Agroecological evaluation of nigella in the forest-steppe conditions of the middle Volga region

Nigella is currently becoming a very popular essential oil plant, which is used in various industries. The article presents a comprehensive assessment of 5 varieties of nigella of Belarusian breeding in the forest-steppe conditions of the Middle Volga region (Penza region). Over the years of research (2021–2023), it has been established that nigella, in the conditions of the research region, completely goes through all stages of growth and development, forming a full-fledged harvest. The growing season of the crop varies from 96 to 107 days. The crop yield was 1.44–1.58 t/ha by cultivars. The highest seed productivity was noted in the ʽRadasts’ and ʽBelaruski Dukhmyany’ cultivars, which amounted to 1.58 and 1.57 t/ha, respectively. All varieties were characterized by high adaptive capacity, the adaptability coefficient was 0.95–1.04. The highest level of stability of yield formation was noted in the ʽRadasts’ and ʽZnakharka’ cultivars (13.0 and 13.3). The varieties ʽRadasts’ and ʽIskra’ had the highest fat content in seeds – 41.6 and 41.9 %, respectively. It should be noted that the ʽSunichny Vodar’ and ʽBelaruski Dukhmyany’ cultivars had lower seed oil content (39.7 and 39.4 %), but this indicator was the most stable over the years  (the stability index was 6.1 and 7.4, respectively). In the oil composition linoleic (49.5–64.8 %) and oleic (17.5–30.5 %) acids predominated. Analysis of the crop structure showed that all cultivars formed rather large seeds with a 1000-seed weight from 2.76 g (ʽZnakharka’) to 3.54 g (ʽRadasts’). Evaluation of nigella cultivars showed its high adaptive capabilities in the climatic conditions of the Penza region. Nigella sativa is a promising oilseed crop for introduction into the Middle Volga region.