein metabolism. This can occur by increasing the expression of genes that encode enzymes involved in protein synthesis or by modifying the activity of transcription factors that control gene expression in this pathway 30 , 70 . The use of salicylic acid has shown notable enhancements in the protein content of grains by controlling photosynthesis and antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD) 71 . The use of salicylic acid in our study significantly affected the nitrogen content in the grains, indicating an increase in protein content. These results are consistent with previous findings in different Brassica species 72 and Triticum aestivum 71 . On the contrary, manganese does not directly affect the amount of protein in grains. However, it does have essential functions in photosynthesis, enzyme activation, and nitrogen metabolism, which indirectly affect the synthesis of proteins 34 . Ensuring sufficient levels of manganese is essential for plants' overall well-being and strength, which may lead to increased protein content in grains. According to research on soybean ( Glycine max ), foliar spraying of Mn and Si together enhanced the grain's protein content, resulting in a 7% increase in protein content 73 . The results of our study showed that the simultaneous use of salicylic acid and manganese had a more substantial impact on the protein content of grains than using either compound alone. More precisely, the external application of 150 parts per million (ppm) of salicylic acid combined with 0.5 millimolar (mM) of MnSO₄ led to an increase in the protein content of the grains. Applying salicylic acid (SA) and manganese (Mn) dramatically increases the oil content of mustard grains. Although there is no clear and established connection between salicylic acid and oil content in mustard grains, research has demonstrated that salicylic acid can enhance the effectiveness of enzymes involved in sulphur assimilation. This, in turn, leads to an improvement in the oil content of Brassica juncea grains 30 . Research has shown a direct relationship between salicylic acid and the oil level in Brassica juncea 38 . Similarly, the use of MnSO₄ as a foliar application has been shown to increase the amount of oil in rapeseed grains by improving cellular processes like photosynthesis. Manganese (Mn) impacts the activity of enzymes crucial for the metabolism of fatty acids, which could potentially increase the oil content of grains 66 , 74 . Moreover, genetic factors substantially influence the proportion of mustard oil generated. In addition, the element Mn enhances cellular processes and plant growth, increasing oil production in Brassica napus 33 , Brassica juncea 62 and various Brassica species by Muhal et al. (2014) 72 . Our study found that the simultaneous use of SA and Mn had a more significant effect on grain oil content than using only SA or Mn individually. More precisely, the external application of 150 parts per million (ppm) of salicylic acid combined with 0.5 millimolar (mM) of MnSO₄ resulted in an enhancement of the oil content in the grains. Conclusion The external administration of salicylic acid (SA) and manganese (Mn) had a beneficial impact on the growth and biochemical characteristics of Indian mustard. Significantly, the synergistic application of SA at a concentration of 150 parts per million (ppm) and MnSO₄ at a concentration of 0.5 millimolar (mM) resulted in increased protein and oil content, elevated chlorophyll levels, and enhanced fresh and dry weight of leaves, stems, and roots. In addition, it enhanced the stability of the membrane while decreasing the membrane injury index. These findings support the recommendation for farmers to adopt SA and Mn to improve mustard crop productivity and quality. Moreover, the observed rise in antioxidant enzyme activity indicates possible mechanisms that explain mustard's ability to withstand stress. To summarise, the application of SA and Mn to the leaves of mustard seedlings shows potential in strengthening them against different types of stress and enhancing the quality of mustard. This highlights its possible practical use in agricultural environments. Declarations Acknowledgments The authors thankfully acknowledge the research support provided by the Lovely Professional University Jalandhar, Punjab, India. and Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi, India, for research activities. Also, the authors would like to thank Researchers Supporting Project number (RSP2024R118), King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Author contributions Conceptualization: A.G., S.K., R.G.A. H.O.E; Data curation: A.G., S.K., H.O.E; Original draft: A.G., S.K., R.G.A; Manuscript editing and language corrections: S.K., R.G.A., H.O.E; software: A.G., S.K., R.G.A; funding: H.O.E. Conflicts of interest : The authors declare no conflict of interest. Funding : Researchers Supporting Project number (RSP2024R118), King Saud University Data availability: All data generated or analysed during this study are included in this published article and figure data are given in supplementary file. Additional information : Additional data given as supplimentary data. Experimental research and field studies on plants (either cultivated or wild), including the collection of plant material are complied with relevant institutional, national, and international guidelines and legislation. ORCID Santosh Korav https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1981-5288 References Aletor, O. & Adegoke, A. B. 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A","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"ICAR-Directorate of Groundnut Research","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Rajanna","middleName":"G.","lastName":"A","suffix":""},{"id":302253214,"identity":"9fd56771-5a06-4e68-ac13-d5e99ff59b8b","order_by":3,"name":"Hosam O. Elansary","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"King Saud University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Hosam","middleName":"O.","lastName":"Elansary","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2024-05-03 15:38:03","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4365009/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4365009/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":56678626,"identity":"4e1edf25-0ad5-4488-8289-4e24b8dbb7ec","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-05-17 16:39:06","extension":"jpg","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":391748,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eLegend not included with this version\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"Figure1.jpg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4365009/v1/e537955c4d9f67108b0fabf0.jpg"},{"id":56678630,"identity":"5ee9120c-d089-4f55-a07d-1a5758fb6710","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-05-17 16:39:10","extension":"jpg","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":959756,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eSee image above for figure legend\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"Figure2.jpg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4365009/v1/55025d3ba44f9d8140f78e4b.jpg"},{"id":56678694,"identity":"1992af62-c6d6-4b77-8f83-966a943de1f4","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-05-17 16:39:14","extension":"jpg","order_by":3,"title":"Figure 3","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":740129,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eSee image above for figure legend\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"Figure3.jpg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4365009/v1/d72f110e8e102203bfaca938.jpg"},{"id":56678577,"identity":"6f235889-7451-4414-908c-fa393da44cbc","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-05-17 16:39:05","extension":"jpg","order_by":4,"title":"Figure 4","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":17228949,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eLegend not included with this version\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"Figure4.jpg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4365009/v1/23ef2f60bd8fd34ffe6ab451.jpg"},{"id":63898673,"identity":"5c88e163-437e-4cdd-94da-ba63c989be29","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-09-03 13:56:40","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":20659210,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4365009/v1/72cea2b3-54c6-4f40-8a3d-f9b88e78ee5a.pdf"},{"id":56678631,"identity":"087f9f3b-6784-4690-8771-d4ae92da6bcd","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-05-17 16:39:10","extension":"docx","order_by":1,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"supplement","size":26279,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"Supplimentarydata.docx","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4365009/v1/71ed1f86666905643c036d0b.docx"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Manganese with Salicylic Acid Optimize the Growth Dynamics and Quality Potential in Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)","fulltext":[{"header":"Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eIndian mustard (\u003cem\u003eBrassica juncea\u003c/em\u003e), belonging to the Cruciferae family and Brassica genus, is a crucial oilseed crop. Central Asia, particularly Afghanistan, is proposed as its center of origin by Vavilov, (1951). Rich in fat (51.6%), protein (23.11%), fiber (9.34%), and carbohydrates (8.23%)\u003csup\u003e1\u003c/sup\u003e, mustard seeds offer numerous health benefits due to their potassium, vitamins C and K, minerals, and glucosinolates content\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. The pungent flavor comes from allyl isothiocyanate and 4-hydroxybenzyl isothiocyanate\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Globally, mustard and rapeseed cultivation spans 41.88\u0026nbsp;million hectares\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e, with China, Canada, India, Australia, Ukraine, Russia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh as major producers. In India, the third-largest producer, mustard and rapeseed occupy 8.85\u0026nbsp;million hectares, yielding 11.3 MMT with 1.28 MT/hectare productivity in 2022\u0026thinsp;\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;23\u003csup\u003e5\u003c/sup\u003e. Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, West Bengal, Assam, Gujarat, and Jharkhand are the major growing states. Punjab cultivated mustard on 30.5 thousand hectares with 46.5 thousand tons production and 1524 kg ha\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e productivity during the same period\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMicronutrients, or trace elements, play a pivotal role in sustaining optimal plant growth and development, thereby ensuring food security and sustainable agricultural practices. Among these essential micronutrients, manganese (Mn) stands out as a vital mineral, exhibiting multifaceted functions that underscore its significance in plant physiology\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Manganese's involvement in photosynthesis, the fundamental process that drives plant growth, is particularly noteworthy. As a crucial component of the oxygen-evolving complex (OEC) within the photosystem II (PSII) of photosynthetic organisms, manganese facilitates the conversion of light energy into chemical energy, a process that fuels plant metabolism and biomass accumulation. Furthermore, manganese serves as a cofactor for various enzymes engaged in respiration, antioxidant defense mechanisms, and metabolic pathways. Its pivotal role in the activation of the enzyme manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) exemplifies its significance in mitigating the detrimental effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated during photosynthesis and stress conditions, thereby preserving cellular integrity and promoting plant resilience. Soil properties, such as pH, organic matter content, and oxygen partial pressure, significantly influence the bioavailability of manganese to plant roots\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Deficiencies or excesses of this micronutrient can have adverse effects on plant growth and development, manifesting as interveinal and marginal chlorosis, necrotic leaf spots, and metabolic disturbances that disrupt cellular homeostasis\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Notably, manganese plays a crucial role in enhancing plant tolerance to various environmental stressors, including salinity, drought, and heavy metal toxicity, by bolstering antioxidant defense systems. This attribute underscores the importance of optimizing manganese levels in agricultural contexts, particularly in regions prone to abiotic stresses, to safeguard crop productivity and ensure food security\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. As the global population continues to grow, the demand for sustainable agricultural practices that optimize crop yields while minimizing environmental impact becomes increasingly paramount. Comprehensive understanding and judicious management of micronutrients like manganese are essential components of this endeavour, paving the way for resilient and productive crop systems that can withstand the challenges of a changing climate and meet the world's food needs\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePlant growth regulators (PGRs) are substances that control vital physiological processes in plants, such as respiration, senescence, cell division, and photosynthesis\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e (Kawano and Bouteau, 2013). Salicylic acid, a naturally occurring PGR, plays a crucial role in regulating plant growth, development, and stress responses, acting as a signalling molecule in plant defense mechanisms. Salicylic acid is essential for plants' defense against biotic stresses like bacterial, fungal, and viral infections, as well as abiotic stresses\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Salicylic acid significantly influences photosynthesis\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e, water relations, and metabolic processes in plants, depending on its concentration, application method, and the plant species. It impacts chloroplast and leaf structure, stomatal closure\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e, chlorophyll content\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e and the activities of key enzymes like carbonic anhydrase\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e and rubisco (ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase), which are crucial for photosynthesis\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEnough information is available on salicylic acid's reaction to several abiotic stressors. However, nothing is known about how salicylic acid reacts to \u003cem\u003eBrassica juncea\u003c/em\u003e's with rising Mn levels. Thus, the current study aims to investigate how Mn affects the photosynthetic apparatus and plant growth. It also aims to ascertain how varying levels of salicylic acid reacts with varying concentration of Mn with mustard growth, biochemical changes and quality.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Materials and methods","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eWeather of the experimental site\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe experiment was conducted at Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, at 31\u0026deg; 15' 29\" North latitude and 75\u0026deg; 42' 28\" East longitudes at 249 m above mean sea level. During experimentation, the temperature ranged between 5.4\u0026deg; C and 36.5\u0026deg; C with total rainfall of 118.4 mm, relative humidity was 52.3\u0026ndash;96.3%, and evaporation ranged between 0.7 mm and 37.9 mm. The maximum rain (42.6 mm) occurred in the 4th week of 2023, and maximum (36.5\u0026deg; C) and minimum (5.4\u0026deg; C) temperatures were noticed in the 15th week and 1st week of 2023, respectively, during experimentation. The meteorological data collected from meteorological station LPU, Phagwara (Punjab) (Fig.\u0026nbsp;1).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec4\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eTreatment details\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA randomized block design of thirty plots was used for the experiment. The treated seeds were placed in plots with 30cm X 10 cm spacing and given time to germinate in their natural habitat at Lovely Professional University's agricultural field in Punjab, India. Thirty plots were divided into three replications and ten treatments. They were, T\u003csub\u003e1\u003c/sub\u003e: Control, T\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e: 0.25 mM MnSO₄, T\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e: 0.5 mM MnSO₄, T\u003csub\u003e4\u003c/sub\u003e: 0.75 mM MnSO₄, T\u003csub\u003e5\u003c/sub\u003e: 75 ppm SA (Salicylic Acid), T\u003csub\u003e6\u003c/sub\u003e: 150 ppm SA, T₇: 300 ppm SA, T₈: 0.25 mM MnSO₄ + 300 ppm SA, T₉: 0.5 mM MnSO₄ + 150 ppm SA, T₁₀: 0.75 mM MnSO₄ + 75 ppm SA. The size of each plot was 5 m x 3.5 m. The truthfully labelled seeds of \u003cem\u003eBrassica juncea\u003c/em\u003e var. GSC 7, with 98% genetic purity, were acquired from Narindra Hybrid Seeds Company, Hyderabad, India. The producer had already treated the seeds. The mustard seeds were sown with spacing 30 cm with row to row and 10 cm with the plant to plant with a depth of 3 to 4 cm. The recommended dose of nutrients (100:30:15 kg NPK ha\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e) was applied using urea, DAP and MOP, respectively, in each plot \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. According to the treatments, all plots were sprayed at 20, 40, 60, and 80 days after sowing and data were gathered at 40, 60, 80, and 100 DAS and maturity. Five random plant samples from gross plots of each treatment were used for different types of analysis. Four irrigations were given, from sowing to crop maturity.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec5\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eFoliar spray preparation\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eCentral Drug House Pvt. Ltd. produces salicylic acid (SA) in India. The required concentration (75, 150, and 300 ppm) of SA was dissolved in 5 ml of ethanol to create a solution, which was then added to a 100 ml volumetric flask using doubled distilled water (DDW) to get the desired final volume.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe manganese (Mn) producer was Loba Chemie Pvt. Ltd. in India. Manganese (Mn) was obtained from manganese sulphate (MnSO₄). MnSO₄ was dissolved in DDW to provide the necessary concentrations of 0.25, 0.5 and 0.75 mM.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec6\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eMorphological traits\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAfter being taken out of the plots, the plants with dirt were submerged in a pail of water. To get rid of the dirt particles sticking to the plants, they were gently moved, and a meter scale was used to measure the length of the shoot. Then, the plants were separated into leaves, shoots and roots, and their fresh weight was measured by electronic balance. After that, leaves, stems and roots were dried in sunlight and subsequently placed into an oven for drying at 65˚ C until the weight became constant and weighed by electronic balance. The following parameters were computed by using plant samples.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe leaf area index is defined as leaf area per unit of ground covering the area. It was calculated at 40, 60, and 80 DAS using Watson's formula (1947)\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003cdiv id=\"Equa\" class=\"Equation\"\u003e\u003cdiv format=\"TEX\" class=\"mathdisplay\" id=\"FileID_Equa\" name=\"EquationSource\"\u003e\n$$\\text{LAI}=\\frac{\\text{T}\\text{o}\\text{t}\\text{a}\\text{l} \\text{l}\\text{e}\\text{a}\\text{f} \\text{a}\\text{r}\\text{e}\\text{a}}{\\text{G}\\text{r}\\text{o}\\text{u}\\text{n}\\text{d} \\text{c}\\text{o}\\text{v}\\text{e}\\text{r}\\text{i}\\text{n}\\text{g} \\text{a}\\text{r}\\text{e}\\text{a}}$$\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec7\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eRelative water content\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe leaf's relative water content (RWC) was calculated using Barrs and Weatherley's formula (1962)\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003cdiv id=\"Equb\" class=\"Equation\"\u003e\u003cdiv format=\"TEX\" class=\"mathdisplay\" id=\"FileID_Equb\" name=\"EquationSource\"\u003e\n$$\\text{R}\\text{W}\\text{C} \\left(\\text{\\%}\\right)=\\frac{\\left(\\text{F}\\text{W}-\\text{D}\\text{W}\\right)}{\\left(\\text{T}\\text{W}-\\text{D}\\text{W}\\right)}⨯100$$\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ewhere, FW- Fresh weight of leaf (g); DW- Dry weight of leaf (g) and TW- Turgid weight (g).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eChlorophyll a, b and ab\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe third leaf from the top was chosen as a sample for chlorophyll quantification and ground with an 80% acetone solution. The needed amount was collected, and absorbance was measured at 645nm and 663 nm\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. The formulas were used to do additional computations.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eChl. a (mg g\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e FW) = (12.72 \u0026times; A663\u0026ndash;2.58 \u0026times; A645) \u0026times; (V/W) \u0026times; (1/1000)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eChl. b (mg g\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e FW) = (22.87 \u0026times; A645\u0026ndash;4.67 \u0026times; A663) \u0026times; (V/W) \u0026times; (1/1000)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eChl. ab (mg g\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e FW) = (8.05 \u0026times; A663\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;20.29 \u0026times; A645) \u0026times; (V/W) \u0026times; (1/1000)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhere V: total volume of the extract, W: weight of the tissue used for pigment assays,\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec9\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eLeaf MSI (Membrane Stability Index) and Leaf MII (Membrane Injury Index)\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe sampling procedure entailed the deliberate collection of the most recently matured leaf. Afterwards, the membrane stability index (MSI) and membrane injury index (MII) were determined by dissolving 200 mg of leaf material in 10 ml of double-distilled water. This process was carried out in two separate batches. A group of samples underwent a thermal treatment process in which they were exposed for 30 minutes in a water bath maintained at 40\u0026deg;C. After this, the electrical conductivity (C1) was measured. Meanwhile, the second batch was treated similarly but with stricter conditions. It was heated for 10 minutes in a boiling water bath at 100\u0026deg;C. The resulting conductivity (C2) was then measured using a conductivity meter\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. The MSI and MII were determined using the following formula:\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec10\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eMSI\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;100 [1-(C1/C2)]\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec11\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eMII\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;100 [C1/C2]\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec12\" class=\"Section4\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eGrain Protein content\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eSamples weighing 1 g were placed into a Kjeldahl flask, and samples were digested in 10 ml of concentrated H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eSO\u003csub\u003e4\u003c/sub\u003e after 5 g of digestion mixer (0.1 M anhydrous K\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eSO\u003csub\u003e4\u003c/sub\u003e and 0.1 M CuSO\u003csub\u003e4\u003c/sub\u003e.5H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO) was added. Afterwards, the water aspirator was turned on to its maximum capacity, and the exhaust system was attached to the rack's digesting tubes. The samples were digested until they became apparent. After removing, the tubes were set aside to cool for ten to twenty minutes. The tubes were filled with deionized water. The conical flask containing the receiver solution was put into the distillation apparatus. The distillation unit is filled with the digesting tube. The distillation unit is filled with the digesting tube. 50 millilitres of 40% NaOH was poured into the test tube. When the distillation flask's receiver solution becomes green, it indicates the presence of an alkali (ammonia). Standardized 0.1 N H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eSO\u003csub\u003e4\u003c/sub\u003e was used to titrate the distillate until the desired pink colour (endpoint) was reached. Before each batch of analysis, blanks were run. The following formula was used to represent the nitrogen concentration in percentage terms.\u003cdiv id=\"Equc\" class=\"Equation\"\u003e\u003cdiv format=\"TEX\" class=\"mathdisplay\" id=\"FileID_Equc\" name=\"EquationSource\"\u003e\n$$\\text{N}\\left(\\text{\\%}\\right)=\\frac{\\left(\\text{T}\\text{i}\\text{t}\\text{r}\\text{a}\\text{t}\\text{e} \\text{v}\\text{a}\\text{l}\\text{u}\\text{e}-\\text{B}\\text{l}\\text{a}\\text{n}\\text{k}\\right)⨯\\text{N}\\text{o}\\text{r}\\text{m}\\text{a}\\text{l}\\text{i}\\text{t}\\text{y} \\text{o}\\text{f} \\text{H}₂\\text{S}\\text{O}₄⨯1.4}{\\text{W}\\text{e}\\text{i}\\text{g}\\text{h}\\text{t} \\text{o}\\text{f} \\text{s}\\text{a}\\text{m}\\text{p}\\text{l}\\text{e} \\left(\\text{g}\\right) }⨯100$$\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eProtein content (%) of seed\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;6.25 X Nitrogen content (%) of seed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec13\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eOil content\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAs per the standard procedure of the AOAC, the oil was extracted using the Soxhlet equipment. Extraction was done close to the solvent's boiling point to prevent solvent loss by evaporation. The initial drop of extracting solvent was used to measure the extraction time and repurposed within the thimble. In a rotary evaporator operating under vacuum, the solvent was collected and utilized again in the subsequent extraction batch. After cooling, the leftover oil was weighed. The exact process was repeated under various circumstances using various solvents for oil extraction.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe following equation was used to compute the oil content:\u003cdiv id=\"Equd\" class=\"Equation\"\u003e\u003cdiv format=\"TEX\" class=\"mathdisplay\" id=\"FileID_Equd\" name=\"EquationSource\"\u003e\n$$\\text{O}\\text{i}\\text{l} \\text{C}\\text{o}\\text{n}\\text{t}\\text{e}\\text{n}\\text{t} \\left(\\text{\\%}\\right)=\\frac{\\text{W}\\text{e}\\text{i}\\text{g}\\text{h}\\text{t} \\text{o}\\text{f} \\text{e}\\text{x}\\text{t}\\text{r}\\text{a}\\text{c}\\text{t}\\text{e}\\text{d} \\text{o}\\text{i}\\text{l}}{\\text{W}\\text{e}\\text{i}\\text{g}\\text{h}\\text{t} \\text{o}\\text{f} \\text{s}\\text{e}\\text{e}\\text{d} \\text{u}\\text{s}\\text{e}\\text{d} }⨯100$$\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec14\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003ePeroxide value\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe peroxide value (PV) is a numerical measure that indicates the concentration of peroxides in oils. This metric is obtained by measuring the amount of iodine released when it reacts with potassium iodide. To calculate the PV, a specific amount of oil samples is dissolved in acetic acid and mixed with chloroform and a saturated potassium iodide solution sequentially. The release of iodine, caused by the oxidising action of peroxides in the oil, is determined by titration with standardized sodium thiosulfate, using starch solution as an indicator. Simultaneously, titration procedures are performed on blank samples to ensure precision and eliminate false results.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePV (meq O\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e Kg oil\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e) = (S-B) \u0026times; W \u0026times; N\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhere B is the amount of sodium thiosulphate used for the blank, W is the weight of the sample, S is the volume of sodium thiosulphate eaten by the sample oil, and N is the standard sodium thiosulphate normalcy\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec15\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eOil density\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAn R.D. bottle measured the densities of oil samples with a capacity of 25 ml. The values of oil density were stated in g ml\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec16\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eStatistical analysis\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eTo determine the impact of various Manganese and Salicylic Acid on the growth and biochemical characteristics of Indian mustard, an analysis of variance (ANOVA) was carried out. For the statistical data analysis, Pearson's correlation analyses with RStudio and Origin Pro 2024, version 10.1.0.178. The error resulting from field variances was managed by subtracting the replication error. To determine the significant differences between various treatments, Duncan's multiple range test (DMRT) was used in conjunction with the standard error of the mean (SEm\u0026plusmn;) and least significant difference (LSD) computations\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e25\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Results","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe final stage of crop development always leads to the achievement of crop yield. The growth of crops involves a complex interaction of different metabolic pathways that occur in other parts of a plant at various stages of its development. The accumulation of dry matter is essential for the development of plant infrastructure. The coordination of metabolic processes, including the creation, storage, and movement of molecules critical to the economically important parts of the plant, relies on the strength and flexibility of its structure. Significantly, various agronomic interventions can influence the effectiveness of these metabolic dynamics.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec18\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eMorphological traits\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec19\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eLeaf area index\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eSignificant maximum leaf area index was found in 0.5 mM MnSO₄ + 150 ppm SA (0.94 to 4.37), which was at par with T\u003csub\u003e8\u003c/sub\u003e (0.92 to 4.31) from 40 to 80 DAS, respectively. Significantly lower LAI was found at control. The combined application of Mn and SA (T\u003csub\u003e9\u003c/sub\u003e) produced 2.04-fold, 1.38-fold, and 1.19-fold higher leaf area index at 40, 60, and 80 DAS, respectively, over the control (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEffect of foliar spray of Manganese and Salicylic acid on leaf area index of Indian mustard during 2022\u0026ndash;2023.\u003c/b\u003e *Means within the groups are significantly different based on Duncan\u0026acute;s mean range test.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"4\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTreatments\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLeaf area index\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40 DAS\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e60 DAS\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e80 DAS\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u003csub\u003e1\u003c/sub\u003e: Control\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.46\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.01\u003csup\u003eg\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.42\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.01\u003csup\u003ef\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.67\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.10\u003csup\u003ee\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e: 0.25 mM MnSO₄\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.51\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.01\u003csup\u003ef\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.52\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.04\u003csup\u003ee\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.87\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.09\u003csup\u003ed\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e: 0.5 mM MnSO₄\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.57\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.01\u003csup\u003ee\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.52\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.04\u003csup\u003ee\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.87\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.06\u003csup\u003ed\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u003csub\u003e4\u003c/sub\u003e: 0.75 mM MnSO₄\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.59\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.01\u003csup\u003ee\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.54\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.04\u003csup\u003ede\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.91\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.03\u003csup\u003ed\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u003csub\u003e5\u003c/sub\u003e: 75 ppm SA (Salicylic Acid)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.74\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.01\u003csup\u003ed\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.57\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.01\u003csup\u003ede\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.10\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.06\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u003csub\u003e6\u003c/sub\u003e: 150 ppm SA\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.77\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.01\u003csup\u003ed\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.63\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.01\u003csup\u003ed\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.16\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.06\u003csup\u003ebc\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u003csub\u003e7\u003c/sub\u003e: 300 ppm SA\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.81\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.02\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.74\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.02\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.16\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.05\u003csup\u003ebc\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u003csub\u003e8\u003c/sub\u003e: 0.25 mM MnSO₄ + 300 ppm SA\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.92\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.01\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.93\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.01\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.31\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.01\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u003csub\u003e9\u003c/sub\u003e: 0.5 mM MnSO₄ + 150 ppm SA\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.94\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.02\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.96\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.01\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.37\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.01\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u003csub\u003e10\u003c/sub\u003e: 0.75 mM MnSO₄ + 75 ppm SA\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.89\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.01\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.86\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.05\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.30\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.04\u003csup\u003eabc\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSEm\u0026plusmn;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.03\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.06\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eC.D. (p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.05)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.03\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.09\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.18\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec20\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eLeaf fresh weight\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe fresh leaf weight of mustard varied from 13.35 to 117.99 g plant\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e from 40 to 80 DAS. The significant maximum leaf fresh weight was found in the combined application of Mn and SA (T9) (24.53 to 117.99 g plant-1), which was statistically at par with T\u003csub\u003e8\u003c/sub\u003e (22.51 to 110.72 g plant\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e) and T\u003csub\u003e10\u003c/sub\u003e (21.28 to 108.02 g plant\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e) from 40 to 80 DAS, respectively. The lowest fresh was found in control. The application of T\u003csub\u003e9\u003c/sub\u003e produced 1.84-fold, 1.97-fold, and 1.51-fold higher leaf fresh weight at 40, 60, and 80 DAS, respectively, over the control (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEffect of foliar spray of Manganese and Salicylic acid on leaf fresh and dry weight (g plant\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e) of Indian mustard during 2022\u0026ndash;2023.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"7\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTreatments\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLeaf fresh weight (g plant\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLeaf dry weight (g plant\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40 DAS\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e60 DAS\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e80 DAS\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40 DAS\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e60 DAS\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e80 DAS\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u003csub\u003e1\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13.35\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.06\u003csup\u003ef\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e35.09\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.58\u003csup\u003ef\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e78.08\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.32\u003csup\u003ed\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.13\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.08\u003csup\u003ed\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.41\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.35\u003csup\u003ee\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12.78\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.95\u003csup\u003ed\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15.28\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.22\u003csup\u003eef\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e38.60\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.66\u003csup\u003eef\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e80.43\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.29\u003csup\u003ed\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.23\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.15\u003csup\u003ecd\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9.53\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.21\u003csup\u003ede\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14.67\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.21\u003csup\u003ecd\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e17.18\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.08\u003csup\u003ee\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e42.51\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.14\u003csup\u003edef\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e83.04\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.48\u003csup\u003ed\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.32\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.15\u003csup\u003ecd\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9.81\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.18\u003csup\u003ecd\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14.90\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.34\u003csup\u003ebcd\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u003csub\u003e4\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e17.68\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.05\u003csup\u003ede\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e44.28\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.07\u003csup\u003ecde\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e84.16\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.38\u003csup\u003ed\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.35\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.12\u003csup\u003ecd\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9.85\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.70\u003csup\u003ecd\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15.08\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.59\u003csup\u003ebcd\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u003csub\u003e5\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18.22\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.06\u003csup\u003ecde\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e49.44\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.36\u003csup\u003ebcd\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e87.63\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.14\u003csup\u003ecd\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.41\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.12\u003csup\u003ecd\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10.39\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.79\u003csup\u003ebcd\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15.09\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.25\u003csup\u003ebcd\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u003csub\u003e6\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18.41\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.26\u003csup\u003ecde\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e51.76\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.27\u003csup\u003ebc\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e95.86\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.36\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.53\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.26\u003csup\u003ebcd\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10.48\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.51\u003csup\u003ebcd\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15.45\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.10\u003csup\u003ebcd\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u003csub\u003e7\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20.62\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.12\u003csup\u003ebcd\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e53.35\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.11\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e97.93\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.07\u003csup\u003ebc\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.53\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.12\u003csup\u003ebcd\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10.72\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.40\u003csup\u003ebcd\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15.61\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.13\u003csup\u003ebc\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u003csub\u003e8\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e22.51\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.13\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e63.67\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.62\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e110.72\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.72\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.81\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.18\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11.26\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.63\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e17.49\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.74\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u003csub\u003e9\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24.53\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.34\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e68.96\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.59\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e117.99\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.67\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.99\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.25\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12.11\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.48\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18.78\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.92\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u003csub\u003e10\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e21.28\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.09\u003csup\u003ebc\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e61.75\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.49\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e108.02\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.33\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.59\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.11\u003csup\u003ebc\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10.93\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.21\u003csup\u003eabc\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16.50\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.49\u003csup\u003eabc\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSEm\u0026plusmn;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.98\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.42\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.61\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.42\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.82\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eC.D. (p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.05)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.91\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10.72\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.36\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.23\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.43\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"7\"\u003e*Means within the groups are significantly different based on Duncan\u0026acute;s mean range test.\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"7\"\u003eT\u003csub\u003e1\u003c/sub\u003e: Control; T\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e: 0.25 mM MnSO₄; T\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e: 0.5 mM MnSO₄; T\u003csub\u003e4\u003c/sub\u003e: 0.75 mM MnSO₄; T\u003csub\u003e5\u003c/sub\u003e: 75 ppm SA (salicylic acid); T\u003csub\u003e6\u003c/sub\u003e: 150 ppm SA; T\u003csub\u003e7\u003c/sub\u003e: 300 ppm SA; T\u003csub\u003e8\u003c/sub\u003e: 0.25 mM MnSO₄ + 300 ppm SA; T\u003csub\u003e9\u003c/sub\u003e: 0.5 mM MnSO₄ + 150 ppm SA; T\u003csub\u003e10\u003c/sub\u003e: 0.75 mM MnSO₄ + 75 ppm SA\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec21\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eLeaf dry weight\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe leaf dry weight of mustard varied from 1.13 to 18.78 g plant\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e from 40 to 80 DAS. Foliar application of Mn and SA (T\u003csub\u003e9\u003c/sub\u003e) was superior (1.99 to 18.78 g plant\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e) over the rest of the treatment. However, T\u003csub\u003e8\u003c/sub\u003e (1.81 to 17.49 g plant\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e) and T\u003csub\u003e10\u003c/sub\u003e (1.59 to 16.50 g plant\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e) are statistically on par with T\u003csub\u003e9\u003c/sub\u003e. Similarly, the combined application of 0.75 mM MnSO₄ + 75 ppm SA (T\u003csub\u003e10\u003c/sub\u003e) was at par with the rest of the alone application of Mn and SA except control. The lowest leaf dry weight was found in the control. Applying Mn and SA (T\u003csub\u003e9\u003c/sub\u003e) produced 1.76-fold, 1.44-fold, and 1.47-fold higher leaf dry weight at 40 DAS, 60 DAS, and 80 DAS, respectively, over the control (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec22\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eStem fresh weight\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe fresh stem weight of mustard varies from 1.97 to 172.42 g plant\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e from 40 DAS to maturity. The significant maximum stem fresh weight was found in the combined application of Mn and SA (T\u003csub\u003e9\u003c/sub\u003e) (4.01 to 172.42 g plant\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e), which was statistically at par with T\u003csub\u003e8\u003c/sub\u003e (3.8 to 167.6 g plant\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e) and T\u003csub\u003e10\u003c/sub\u003e (3.31 to 160.07 g plant\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e) from 40 DAS to maturity, respectively. The lowest fresh stem weight was found in the control. The application of T\u003csub\u003e9\u003c/sub\u003e produced 2.04-fold, 1.76-fold, 1.71-fold, 1.74-fold, and 1.86-fold higher stem fresh weight at 40, 60, 80, and 100 DAS and maturity, respectively, over the control (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEffect of foliar spray of manganese and salicylic acid on stem fresh and dry weight (g plant\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e) of Indian mustard during 2022\u0026ndash;2023.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"11\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c9\" colnum=\"9\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c10\" colnum=\"10\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c11\" colnum=\"11\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c6\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eStem fresh weight (g plant\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c11\" namest=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eStem dry weight (g plant\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTreatments\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40 DAS\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e60 DAS\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e80 DAS\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100 DAS\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAt Harvest\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40 DAS\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e60 DAS\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e80 DAS\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100 DAS\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAt Harvest\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u003csub\u003e1\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.97\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.18\u003csup\u003ed\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e21.61\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.12\u003csup\u003ed\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e56.01\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.77\u003csup\u003ed\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e79.31\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;6.12\u003csup\u003ee\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e92.61\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.08\u003csup\u003ef\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.19\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.03\u003csup\u003ed\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10.13\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.02\u003csup\u003ee\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14.21\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.37\u003csup\u003ef\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16.18\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.34\u003csup\u003ee\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18.34\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.29\u003csup\u003ed\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.33\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.21\u003csup\u003ecd\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e26.40\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.16\u003csup\u003ecd\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e63.59\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.41\u003csup\u003ecd\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e85.36\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;6.07\u003csup\u003ede\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e103.79\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.31\u003csup\u003eef\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.19\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.03\u003csup\u003ecd\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10.66\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.10\u003csup\u003ed\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15.58\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.12\u003csup\u003ee\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e17.58\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.02\u003csup\u003ed\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e19.68\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.02\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.43\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.24\u003csup\u003ecd\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e26.55\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.91\u003csup\u003ecd\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e64.75\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.04\u003csup\u003ecd\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e90.64\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;6.44\u003csup\u003ede\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e106.53\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.71\u003csup\u003ee\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.21\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.03\u003csup\u003ebcd\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10.67\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.11\u003csup\u003ed\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15.75\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.59\u003csup\u003ee\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e17.89\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.08\u003csup\u003ed\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e19.99\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.08\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u003csub\u003e4\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.45\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.22\u003csup\u003ecd\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e26.60\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.02\u003csup\u003ecd\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e72.22\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.88\u003csup\u003ebc\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e98.47\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;8.59\u003csup\u003ecd\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e131.23\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.79\u003csup\u003ed\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.22\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.03\u003csup\u003ebc\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10.68\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.12\u003csup\u003ecd\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15.78\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.25\u003csup\u003ee\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18.18\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.18\u003csup\u003ed\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" 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\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e17.84\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.32\u003csup\u003eabc\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e19.84\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.32\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e21.94\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.32\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSEm\u0026plusmn;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.23\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.09\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.29\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.35\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.83\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.08\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.36\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.33\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.32\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eC.D.(p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.05)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.69\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.21\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12.74\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15.90\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11.38\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.24\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.08\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.97\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.95\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"11\"\u003e*Means within the groups are significantly different based on Duncan\u0026acute;s mean range test.\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"11\"\u003eT\u003csub\u003e1\u003c/sub\u003e: Control; T\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e: 0.25 mM MnSO₄; T\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e: 0.5 mM MnSO₄; T\u003csub\u003e4\u003c/sub\u003e: 0.75 mM MnSO₄; T\u003csub\u003e5\u003c/sub\u003e: 75 ppm SA (salicylic acid); T\u003csub\u003e6\u003c/sub\u003e: 150 ppm SA; T\u003csub\u003e7\u003c/sub\u003e: 300 ppm SA; T\u003csub\u003e8\u003c/sub\u003e: 0.25 mM MnSO₄ + 300 ppm SA; T\u003csub\u003e9\u003c/sub\u003e: 0.5 mM MnSO₄ + 150 ppm SA; T\u003csub\u003e10\u003c/sub\u003e: 0.75 mM MnSO₄ + 75 ppm SA\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec23\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eStem dry weight\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe stem dry weight of mustard varies from 0.19 to 22.87 g plant\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e from 40 DAS to maturity. The significant maximum stem dry weight was found in the combined application of Mn and SA (T\u003csub\u003e9\u003c/sub\u003e) (0.29 to 22.87 g plant\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e), which was statistically at par with T\u003csub\u003e8\u003c/sub\u003e (0.27 to 22.68 g plant\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e) and T\u003csub\u003e10\u003c/sub\u003e (0.26 to 21.94 g plant\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e) from 40 DAS to maturity, respectively. The lowest stem dry weight was found in the control. The application of T\u003csub\u003e9\u003c/sub\u003e produced 1.53-fold, 1.11-fold, 1.32-fold, 1.28-fold, and 1.24-fold higher stem dry weight at 40, 60, 80, and 100 DAS and maturity, respectively, over the control (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec24\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eRoot fresh weight\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe root fresh weight of mustard varies from 1.13 to 47.13 g plant\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e from 40 DAS to maturity. The significant maximum root fresh weight was found in the combined application of Mn and SA (T\u003csub\u003e9\u003c/sub\u003e) (1.93 to 47.13 g plant\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e), which was statistically at par with T\u003csub\u003e8\u003c/sub\u003e (1.65 to 46.43 g plant\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e) and T\u003csub\u003e10\u003c/sub\u003e (1.6 to 45.11 g plant\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e) from 40 DAS to maturity, respectively. The lowest root fresh weight was found in the control. The application of T\u003csub\u003e9\u003c/sub\u003e produced 1.71-fold, 2.21-fold, 1.51-fold, 1.24-fold, and 1.24-fold higher root fresh weight at 40, 60, 80, and 100 DAS and maturity, respectively, over the control (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab4\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 4\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEffect of foliar spray of manganese and salicylic acid on root fresh and dry weight (g plant\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e) of Indian mustard during 2022\u0026ndash;2023.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"11\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c9\" colnum=\"9\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c10\" colnum=\"10\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c11\" colnum=\"11\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c6\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRoot fresh weight (g plant\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c11\" namest=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRoot dry weight (g plant\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTreatments\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40 DAS\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e60 DAS\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e80 DAS\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100 DAS\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAt Harvest\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40 DAS\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e60 DAS\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e80 DAS\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100 DAS\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAt Harvest\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u003csub\u003e1\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.13\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.12\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.47\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.21\u003csup\u003ee\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20.99\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.55\u003csup\u003ed\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e35.99\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.83\u003csup\u003ee\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e37.98\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.74\u003csup\u003ef\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.13\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.02\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.78\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.15\u003csup\u003ee\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.11\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.14\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10.80\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.21\u003csup\u003ed\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12.12\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.12\u003csup\u003ee\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.16\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.15\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.21\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.00\u003csup\u003ede\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e21.93\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.00\u003csup\u003ecd\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e37.26\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.64\u003csup\u003ede\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e38.54\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.67\u003csup\u003eef\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.13\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.02\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.84\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.14\u003csup\u003ede\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.18\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.16\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11.26\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.30\u003csup\u003ecd\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13.09\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.14\u003csup\u003ede\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.33\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.04\u003csup\u003ebc\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.62\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.25\u003csup\u003ecde\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e23.55\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.62\u003csup\u003ebc\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e37.57\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.82\u003csup\u003ede\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e39.59\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.53\u003csup\u003edef\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.14\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.01\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.93\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.13\u003csup\u003ecde\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.34\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.17\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11.56\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.34\u003csup\u003ecd\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13.25\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.18\u003csup\u003ede\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u003csub\u003e4\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.33\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.03\u003csup\u003ebc\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.84\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.11\u003csup\u003ecd\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e23.60\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.59\u003csup\u003ebc\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" 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align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.15\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.02\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.32\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.15\u003csup\u003ebcd\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9.34\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.15\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13.07\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.40\u003csup\u003ebc\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15.94\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.92\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u003csub\u003e8\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd 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\u003cp\u003e6.90\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.35\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e29.66\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.75\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e42.50\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.93\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e45.11\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.54\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.16\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.02\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.38\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.14\u003csup\u003eabc\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11.07\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.19\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13.99\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.34\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e17.76\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.21\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSEm\u0026plusmn;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.11\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.39\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.67\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.86\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.71\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.15\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.16\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.55\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.41\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eC.D. (p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.05)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.32\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.15\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.99\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.56\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.03\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.44\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.49\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.64\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.23\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"11\"\u003e*Means within the groups are significantly different based on Duncan\u0026acute;s mean range test.\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"11\"\u003eT\u003csub\u003e1\u003c/sub\u003e: Control; T\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e: 0.25 mM MnSO₄; T\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e: 0.5 mM MnSO₄; T\u003csub\u003e4\u003c/sub\u003e: 0.75 mM MnSO₄; T\u003csub\u003e5\u003c/sub\u003e: 75 ppm SA (salicylic acid); T\u003csub\u003e6\u003c/sub\u003e: 150 ppm SA; T\u003csub\u003e7\u003c/sub\u003e: 300 ppm SA; T\u003csub\u003e8\u003c/sub\u003e: 0.25 mM MnSO₄ + 300 ppm SA; T\u003csub\u003e9\u003c/sub\u003e: 0.5 mM MnSO₄ + 150 ppm SA; T\u003csub\u003e10\u003c/sub\u003e: 0.75 mM MnSO₄ + 75 ppm SA\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec25\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eRoot dry weight\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe root dry weight of mustard varies from 0.13 to 18.33 g plant\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e from 40 DAS to maturity. The significant maximum root dry weight was found in the combined application of Mn and SA (T\u003csub\u003e9\u003c/sub\u003e) (0.19 to 18.33 g plant\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e), which was statistically at par with T\u003csub\u003e8\u003c/sub\u003e (0.16 to 17.86 g plant\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e) and T\u003csub\u003e10\u003c/sub\u003e (0.16 to 17.76 g plant\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e) from 40 DAS to maturity, respectively. The lowest root dry weight was found in the control. The application of T\u003csub\u003e9\u003c/sub\u003e produced 1.46-fold, 2.33-fold, 1.42-fold, 1.45-fold, and 1.51-fold higher root dry weight at 40, 60, 80, and 100 DAS and maturity, respectively, over the control (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec26\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eRelative water content\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe relative water content of mustard varies with the duration of the crop; increasing crop duration reduced the RWC. Significantly, the maximum relative water content was found at 40 DAS (71.78 to 89.78%) compared with 60 and 80 DAS. Similarly, a higher RWC of mustard was found in the foliar application of both Mn and SA (T\u003csub\u003e9\u003c/sub\u003e) at 40 DAS (89.78%), which was superior to the rest of the treatments. T\u003csub\u003e8\u003c/sub\u003e and T\u003csub\u003e10\u003c/sub\u003e are immediate followers of T\u003csub\u003e9\u003c/sub\u003e. A single dose of Mn and SA low was performed (72.83 to 82.43%) compared to the combined application of Mn and SA. The application of T\u003csub\u003e9\u003c/sub\u003e produced 1.25-fold more RWC than the control (Fig.\u0026nbsp;2).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec27\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eChlorophyll a, b and ab\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe chlorophyll a was especially maximum at 60 DAS (0.69 to 1.78 mg g\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e) compared to 80 DAS (0.78 to 1.21 mg g\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e). Application of both Mn and SA (T\u003csub\u003e9\u003c/sub\u003e) produced maximum chlorophyll a (1.78 mg g\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e) followed by T\u003csub\u003e8\u003c/sub\u003e and T\u003csub\u003e10\u003c/sub\u003e. Application of MnSO\u003csub\u003e4\u003c/sub\u003e with 0.25 mM to 0.75 mM created less chlorophyll a (0.98 to1.15 mg g\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e) than the application of SA with 75 ppm to 300 ppm (1.19 to1.24 mg g\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e) lowest chlorophyll a produced by control. The application of T\u003csub\u003e9\u003c/sub\u003e made 2.58-fold and 1.55-fold higher chlorophyll content at 60 and 80 DAS, respectively, over the control. Chlorophyll b was especially maximum at 60 DAS (0.27 to 0.49 mg g\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e) compared to 80 DAS (0.21 to 0.35 mg g\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e). Mn and SA (T\u003csub\u003e9\u003c/sub\u003e) application produced maximum chlorophyll b (0.49 mg g\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e), followed by T\u003csub\u003e8\u003c/sub\u003e and T\u003csub\u003e10\u003c/sub\u003e. Application of MnSO\u003csub\u003e4\u003c/sub\u003e with 0.25 mM to 0.75 mM created less chlorophyll b (0.30 to 0.32 mg g\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e) than the application of SA with 75 ppm to 300 ppm (0.34 to 0.36 mg g\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e) lowest chlorophyll b produced by control. The application of T\u003csub\u003e9\u003c/sub\u003e made 1.81-fold and 1.67-fold higher chlorophyll b content at 60 and 80 DAS, respectively, over the control. Varying levels of MnSO\u003csub\u003e4\u003c/sub\u003e and Salicylic acid significantly affected chlorophyll ab content of mustard during 2022-23. The chlorophyll ab was especially maximum at 60 DAS (0.96 to 2.26 mg g\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e) compared to 80 DAS (0.99 to 1.56 mg g\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e). Application of both Mn and SA (T\u003csub\u003e9\u003c/sub\u003e) produced maximum chlorophyll ab (2.26 mg g\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e), followed by T\u003csub\u003e8\u003c/sub\u003e and T\u003csub\u003e10\u003c/sub\u003e. Application of MnSO\u003csub\u003e4\u003c/sub\u003e with 0.25 mM to 0.75 mM produced less chlorophyll ab (1.28 to1.48 mg g\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e) than the application of SA with 75 ppm to 300 ppm (1.53 to 1.61 mg g\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e) lowest chlorophyll ab produced by control. The application of T\u003csub\u003e9\u003c/sub\u003e had 2.35-fold and 1.58-fold higher chlorophyll ab content at 60 and 80 DAS, respectively, over the control (Fig.\u0026nbsp;2).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec28\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eLeaf Membrane Stability Index (MSI) and Leaf Membrane Injury Index (MII)\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe membrane stability of mustard was high at 80 (62.61 to 82.52%) over 60 DAS (52.40 to 80.25%). Application of both Mn and SA (T\u003csub\u003e8\u003c/sub\u003e: 0.25 mM MnSO₄ + 300 ppm SA) increased MSI with 82.52% and 80.25% at 80 and 60 DAS, respectively. Similarly, T\u003csub\u003e8\u003c/sub\u003e enhanced the MSI by 2.8% from 60 to 80 DAS. Application of MnSO\u003csub\u003e4\u003c/sub\u003e with 0.25 mM to 0.75 mM showed less MSI (73.11 to 75.59%) than the application of SA with 75 ppm to 300 ppm (75.74 to 78.73%) and combined application of Mn and SA, i.e. T\u003csub\u003e9\u003c/sub\u003e -T\u003csub\u003e10\u003c/sub\u003e (76.17 and 78.81%). The lowest MSI was found in control. The T\u003csub\u003e8\u003c/sub\u003e produced 1.53-fold and 1.32-fold higher membrane stability index at 60 and 80 DAS, respectively, over the control. The MII was reduced with increased crop duration. During 80 DAS treatment combinations, there were fewer injuries to the membranes of mustard leaves (37.39 to 17.48%) than 60 DAS (47.60 to 19.75%). Applying Mn and SA (T\u003csub\u003e8\u003c/sub\u003e) reduced the MII by 17.48% at 80 DAS, which was 11.4% less than 60 DAS. However, application of MnSO\u003csub\u003e4\u003c/sub\u003e with 0.25 mM to 0.75 mM induced more MII (24.42 to 26.90%) over application of SA with 75 ppm to 300 ppm (21.27 to 24.26%) and combined application of Mn and SA (T\u003csub\u003e9\u003c/sub\u003e and T\u003csub\u003e10\u003c/sub\u003e) (21.19 and 23.83%) at 80 DAS. The highest MII was found in control (37.39 to 47.60%). Application of Mn and SA (T\u003csub\u003e8\u003c/sub\u003e) reduced MII from 53.2\u0026ndash;58.5% over control (Fig.\u0026nbsp;2).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec29\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eGrain protein content\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe maximum protein content was found in the application of both Mn and SA (T\u003csub\u003e9\u003c/sub\u003e) at 26.38%, which was statistically at par with T\u003csub\u003e8\u003c/sub\u003e (26.23%) and T\u003csub\u003e10\u003c/sub\u003e (26.19%). There is no significant difference between the application of Mn with 0.25 and 0.5 mM MnSO\u003csub\u003e4\u003c/sub\u003e with control. Still, the application of 0.75 mM MnSO\u003csub\u003e4\u003c/sub\u003e (T\u003csub\u003e4\u003c/sub\u003e: 24.52%) showed a significant difference with control and lower than that of SA with 75 ppm to 300 ppm (24.75 to 25.21%). The lowest protein content of mustard seeds was found in the control (23.71%). Mn and SA (T\u003csub\u003e8\u003c/sub\u003e-T\u003csub\u003e10\u003c/sub\u003e) application produced 1.1-fold to 1.11-fold more grain protein content than control (Fig.\u0026nbsp;3).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOil content\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe maximum oil content was found in the application of both Mn and SA (T\u003csub\u003e9\u003c/sub\u003e) at 42.53%, which was statistically different from T\u003csub\u003e8\u003c/sub\u003e (42.02%) and T\u003csub\u003e10\u003c/sub\u003e (41.43%). Application of Mn with 0.50 to 0.75 mM MnSO\u003csub\u003e4\u003c/sub\u003e and 75 ppm SA (40.22\u0026ndash;40.49%) was found statistically at par with each other but lower than T\u003csub\u003e6\u003c/sub\u003e and T\u003csub\u003e7\u003c/sub\u003e (40.93 and 41.12%) which are statistically on par. The lowest oil content of mustard grain was found in control (35.80%). Combined application of Mn and SA (T\u003csub\u003e9\u003c/sub\u003e) produced 1.19-fold more oil content of mustard grain over control (Fig.\u0026nbsp;3).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec31\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003ePeroxide value and oil density\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe experimental findings showed that the various treatment combinations reduced the peroxide value and increased the oil density except for the control. The maximum peroxide value of mustard oil was found in control (1.64 meq O\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e kg oil\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e). Similarly, maximum oil density (0.951 g ml\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e) was found in T\u003csub\u003e8\u003c/sub\u003e (0.25 mM MnSO\u003csub\u003e4\u003c/sub\u003e\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;300 ppm SA) (Fig.\u0026nbsp;3).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eCorrelation studies among growth, productivity, and quality aspects of mustard influenced by MnSO₄ and salicylic acid\u003c/b\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLeaf area index was positively correlated with leaf fresh weight (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.71), leaf dry weight (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.59), stem new weight (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.88), stem dry weight (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.86), root fresh weight (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.80), root dry weight (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.86), relative water content (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.86), chlorophyll a (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.82), chlorophyll b (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.80), chlorophyll ab (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.84), membrane stability index (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.74), grain protein content (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.88), oil content (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.76). Further, the leaf fresh weight showed positive correlation with leaf dry weight (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.64), stem fresh weight (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.85), stem dry weight (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.83), root fresh weight (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.87), root dry weight (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.83), relative water content (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.80), chlorophyll a (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.80), chlorophyll b (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.72), chlorophyll ab (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.8), membrane stability index (0.63), grain protein content (0.87), oil content (0.71). The investigation uncovered strong positive correlations between different physiological parameters and biomolecular constituents in the plant species examined. The leaf dry weight was significantly positively correlated with the stem fresh weight (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.73), stem dry weight (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.74), root new weight (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.78), root dry weight (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.74), relative water content (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.69), chlorophyll a (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.76), chlorophyll b (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.63), chlorophyll ab (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.77), membrane stability index (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.63), grain protein content (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.69), and oil content (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.75). In addition, the weight of the stem showed strong positive relationships with various botanical factors, particularly the weight of the stem when it is dry (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.92), the weight of the root when it is fresh (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.89), the weight of the root when it is dry (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.91), the relative water content (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.92), the amount of chlorophyll a (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.92), the amount of chlorophyll b (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.86), the amount of chlorophyll ab (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.94), the stability of the membrane (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.78), the protein content of the grain (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.92), and the oil content (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.81). In addition, the dry weight of the stem showed significant positive correlations with the fresh weight of the root (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.93), the dry weight of the root (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.88), the relative water content (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.91), chlorophyll a (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.88), chlorophyll b (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.80), chlorophyll ab (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.90), the membrane stability index (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.82), grain protein content (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.91), and oil content (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.81). Similarly, the fresh weight of the roots showed strong positive relationships with the dry weight of the roots (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.93), the relative water content (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.89), the concentration of chlorophyll a (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.82), the concentration of chlorophyll b (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.79), the concentration of chlorophyll ab (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.85), the membrane stability index (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.69), the protein content of the grains (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.94), and the oil content (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.73). The root dry weight showed positive correlations with relative water content (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.92), chlorophyll a (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.84), chlorophyll b (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.77), chlorophyll ab (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.86), membrane stability index (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.70), grain protein content (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.94), and oil content (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.76) simultaneously. The relative water content was positively correlated with chlorophyll a (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.89), chlorophyll b (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.81), chlorophyll ab (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.91), membrane stability index (0.80), grain protein content (0.93), and oil content (0.80). Further, chlorophyll ab showed a positive correlation with membrane stability index (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.84), grain protein content (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.87), and oil content (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.89), and the membrane stability index was also positively correlated with grain protein content (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.67) and oil content (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.90). However, the membrane injury index negatively correlated with mustard's growth and biochemical parameters. Contradictorily, oil density (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.22 and r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.25) showed a weak correlation with leaf area index (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.18), leaf fresh weight (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.32), stem fresh weight (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.23), stem dry weight (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.17), root fresh weight (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.14), root dry weight (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.21), relative water content (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.31), chlorophyll a (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.23), chlorophyll b (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.17), chlorophyll ab (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.23), membrane stability index (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.27), grain protein content (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.20), oil content (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.12) (Fig.\u0026nbsp;4).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe results indicate a notable improvement in growth parameters after applying MnSO₄ and salicylic acid to the leaves, including the leaf area index and the fresh and dry weight of the leaves, stem, and root. An important element for plant metabolism is manganese. In plants, it functions as a co-factor and activator for hundreds of metalloenzymes. Mn is essential for a wide variety of enzyme-catalyzed processes, such as phosphorylation, hydrolysis, decarboxylation, and redox reactions, due to its propensity to quickly alter oxidation state in biological systems\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e26\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Mn functions as a metalloenzyme in the plant system, including manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) and oxygen-evolving complexes (OEC) of photosystem II (PS II)\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e27\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Mn is especially accumulated in the spongy and palisade parenchyma cells and the periphery cells of the leaf petiole and petiolule\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. The isochorismate (IC) route and the phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) pathway are the two separate processes involved in SA production in plants. These processes contribute to the development of plants, thermogenesis, and ion absorption\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e29\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. In our study, the leaf area index was significantly affected by the simultaneous foliar application of Mn and SA compared to separate applications. When SA is used with MnSO₄, it significantly impacts leaf size and growth. Research has revealed that salicylic acid promotes the growth and division of cells, which is essential for increasing the size of leaves and improving the leaf area index as the concentration of the acid increases. Applying salicylic acid from an external source has been proven to improve growth characteristics and net photosynthesis without stress while reducing drought's negative impacts\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e30\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Similar findings found in mustard by Nazar et al., 2015\u003csup\u003e30\u003c/sup\u003e. It is well recognized that SA functions as a signaling molecule in plants, inducing a range of physiological and morphological reactions. It controls the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are essential to the metabolic activities of plants\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e31\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. In addition, the combination of higher levels of salicylic acid and Mn improves crop growth by regulating different physiological processes in plants, including thermogenesis, flower induction, nutrient uptake, ethylene production, stomatal movement, photosynthesis, and antioxidative enzyme activity\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR32\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e32\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. These factors likely contribute to the observed increase in growth attributes in mustard. The promotion of cell growth by salicylic acid can result in the development of larger leaves, which in turn increases the surface area of the leaves. This leads to an augmentation of the leaf area index and enhances physiological activities. In addition, the application of micronutrients to the leaves of plants activates around 35 enzymes involved in metabolic pathways, thereby improving the process of photosynthesis\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e33\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. The application of MnSO₄ on leaves has been shown to increase the overall chlorophyll content in leaves due to its positive impact on cellular metabolic processes\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR34\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e34\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. In the photosynthetic oxygen-evolving complex (OEC) of photosystem II (PSII), manganese is an essential component that helps convert light energy into chemical energy during photosynthesis, which is used for the synthesis of organic compounds, leading to plant growth and biomass accumulation\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR35\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e35\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. In addition, MnSO₄ promotes dry matter accumulation by increasing photosynthesis through higher chlorophyll levels, although not as much as when salicylic acid is applied. The activities of many enzymes involved in the growth and development of plants are influenced by SA. For instance, it has been seen to boost the activity of the enzyme nitrate reductase, which is essential for plant growth and biomass accumulation and is involved in nitrogen metabolism\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR36\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e36\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. The results of our study show that the application of 150 parts per million (ppm) of salicylic acid combined with 0.5 millimolar (mM) of manganese sulphate (MnSO₄) resulted in increased fresh and dry leaf weights. The augmentation in leaf area and photosynthetic rate results in a more substantial accumulation of dry matter, thereby contributing to an increase in fresh and dry stem weight. These results align with the earlier discoveries in \u003cem\u003eBrassica juncea\u003c/em\u003e by Fariduddin et al. (2003)\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Previous studies have documented comparable impacts of salicylic acid treatment on dry matter accumulation and plant development in rapeseed\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR37\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e37\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR38\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e38\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR39\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e39\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e and sugarcane\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR40\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e40\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Salicylic acid has attracted attention due to its ability to enhance root development in different plant species. It promotes the growth of roots by increasing their length and the number of branches, increasing the overall mass and weight of the roots. In addition, salicylic acid assists plants in reacting to both living and non-living factors that cause stress, such as pathogen invasion, lack of water, and high salt levels. Salicylic acid induces stress responses in plants, allowing them to adapt to unfavourable environmental conditions while promoting root development and biomass\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR41\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e41\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eResearch examining the impact of salicylic acid has shown that higher concentrations stimulate the growth of longer radicle or seminal roots\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR42\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e42\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e (Bahrani and Pourreza, 2012). Monocots respond to salicylic acid concentration in a manner that depends on the concentration. Low levels of salicylic acid enhance the growth of the radicle, while high levels of salicylic acid diminish it. This response is similar to that observed in dicots\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR43\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e43\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. The study found that higher concentrations of salicylic acid increased root growth. Manganese, an essential micronutrient for plants, affects various physiological processes, such as the development of roots. Sufficient manganese levels promote root growth, increasing the weight of both fresh and dry roots. Applying MnSO₄ directly to plants lacking manganese can improve these symptoms and stimulate root growth, increasing fresh and dry root mass. In addition, the application of manganese increases the effectiveness of auxin, leading to the development of longer roots and an increase in both fresh and dry weight of plants\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR44\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e44\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Prior studies have shown that treating crops like grapes\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR45\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e45\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e and barley\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR44\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e44\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e with manganese enhances root metrics, specifically fresh and dry weight. In our study, we applied a concentration of 150 parts per million (ppm) of salicylic acid along with a concentration of 0.5 millimolar (mM) of MnSO₄.The use of H₂O led to increased fresh and dry root weights, with the application of 300 ppm salicylic acid and 0.25 mM MnSO₄ following closely behind. Salicylic acid is crucial in controlling stomatal behaviour, affecting the water lost through transpiration. Studies have shown that the application of salicylic acid prompts the closure of stomata in plants, resulting in a decrease in water loss and an improvement in water usage efficiency\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR46\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e46\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Stomatal cell conductance's regulatory role helps maintain an optimal level of relative water content in leaves. In addition, the application of salicylic acid has been shown to enhance the stability and integrity of plant membranes, which may lead to improved water retention\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR47\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e47\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. The rise in relative water content can be attributed to an increase in cytoplasmic osmotic pressure caused by the production of higher amounts of proline (osmolytes), which helps in the absorption of water in unfavourable conditions\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR48\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e48\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. In addition, applying salicylic acid can increase the ability of plant tissues to transport water by increasing the expression of aquaporin genes and improving water absorption efficiency\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR49\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e49\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. The increased water transport capacity helps plants maintain water content and reduce water stress\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR50\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e50\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Similarly, manganese is vital in numerous plant physiological processes, such as regulating stomatal conductance and water absorption. Optimal manganese levels can enhance roots' growth and function by improving water absorption from the soil, which may increase the relative water content in plant tissues\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR51\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e51\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. It has consistently found that the application of manganese increases the leaf relative water content in mustard and rapeseed\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR52\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e52\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR53\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e53\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR54\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e54\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR55\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e55\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR56\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e56\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e, rice\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e and barley\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR57\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e57\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. There is a direct correlation between the increase in salicylic acid and MnSO₄ concentration and the increment in leaf relative water content. Nevertheless, salicylic acid exhibits superior effects on the relative water content when compared to the application of only MnSO₄. The synergistic use of Salicylic Acid and MnSO₄ produces superior outcomes compared to using either compound individually. Our study's results demonstrate that applying MnSO₄ and salicylic acid to the leaves has a significant positive effect on leaf relative water content. Specifically, the combination of 150 ppm salicylic acid with 0.5 mM MnSO₄ significantly increases leaf relative water content compared to other combinations. Salicylic acid has been shown to increase plant chlorophyll production by activating gene expression in the chlorophyll biosynthesis pathway. The upregulation results in an elevated production of chlorophyll a, b, and chlorophyll ab concentrations in plant tissues\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR58\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e58\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. By promoting defensive photosynthetic activities, SA regulates the amount of chlorophyll and carotenoid content, ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase activity, stomatal conductance, and carbon dioxide (CO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e) absorption\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e31\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. In addition, salicylic acid has antioxidant properties that allow it to remove reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced during photosynthesis. Salicylic acid helps reduce oxidative stress and protects chloroplasts from damage caused by light, resulting in higher levels of chlorophyll in leaves\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR59\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e59\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. In addition, salicylic acid improves the process of photosynthesis in plants and increases their efficiency in absorbing carbon. This leads to higher levels of chlorophyll, as chlorophyll molecules are constantly produced and replaced to support photosynthesis\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e30\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR60\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e60\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Furthermore, salicylic acid impacts the expression of various genes that break down chlorophyll, such as chlorophyllase and pheophytinase. As a result, it hinders chlorophyll degradation and helps maintain higher concentrations of chlorophyll molecules in plant tissues\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR61\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e61\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Research has shown that higher concentrations of salicylic acid in \u003cem\u003eBrassica juncea\u003c/em\u003e lead to increased chlorophyll content, as reported by Sharma et al. (2017)\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR62\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e62\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e; Parashar et al. (2014)\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR63\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e63\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e and Alam et al. (2013)\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR52\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e52\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Similar findings found in rapeseed by Hasanuzzaman et al. (2019)\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR55\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e55\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Manganese plays a critical role as a micronutrient in the process of photosynthesis. It is essential for increasing the production of chlorophyll by activating enzymes involved in the biosynthesis pathways of chlorophyll\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR51\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e51\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. As a result, administering MnSO₄ increases the concentrations of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll in plant tissues. Similar results were reported for \u003cem\u003eBrassica rapa\u003c/em\u003e by Jannah et al. (2022)\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR64\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e64\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e, \u003cem\u003eBrassica juncea\u003c/em\u003e by Khan et al. (2016)\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR65\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e65\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e, and \u003cem\u003eBrassica\u003c/em\u003e cultivars by Khodabin et al. (2021)\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR66\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e66\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Chlorophylls a and b are essential pigments that capture light energy in photosynthesis and play a crucial role in forming and functioning photosystem II (PSII) complexes, including chlorophyll molecules. Optimal manganese levels are necessary for the efficient functioning of PSII, which allows for the adequate absorption of light and conversion of sunlight into chemical energy\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR67\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e67\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. The levels of salicylic acid and MnSO₄ have a direct proportional relationship with the increase in chlorophyll a, b, and total chlorophyll content. Nevertheless, salicylic acid demonstrates superior efficacy when compared to the application of MnSO₄ alone. The combined application of salicylic acid and MnSO₄ leads to better results compared to using each treatment separately, as shown by the increase in the content of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and chlorophyll ab after applying them to the leaves. Our study demonstrates that the utilisation of 150 parts per million (ppm) salicylic acid combined with 0.5 millimolar (mM) MnSO₄ leads to an increase in the levels of chlorophyll a, b, and total chlorophyll content.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSalicylic acid has a notable impact on improving the membrane stability index (MSI) and decreasing the membrane injury index (MII) in mustard leaves\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR68\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e68\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. The enhancement in MSI can be attributed to a significant reduction in lipid peroxidation, resulting in a substantial decrease in MII. Salicylic acid reduces the production of free radicals, which helps to prevent damage to cellular membranes caused by lipid peroxidation. In addition, it helps to decrease the leakage of electrolytes from the leaves, indicating a lower membrane injury index\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR69\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e69\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Godara et al. (2016)\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR53\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e53\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e found similar results in \u003cem\u003eBrassica juncea\u003c/em\u003e, while Aldesuquy and Ghanem (2015)\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR69\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e69\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e observed comparable outcomes in wheat. On the other hand, Khan et al. (2016) \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR65\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e65\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e conducted a study on the effect of foliar application of zinc and manganese on \u003cem\u003eBrassica juncea\u003c/em\u003e under water stress condition and reported that plants treated with different doses of MnSO\u003csub\u003e4\u003c/sub\u003e significantly decrease the membrane injury index. Similarly, manganese has a similar effect by reducing the membrane injury index and decreasing electrolyte leakage. According to Ghorbani et al. (2019)\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR34\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e34\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e, an increase in manganese concentration leads to a decrease in the membrane injury index and an increase in the membrane stability index. The membrane stability index was significantly enhanced when salicylic acid and manganese were applied together, compared to when either compound was applied individually. More precisely, we noticed the external administration of 150 parts per million (ppm) of salicylic acid and 0.5 millimolar (mM) of MnSO₄.The presence of H₂O resulted in an increased membrane stability index and a decreased membrane injury index, followed by the application of 300 ppm salicylic acid and 0.25 mM MnSO₄.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSalicylic acid regulates gene expression and metabolic pathways, potentially affecting protein synthesis and accumulation. The influence of this phenomenon reaches the expression of genes related to different cellular functions, such as protein metabolism. This can occur by increasing the expression of genes that encode enzymes involved in protein synthesis or by modifying the activity of transcription factors that control gene expression in this pathway\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e30\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR70\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e70\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. The use of salicylic acid has shown notable enhancements in the protein content of grains by controlling photosynthesis and antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD)\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR71\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e71\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. The use of salicylic acid in our study significantly affected the nitrogen content in the grains, indicating an increase in protein content. These results are consistent with previous findings in different \u003cem\u003eBrassica\u003c/em\u003e species\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR72\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e72\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e and \u003cem\u003eTriticum aestivum\u003c/em\u003e\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR71\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e71\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. On the contrary, manganese does not directly affect the amount of protein in grains. However, it does have essential functions in photosynthesis, enzyme activation, and nitrogen metabolism, which indirectly affect the synthesis of proteins\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR34\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e34\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Ensuring sufficient levels of manganese is essential for plants' overall well-being and strength, which may lead to increased protein content in grains. According to research on soybean (\u003cem\u003eGlycine max\u003c/em\u003e), foliar spraying of Mn and Si together enhanced the grain's protein content, resulting in a 7% increase in protein content\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR73\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e73\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. The results of our study showed that the simultaneous use of salicylic acid and manganese had a more substantial impact on the protein content of grains than using either compound alone. More precisely, the external application of 150 parts per million (ppm) of salicylic acid combined with 0.5 millimolar (mM) of MnSO₄ led to an increase in the protein content of the grains.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eApplying salicylic acid (SA) and manganese (Mn) dramatically increases the oil content of mustard grains. Although there is no clear and established connection between salicylic acid and oil content in mustard grains, research has demonstrated that salicylic acid can enhance the effectiveness of enzymes involved in sulphur assimilation. This, in turn, leads to an improvement in the oil content of \u003cem\u003eBrassica juncea\u003c/em\u003e grains\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e30\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Research has shown a direct relationship between salicylic acid and the oil level in \u003cem\u003eBrassica juncea\u003c/em\u003e\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR38\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e38\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Similarly, the use of MnSO₄ as a foliar application has been shown to increase the amount of oil in rapeseed grains by improving cellular processes like photosynthesis. Manganese (Mn) impacts the activity of enzymes crucial for the metabolism of fatty acids, which could potentially increase the oil content of grains\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR66\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e66\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR74\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e74\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Moreover, genetic factors substantially influence the proportion of mustard oil generated. In addition, the element Mn enhances cellular processes and plant growth, increasing oil production in \u003cem\u003eBrassica napus\u003c/em\u003e \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e33\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e, \u003cem\u003eBrassica juncea\u003c/em\u003e\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR62\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e62\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e and various \u003cem\u003eBrassica\u003c/em\u003e species by Muhal et al. (2014)\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR72\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e72\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Our study found that the simultaneous use of SA and Mn had a more significant effect on grain oil content than using only SA or Mn individually. More precisely, the external application of 150 parts per million (ppm) of salicylic acid combined with 0.5 millimolar (mM) of MnSO₄ resulted in an enhancement of the oil content in the grains.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe external administration of salicylic acid (SA) and manganese (Mn) had a beneficial impact on the growth and biochemical characteristics of Indian mustard. Significantly, the synergistic application of SA at a concentration of 150 parts per million (ppm) and MnSO₄ at a concentration of 0.5 millimolar (mM) resulted in increased protein and oil content, elevated chlorophyll levels, and enhanced fresh and dry weight of leaves, stems, and roots. In addition, it enhanced the stability of the membrane while decreasing the membrane injury index. These findings support the recommendation for farmers to adopt SA and Mn to improve mustard crop productivity and quality. Moreover, the observed rise in antioxidant enzyme activity indicates possible mechanisms that explain mustard's ability to withstand stress. To summarise, the application of SA and Mn to the leaves of mustard seedlings shows potential in strengthening them against different types of stress and enhancing the quality of mustard. This highlights its possible practical use in agricultural environments.\u003c/p\u003e "},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcknowledgments\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors thankfully acknowledge the research support provided by the Lovely Professional University Jalandhar, Punjab, India. and Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi, India, for research activities. Also, the authors would like to thank Researchers Supporting Project number (RSP2024R118), King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthor contributions\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConceptualization: A.G., S.K., R.G.A. H.O.E; Data curation: A.G., S.K., H.O.E; Original draft: A.G., S.K., R.G.A; Manuscript editing and language corrections: S.K., R.G.A., H.O.E; software: A.G., S.K., R.G.A; funding: H.O.E.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConflicts of interest\u003c/strong\u003e:\u0026nbsp;The authors declare no conflict of interest.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding\u003c/strong\u003e:\u0026nbsp;Researchers Supporting Project number (RSP2024R118), King Saud University\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eData availability:\u003c/strong\u003e \u0026nbsp;All data generated or analysed during this study are included in this published article and figure data are given in supplementary file.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdditional information\u003c/strong\u003e: Additional data given as supplimentary data. \u003cstrong\u003eExperimental research and field studies on plants (either cultivated or wild), including the collection of plant material are complied with relevant institutional, national, and international guidelines and legislation.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eORCID\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSantosh Korav\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003ehttps://orcid.org/0000-0003-1981-5288\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAletor, O. \u0026amp; Adegoke, A. 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Soil Sci. 181(3), 388\u0026ndash;395. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1002/jpln.201800014\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1002/jpln.201800014\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e (2018).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Total chlorophyll content, Membrane stability index, Relative water content, Stem dry weight, Grain protein content","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4365009/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4365009/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eAs an oilseed crop, mustard\u0026mdash;a plant in the family \u003cem\u003eBrassicaceae\u003c/em\u003e\u0026mdash;is essential in India and worldwide. Crucial to plant metabolism are manganese and salicylic acid. We performed a field experiment to determine how they affected Indian mustard (\u003cem\u003eBrassica juncea\u003c/em\u003e). Using a Randomized Block Design with three replications, the experiment included ten treatment combinations. These included control groups, different doses of sole salicylic acid (75, 150, 300 ppm), sole manganese (0.25, 0.5, 0.75 mM MnSO\u003csub\u003e4\u003c/sub\u003e), and combinations of the two. According to the experimental results, increasing dosages of both manganese and salicylic acid reversed the effects of sole foliar application by increasing the mustard growth and biochemical properties. It is worth mentioning that the addition of 0.5 mM manganese and 150 ppm salicylic acid externally increased stem dry weight by 1.24-fold, total chlorophyll content by 2.35-fold, relative water content by 1.25-fold, grain protein content by 1.11-fold, and oil content by 1.19-fold. To top it all off, the leaf membrane injury index went down by 36.2\u0026ndash;53.2% after the combined application. The combination of salicylic acid and manganese yielded superior outcomes in optimizing growth dynamics and quality potential compared to individual applications of either compound.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Manganese with Salicylic Acid Optimize the Growth Dynamics and Quality Potential in Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2024-05-17 16:38:25","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4365009/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"2ca58a33-7e62-483d-a58e-47763937d2f5","owner":[],"postedDate":"May 17th, 2024","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[{"id":31889579,"name":"Biological sciences/Plant sciences/Plant physiology"},{"id":31889580,"name":"Biological sciences/Plant sciences/Plant stress responses"}],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2024-09-03T13:48:25+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2024-05-17 16:38:25","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-4365009","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-4365009","identity":"rs-4365009","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"qtupq5eGEP_6zYnWcrvyt","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}