Document Type : scientific research article
Authors
1
M.Sc. student, Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Imam Khomeini International University, Qazvin, Iran
2
3Assistant Professor, Faculty of Agriculture & Natural Resourses, Imam Khomeini International University, Qazvin
3
Professor, Seed and Plant Improvement Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
10.22069/jopp.2025.22567.3159
Abstract
Background and Objectives: In recent years, the increasing demand for seeds and oil of black cumin has made it the best alternative product for farmers with small plots in producing countries. Despite the existence of high diversity of indigenous populations of black cumin in the country and conducting various research activities, no success has been achieved in breeding attempts and introduction of breeding genotypes. This research was conducted with the aim of evaluating the seed yield, morpological characteristics and essential oil percentage of some black cumin ecotypes of the National Plant Gene Bank of Iran.
Materials and Methods: In order to carry out this research, 23 indigenous ecotypes of black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) were obtained from the National Plant Gene Bank of Iran located in the Seed and Plant Improvement Institute of Karaj were prepared and evaluated in complete random block design in three replications in the crop season 1401-1400, based on morphological traits, yield and yield components, percentage of essential oil and seed oil.
Results: The results of analysis of variance indicated the existence of statistically significant differences between black cumin ecotypes based on the traits studied, which indicates high genetic diversity among ecotypes. The average seed yield was 1288.03 kg/ha and ecotypes TN-82-653 and IPK-70 had the lowest and highest seed yield with 946.00 kg/ha and 2047.00 kg/ha, respectively. Seed yield had the highest significant and positive correlation with follicle length, number of follicles per plant and number of seeds per follicle. In factors analysis, five factors explained a total of 86.63% of the variation among the data. The first two factors were named vegetative growth index and yield and yield components index of black cumin, respectively. Based on the biplot diagram, ecotypes IPK-70, TN-82-750 and TN-82-191 were identified as the ecotypes with the highest seed yield. Based on the results of cluster analysis, black cumin ecotypes were grouped into three different clusters. Ecotype IPK-70 had the highest yield of essential oil (36.03 kg/ha) and seed oil (501.50 kg/ha). The highest percentage of seed essential oil obtained from ecotypes TN-748-82 (1.83%), TN-256-59 (1.75%), IPK-70 (1.75%) and TN-82-691 (1.57%). The highest percentage of seed oil was obtained from ecotype TN-59-268 (29.19%).
Conclusion: Based on the results of factor analysis, cluster analysis and traits correlation with yield and yield components, ecotypes TN-82-750, TN-82-191 and TN-82-691 along with ecotype IPK-70 were identified as ecotypes with high seed yield and essential oil content, which are recommended for use in breeding programs.
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