Study of some Morphophysiological Characteristics in Endemic Population of Nigella sativa under Water Deficits Stress in Zanjan Climate Conditions

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of drought stress on morphophysiological characteristics of ten native black seed stands in climatic conditions of Zanjan.

A split plot experiment based on completely randomized block with three replications was conducted in the field during the summer, 2018. Experimental treatments were Examined through the main factors including 70% stress and control (without stress) levels and sub factors including ten indigenous populations of black seed including Jiroft, Shiraz, Hamedan, Tehran, Kerman, Kordestan, Hormozgan, Shahrekord, Rasht and Arak.

Examination of the traits showed a significant difference between the conditions of non-stress and low water stress, which caused the highest number of lateral branches in the absence of water stress. Drought stress significantly reduced the number of capsules and grain yield. The weight of one thousand grains did not show a significant difference in the conditions of non-stress and low water stress. The highest oil content was obtained in shahrekord under drought stress treatment. Also, the highest seed yield, number of capsules, belonged to Kordestan indigenous landrace.

In general, based on the results of drought stress, it decreased grain yield and oil percentage, but the percentage of essential oil in drought stress increased. However, it was proved that these changes depend on genotype.