Black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) -: A model plant for cytogenetical studies

Nigella sativa L. (common name - black cumin, family - Ranunculaceae) an annual herbaceous plant is a native of Eastern Mediterranean region and grown for its spice yielding and immense therapeutic properties. The aroma of seeds of black cumin is due to the presence of a novel alkaloid nigellicine. The species is gaining importance in both national and international markets as a major cash crop and therefore researchers should be triggered in the direction of its improvement exploring the breeding techniques through the manipulation of cytological and cytogenetical consequences. X sativa is a good material for cytological studies and can be used as a model plant in cytogenetical researchers. Present review documented cytological, cytogenetical and genetical aspects of N. sativa with the objective to generate interest amongst researchers in this field so that the species may further be explored cytogenetically for development of new genotypes relating to its improvement.