Колекційний фонд рослин роду Nigella L. у Національному ботанічному саду імені М. М. Гришка НАН України

Purpose. To justify the stages of formation, maintenance and use of a collection of various species of Nigella plants for a test of distinctness. Methods. Field (phenological observations, study of biological yield, productive properties of seeds); laboratory (determination of sowing properties of seeds); descriptive (identification of plant diversity by biological and morphological characteristics); determination of quantitative parameters of morphological and economically valuable characteristics; statistical (to assess the reliability of the research results obtained). Results. Following introduction and breeding studies, the Department of Cultural Flora at the M. M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine has established a valuable collection of 70 taxa of the Nigella genus, including representatives of six species: N. damascena L. (32 taxa); N. sativa L. (17 taxa); N. orientalis L. (4 taxa); N. nigellastrum L. (1 taxon); N. hispanica L. (3 taxa); and N. arvensis L. (4 taxa). Studying the gene pool of the Nigella genus allowed us to identify a set of morphological characteristics that can be used as diagnostic and grouping criteria when testing for distinctness, uniformity, and stability. The morphological and biological characteristics of Nigella plants have been determined, and the most valuable genotypes with significant economic and breeding attributes have been identified. Enriching the collection with new varieties, lines and wild forms provides more comprehensive coverage of phenotypic and genotypic diversity. This creates a scientific basis for improving the system of morphological criteria and increasing the effectiveness of breeding and genetic research within the Nigella genus. Conclusions. Samples of varieties have been identified and recommended that clearly represent the decorative morphological characteristics of flowers and fruits, such as the colour and number of sepals and the shape of the fruit. These varieties have important prospects for use in breeding practice with the aim of creating new decorative varieties.