Effect of row spacing on different characteristics of black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) under Kermanshah conditions

Black cumin (Nigella sativa) belongs to Ranunculaceae family, is one of the most useful medicinal plants which grows wildly in some region of Iran inclucling; Kermanshah. Considering the importance of this medicinal plant, a study with main objective of determination of phonological development cycle of the plant, and to find the best row spacings, was carried out in 2000 in the Faculty of Agriculture of the University of Razi, Kermanshah, Iran. Effect of four row spacings (40, 50, 60 and 70 cm) were studied using randomized complete block design with four replications. The measured traits were as follows; plant height, the number of follicle per plant, the number of seeds per follicle, 1000 kernel weight, biological yield, grain yield, harvest index, oil, and essence percentage. Mean comparison for grain yield, using Duncan Multiple Range Test, revealed that when the seeds were planted in 40 centimeters row spacing, the grain yield was highest (660 Kg/ha), and was significantly different when compared with means of the other treatments. The average oil and essence percentages of seeds in this study were 28% and 0.148%, respectively.