The Effect of Micronutrients (Fe, Zn, B, and Mn) Applied to the Leaf on Oil Content and Fatty Acid Composition of Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.) in Winter Sowing Condition

Oil contents and fatty acid composition of black cumin treated with some micronutrients (Fe (3 g Lit-1), Zn (2 g Lit-1), B (4 g Lit-1), and Mn (3 g Lit-1)) were determined. Oil contents of the plant seeds ranged from 31.64% (Mn) to 40.00% (Fe). Saturated fatty acids and unsaturated fatty acids ranged from 16.71%-17.54% and 80.86%-82.00%, respectively. The seed oils of all black cumin treated with fertilizers have high unsaturated fatty acid content as well as a balanced fatty acid composition. The major fatty acid in the oils was linoleic acid which ranged 56.85% (Zn)–58.85% (control). Oleic and palmitic acid contents of oils ranged from 22.80%–24.28% and 11.60%–11.77%, respectively. These results also suggest that these seed oils have a potential as a vegetable oil source for food industry.