PJB-2010-258
EVALUATION OF NIGELLA SATIVA L., FOR GENETIC VARIATION AND EX–SITU CONSERVATION*
MUHAMMAD SAJJAD IQBAL, AFSARI SHARIF QURESHI AND ABDUL GHAFOOR1
Abstract
Nigella sativa L., has been widely used for various purposes in Pakistan but its production in the country has not been reported. Therefore 31 genotypes collected and acquired from various sources were evaluated to investigate the potential of this crop in Pakistan. The experiment was planted in RCBD with three replications under field conditions during winter 2002-2003. High genetic variation was recorded for plant height, days to first flower, days to 50% flowers, days to maturity, biomass, capsule weight, yield, seed weight and harvest index. The best genotypes identified from the germplasm could be tested under diverse environment to select the best ones. Three accessions (MP00023, MP00111 and MP00120) were better for more than one character and hence are expected to be a potential for improving N. sativa L. in future. Negative association of seed weight with yield and its components is suggested to be broken through mutation, selective diallel or back cross method. Based on genetic diversity, selected accessions from various clusters could be used in hybrid program to develop superior cultivars.
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