Introduction and ecological assessment of nigella varieties

The article presents the results of a comprehensive assessment of Nigella sativa and Nigella damascena varieties based on their main economically valuable characteristics in the forest-steppe conditions of the Middle Volga region for the subsequent introduction of the crop into the region. The studies were conducted in 2019-2023, which differed in the degree of moisture and temperature conditions. The objects of the research were Nigella sativa and Nigella damascena and their varieties of various selections. Nigella sativa was characterized by a medium-late ripening period, the vegetation period was 98-118 days. Nigella damascena had a vegetation period of 88-99 days. The seeds of Nigella damascena were larger, with the weight of 1000 seeds varying from 3.14 to 3.91 g. For Nigella sativa, the value of this indicator was 2.23-2.97 g. In general, nigella in the forest-steppe conditions of the Middle Volga region has adaptive capabilities and combines high productivity of up to 1.43-1.50 t/ha with an oil content of 39.3-42.9%. The maximum yield was noted in the varieties Anyuta (1.65 t/ha), Znaharka (1.60 t/ha) and Vitoldina (1.59 t/ha). The Yalita and Lastochka varieties stood out in terms of fatty oil content, with oil content of 43.53 and 43.57%. The largest percentage in the oil is unsaturated linoleic acid. Its content reached 63.43% in Nigella sativa and 48.31% in Nigella damascena. The proportion of oleic acid varied from 17.54% in the Belaruski Dukhmyany variety to 30.48% in the Radast variety. The content of saturated palmitic acid was 9.38-10.81%, the maximum of which was noted in the Legenda variety. In addition, the fatty acid composition of nigella contains another saturated fatty acid – capric acid. Its content varies from 0.15% for the Diva variety to 0.46% for the Krymchanka variety and from 1.75% for the Bereginya variety to 3.91% for the Sunichny Vodar variety. Thus, unstable weather conditions in different years make it relevant to study the possibility of introducing nigella crop in the Penza region as a promising oilseed crop.