Abstract
The effect of different salinity levels (up to 300 mM NaCl) on germination, growth and some metabolic parameters of black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) was studied. The plant exhibited a good tolerance to salinity up to 150 mM during germination. But however, fresh and dry weight of shoot and root, Photosynthetic Pigments and leaf area were decreased when treatments were greater than 150 mM. Soluble and insoluble carbohydrates and proline contents increased with the increasing NaCl concentrations, whereas amino acids - free proline were reduced. Soluble protein was unaffected under all salinity levels, except in case of roots where it was decreased. Insoluble protein was decreased by increasing salinity. These results may lead to the suggestion that, black cumin is a salt tolerant plant and may be considered a glycophyte.