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NARC-Kalonji: An
early maturing and high yielding Variety OF NIGELLA SATIVA
released for Cultivation in Pakistan
Malik Ashiq
Rabbani*, Abdul Ghafoor and Muhammad Shahid Masood
Abstract:
Kalonji (Nigella sativa) is an annual flowering plant
investigated recently for its potential as a crop in Pakistan.
NARC-Kalonji
has been developed
by the Institute of Agri-Biotechnology & Genetic Resources, National
Agricultural Research Center (IABGR, NARC), Islamabad. A promising line
was selected from indigenous germplasm collected from the Lahore area
during 2002-2003 and was given the number MP120. After preliminary
screening of 32 accessions, four elite lines were selected as promising
genotypes on the basis of per row seed yield. These four accessions were
grown over an area of 60 m2 in plots during 2003-2004 using
standard cultural practices. Significant differences in per acre yield
were observed among the four accessions. Based upon two years of field
evaluation at NARC, Islamabad, accession MP120 was selected for further
testing for its seed yield and oil contents. Seed yield of NARC-Kalonji
ranged between 290 and 333 kg/acre under field conditions at NARC,
Islamabad. Seed of this accession was multiplied and trialed in diverse
areas of Punjab before it was recommended as a new variety. The
performance of the variety was assessed in the irrigated areas of
Bahawalpur, Bhakkar, Faisalabad, Hasilpur, Lahore, Multan, and Vehari
under adaptability trials conducted between 2005 and 2007. Seed yield at
farmers’ fields varied from 235 to 370 kg/acre during the last three
years of testing at various sites. Although fertilizer application had a
positive effect on biological yield, there was no significant effect on
the economic yield. It was observed that Kalonji could be successfully
cultivated in most parts of the country during the months of October and
November.
Plant Genetic
Resources Program (PGRP), Institute of Agri-Biotechnology & Genetic
Resources (IABGR), National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC),
Islamabad, Pakistan
*Corresponding
author e-mail address: rabbani316@yahoo.com
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