Vitamin C Boosts Black Seed Plant Health and Yield

Jenn Hoskins
6th April, 2024

Vitamin C Boosts Black Seed Plant Health and Yield

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • Scientists found vitamin C boosts black cumin growth and medicinal yield
  • Vitamin C increased chlorophyll, oil content, grain yield, and photosynthesis
  • Best results were seen with vitamin C sprayed at specific plant growth stages
Plants have long been a cornerstone of traditional medicine, with their therapeutic properties supporting human health for millennia. Among these, Nigella sativa, commonly known as black cumin, stands out for its potent antimicrobial compounds. Building upon this ancient wisdom, scientists at Qujing Normal University have explored new ways to boost the plant's growth and, consequently, its medicinal yield[1]. The recent study focused on ascorbic acid, a substance better known as vitamin C, which is not only crucial for human health but also plays a vital role in plant development. Ascorbic acid is a key player in photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy. It also helps protect against stress by detoxifying harmful reactive oxygen species[2]. The researchers hypothesized that ascorbic acid could act as a growth enhancer for black cumin. To test this, the team sprayed two different concentrations of ascorbic acid (350 μm and 400 μm) on black cumin crops at various growth stages. They compared these treatments to control groups that received either no spray or water only. The experiment was carefully designed using a randomized complete block design (RCBD), a method that helps ensure reliable results by minimizing the impact of uncontrolled variables. The results were striking. The application of ascorbic acid at 350 μm concentration notably improved several key indicators of plant health and productivity. The chlorophyll b content, which is essential for photosynthesis, increased by over 12% compared to the control group. The fixed oil content, which includes the valuable medicinal compounds, rose by nearly 12%. The grain yield, a direct measure of productivity, went up by over 10%, and the photosynthetic rate, a sign of the plant's energy-making efficiency, soared by 33%. These findings echo previous research that has shown the benefits of using natural biostimulants. For instance, moringa leaf extract has been found to significantly enhance the growth and yield of black cumin by improving various physiological parameters[3]. Similarly, ascorbic acid and fulvic acid have been observed to boost the activity of root-nodulating bacteria in peas, leading to increased nutrient uptake and yield[4]. The study at Qujing Normal University builds on this knowledge by demonstrating the specific advantages of ascorbic acid application on black cumin. The researchers recommend applying ascorbic acid at a concentration of 350 μm during the key growth stages of 40, 80, and 120 days after sowing to achieve the best results. This aligns with the understanding that timing is crucial when it comes to biostimulant application, as seen in studies on other plants like red willow, where the timing and concentration of substances like methyl jasmonate and ascorbic acid significantly influenced growth and biochemical characteristics[5]. This research not only highlights the potential of ascorbic acid as a growth enhancer for a medically important plant but also suggests a more general principle that could be applied to other crops. By optimizing the use of natural biostimulants, we can potentially improve agricultural productivity in an eco-friendly way, which is especially important in the face of ongoing climate change challenges. In conclusion, the study from Qujing Normal University offers a promising avenue for enhancing the yield of black cumin, a plant with a rich history of medicinal use. The use of ascorbic acid, a compound with a well-established role in plant physiology, has proven to be an effective strategy to not only bolster plant growth but also to potentially increase the medicinal value of the crop. This advancement, informed by both historical knowledge and contemporary science, could have significant implications for the future of plant-based medicine and sustainable agriculture.

AgricultureBiotechPlant Science

References

Main Study

1) Exogenous application of ascorbic acid improves physiological and productive traits of Nigella sativa.

Published 15th April, 2024 (future Journal edition)

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28766

Related Studies

2) Physiological and biochemical roles of ascorbic acid on mitigation of abiotic stresses in plants.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plaphy.2023.107970

3) Exploring the potential of moringa leaf extract as bio stimulant for improving yield and quality of black cumin oil.

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-03617-w

4) Role of biostimulants (ascorbic acid and fulvic acid) to synergize Rhizobium activity in pea (Pisum sativum L. var. Meteor).

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plaphy.2023.02.018

5) The application of methyl jasmonate in combination with ascorbic acid on morphological traits and some biochemical parameters in red willow.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s12298-023-01284-x


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