Thermopriming mitigates the effects of heat stress by modulating the expression of Heat shock factors in Brassica juncea (Indian mustard)

Brassica juncea (also known as Indian mustard) is an important vegetable oil seed crop whose growth and productivity is severely affected by heat stress. Interestingly, pre-exposure to sublethal heat stress, referred as thermopriming can remarkably enhance the plant heat stress tolerance. However, little is known about the impact of thermopriming on heat stress response of the important oil seed crop, B. juncea. In this study, we investigated the basal and thermopriming-induced heat stress response of 16 different cultivated, agronomically important varieties of Brassica juncea. Based on their basal heat stress response, we classify the varieties as heat sensitive, moderately tolerant or tolerant. Notably, almost all the varieties displayed enhanced heat stress tolerance upon thermopriming (acquired thermotolerance), albeit to varying magnitudes. Strikingly, the high oil-yielding, drought tolerant, heat sensitive variety Pusa Bold showed remarkable acquired thermotolerance upon thermopriming. Investigations in Pusa Bold indicate that the thermopriming-induced acquired thermotolerance predominantly correlates with the rapid activation of ROS scavenging mechanisms and differential expression of Heat Shock Family of transcription factors (BjHSFs). Taken together, our study reveals the positive impact of thermopriming in alleviating the harmful effects of heat stress on Brassica juncea seedlings and paves the path to enhance heat stress tolerance for improved productivity in the important oilseed crop Indian mustard.