Evaluation and Selection of Black Cumin(Nigella sativa L) Varieties at Mid Highland of West Hararghe Zone, East Ethiopia

Abstract

Black cumin (Nigella sativa L) is an annual flowering plant investigated recently for its potential for exportable commodity in Ethiopia at the study area the yield potential of local varieties is low so it is important to adapt other varieties to the area in order to maximize productivity of the crops. An experiment was conducted at Oda bultum, Habro and Mechara on station in west Hararghe zone, East Ethiopia, in 2014 cropping season, to identify adaptable, high yielding and pest resistant Black cumin varieties to the area. four varieties of Black cumin Eden, Dirshaye, Darbera and Local check were used. An experiments were designed in randomized complete block (RCBD) with 3 replications. at plant height, the analyzed result revealed that significance difference found at p<0.05, among varieties, but Dirshaye was the highest mean of 41.5cm, followed by Eden, 41.43c, respectively. and at 50% flowering date, local variety was the lowest mean 47.73 and Eden was the highest mean 50.33,  the maturity date, analysis result showed that local variety was the lowest by 114 date followed by Dirshaye 115 date. at  number 1000 seed and total yield significance difference found and Dirshaye and Eden varieties were the highest mean of  total yield 587 kg ha-¹ and 547 kg ha-¹ respectively so those two varieties were selected for further promotion and dissemination to mid altitude of Oda bultum and Habro and Mechara districts and similar agro ecology of the area.

Keywords: Black cumin, capsule per plant, flowering date, local check, pest reaction and  variety.