Effect of a Natural Growth Stimulant (Ascobein) on Growth and Yield of Seeds and Oil of Nigella sativa Plants

ABSTRACT

The importance of Nigella sativa plant is increasing day by day in many medical and nutritional fields, and the demand for it is increasing in foreign markets. Therefore, we chose the nigella plant to study the effect of spraying with a natural growth stimulant (Ascobein) at concentrations of zero, 50, 100 and 150 ppm on the productivity of seed and oil, as well as its effect on the activity of antioxidants. The results showed that the concentration of 100 ppm gave the highest values of vegetative growth traits; (Plant height (86.3 and 89.5cm), Number of branches (21.7 and 25.1), Fresh and Dry weight per plant (118.43 and 143.85gm, 23.86 and 28.29gm/plant) respectively for both seasons. Also, results revealed that foliar application of 100 ppm (Ascobein) improved the seed yield/plant (16.95 and 19.74gm), Oil % (45.73 and 48.02%), DPPH% (99.04 and 102.39%), TPC (447.17 and 450.54 mg GAE/g) and TFC (110.19 and 114.43 mg QE/g) for both seasons 20/2021 and 21/2022. The percentage of major fatty acids in nigella seeds oil has been estimated (Linoleic, Oleic, Palmitic and Stearic).