Black Velvet

Breeding Profile and Variety Potential

The «Cherny Barkhat» variety is the result of targeted breeding by RosNIIPTI SK (Saratov State University of Biology and Agriculture). The development team included experts V.I. Zhuzhukin, V.S. Gorbunov, and S.A. Zaitsev. This nigella variety is designed for the production of high-quality essential oil raw materials and seeds with a high concentration of bioactive compounds.

Technical Specifications and Agrotechnics

Nigella variety «Cherny Barkhat» is an annual herbaceous plant adapted to climatic conditions in regions with moderate humidity. Key technological parameters include:

• Biochemical Composition: The variety is distinguished by an increased content of thymoquinone in the seeds, making it highly valued in the pharmaceutical and food industries.
• Seed Morphology: The seeds possess an intense black color and a characteristic matte surface, which gives the variety its name. The seed coat structure ensures high preservation of essential oils during long-term storage.
• Hardiness: The institute's breeding efforts focused on increasing field germination and crop stress resistance during the active vegetation period.

Practical Application

At the production level, «Cherny Barkhat» is prized for its yield stability. The plant forms a well-developed seed capsule, which facilitates mechanized harvesting. In agricultural settings, adhering to sowing dates is crucial: the variety is responsive to micro-element application, especially during the initial stages of leaf rosette formation. Due to the Saratov breeding school's approach, the variety efficiently utilizes available soil nitrogen, minimizing losses during seed maturation.