Genetic variability, biological activity and lipid composition of three Nigella Sativa L. Cultivars

ABSTRACT

Variability, heritability and phenotypic correlation coefficient in three cultivars [Balady, Sori and Turki] of black cumin, Nigella sativa L. were studied during 2001/2002 - 2002/2003. The results reflected highly significant variability between cultivars among all studied characters. High heritability values were estimated for capsules length, number of branches / plant and number of capsules / plant, while moderate values were estimated for other characters. Balady was found to be the best cultivar in the most of traits and it had homogenetical plants. Different patterns of phenotypic correlation were noted between each cultivar characters. Successive extracts of the cultivar seeds were tested for the biological activity against Stegobium paniceum L. Petroleum ether followed by chloroform extract were the most effective extracts. Although, the p. ether extract of Sori was the most effective in all used concentrations [0.5, 1 and 2%], Balady showed the highest activity for chloroformic extract. Fatty acid methyl esters and unsaponifiable components of the seeds of each nigella cultivar were studied by GLC