Published in PLOS One on 2026-08-18, this study is presented as an attributed evidence briefing. The excerpts below are the original researchers’ words, reproduced under their Creative Commons Attribution licence. Health Signal has selected the abstract and, where needed, opening background paragraphs; the complete methods, results, limitations and references remain in the linked paper.
Original authors: Azeze Wubie Kassa, Tegegne Ashagrie Endalew, Asnakew Takle Negash, Hayat Yasin Mohamed, Mulatie Kindu, Fentaw Semaw, Adargachew Demelashe, Melese Wale Mengistu, Endalkachew Akililu Tsemelesan, Atikilt Abera Alemayehu
Source: PLOS One • DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0355682
Read the complete primary study ↗ · Creative Commons Attribution licence
From the researchers
Abstract
Black cumin is an annual spice crop valued for its nutritional, medicinal and economical importance. Although the Amhara Region of Ethiopia possesses suitable agroecological conditions for black cumin production, seed yield remains below the national average, largely due to the limited availability of improved varieties. This study was conducted to evaluate the agronomic performance, genotype x environment interaction (GEI) and seed yield stability of promising black cumin genotypes. Multi-environment trials were carried out at three locations during the 2021 and 2022 main cropping using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Eighteen advanced genotypes and two standard check varieties were evaluated. Combined analysis of variance revealed significant differences among genotypes, environments, and genotype x environment interactions for all measured traits. Genotypes Moyale-230777 (G12), Achefer-9068 (G2), and Gofazuria-90517 (G7) exhibited the highest mean seed yields of 647.6 kg ha-1, 647.1 kg ha-1, and 623.9 kg ha-1, respectively. However, Achefer-9068 had lower oleoresin content. Moyale-230777(G12) and Gofazuria-90517 (G7) showed yield advantages of 17.8% and 26.8%, respectively, over the standard check varieties Dershaye and Aden. The genotype with environment interaction in the seed yield data of six environments (location and year combinations) was analyzed using AMMI and GGE biplot models. The result showed that environment had the greatest effect (53.0%) followed by GEI (32.2%) and genotype (14.9%). Based on AMMI, AMMI stability value (ASV), yield stability index, oleoresin content, and GGE biplot analysis G12 and G7 ranked the 1st and 2nd the genotypes for their yield performance, quality, identifying top performing genotypes with wide adaptability across the testing environments. Consequently, these genotypes were selected for on-farm verification, and accession number Moyale-230777 (G 12) has been released for commercial production in 2024 under the name “Tena”. Therefore, variety Tena is recommended for demonstration, scaling-up and commercial cultivation in the spice growing of Amhara Region and other similar agroecological zones.
Introduction
Black cumin (Nigella sativa L.), is an important annual spice crop belonging to the family Apiaceae (Umbelliferae). It is widely cultivated in countries such as Iran, China, and Turkey and is believed to have originated in Egypt, the Eastern Mediterranean region, Southern Europe, and West Asia [1–3]. The plant is characterized by an erect and highly branched growth habit, is self-pollinated and has diploid chromosome number of 2n = 12 [3]. The flowers have five to ten petals, are fragile, and are often pale blue and white in color. The fruit is large, inflated capsule made up of three to seven joined follicles, each of which contains a significant number of seeds that are used as spices [4,5]. Black cumin is valued for its nutritional, medicinal, and economic importance. According to previous studies [1,6] Ethiopian black cumin accessions contain high levels of thymol, a monocyclic phenolic chemical that contributes significantly to the crop’s medicinal value. The seeds contain more than 100 identified chemical constituents, including essential oils and bioactive compounds with pharmaceutical and industrial applications [7]. In Ethiopia, black cumin is primarily cultivated for food flavoring, cosmetic and medicinal oil extraction, and export markets [8]. After ginger, it is the second-most significant cash crop sold to foreign markets [2]. Ethiopia possesses diverse agroecological zones that facilitate the production of a wide range of crops, spices, and vegetables [9,10]. Ethiopia is one of the top producers and consumers of spices, ranking first in Africa and seventh globally [10]. Many spice varieties, notably black cumin, white cumin, pepper, paprika, turmeric, fenugreek, garlic, coriander, ginger, cardamom, and basil, have been grown for consumption and commercial purposes [10].
Reading this evidence
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© 2026 Azeze Wubie Kassa, Tegegne Ashagrie Endalew, Asnakew Takle Negash, Hayat Yasin Mohamed, Mulatie Kindu, Fentaw Semaw, Adargachew Demelashe, Melese Wale Mengistu, Endalkachew Akililu Tsemelesan, Atikilt Abera Alemayehu. Excerpts reproduced under CC BY. Selection, formatting and contextual notes by Health Signal. The researchers are the authors of the source study, not members of Health Signal’s staff.
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