Effect of microelements on seed yield and yield components of black seed (Nigella sativa L.) under salinity stress

Black seed is one of important ancient medicinal plants with various properties in traditional medicine. In order to evaluate microelements (Fe and Zn) effects on seed yield and yield components of black seed in salinity stress, a complete block design with three replications was conducted in Esfahan Agricultural and Natural Resources Center during 2013-2014. Three water salinity treatments were control (0_, 3.5 and 5 dS/m and three levels of mineral spraying, control, 0.1% and 0.2% Fe (as 3*3 factors). Fourteen characters of plants were measured and calculated. According to results, the effect of salinity treatments on majority of traits was significant. By increasing salinity stress, seed yield and biological yield decreased (70% and 67%, respectively) and the abnormal seed percentage increased significantly (150%). In this experiment, the effects of Fe spraying were not clear, because of abundance of these two elements in the soil. Also, emphasis on deficit signs in field is not suitable criterium for microelements spraying in black cumin.