TRICHODERMA INOCULUM AS GROWTH AND NUTRITION ENHANCER FOR NEGLECTED NIGELLA SATIVA L. CROP

Nigella sativa L. seeds play a pivotal role in both the spice industry, enhancing global flavors, and in traditional medicine. This study aims to enhance the quality and yield of Nigella sativa L. in Pakistan, aligning with SDG3 (good health and wellbeing) by exploring the use of chemical and biofertilizers. Nigella sativa L. (Ranunculaceae) is utilized as a therapeutic plant globally, but its production in Pakistan is unsatisfactory. The hypothesis tested the potential of Trichoderma strains (Trichoderma harzianum, T. hamatum, T. viride) to boost Nigella sativa growth and nutrition. The most promising results came from the combination of T. viride and T. harzianum, which improved plant growth, morphological traits, and yield in comparison to either strain alone or chemical fertilizers. The Trichoderma combination indicated the existence of more maximum phytochemicals like alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and steroids in qualitative assay than the control. In antioxidant assays, a higher concentration of phenolic compounds was found in petroleum ether extract. Higher levels of radical scavenging were noted in methanol extracts. Significant levels of moisture, ash, proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates were revealed by statistical nutrition analysis, confirming the use of Trichoderma in combination for evident plant growth and pathogen protection and nutrition.