2023.08.03.122

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Yield and Competitive Interaction between Black Seed (Nigella sativa L.) and Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) as Influenced by Inter and Intra-Specific Competition

Aryan S. A. Dizayee

Department of Field Crops and Medicinal Plants, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, Salahaddin University-Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

Corresponding E-mail: [email protected].

Available from. http://dx.doi.org/10.21931/RB/2023.08.03.122

ABSTRACT

The study aimed to investigate the yield and competitive interaction between black seed (Nigella sativa L.) and chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) under varying inter and intra-specific competition conditions. The pot experiment conducted at Grdarasha Research Farm, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences. The experiment involved two species (black seed and chickpea) one intra-specific competition treatment and four inter-specific competition treatments consist of different seed rate portions. The results postulate that higher mean value of number of capsule per plant possessed at inter-specific competition (5 black seed + 4 chickpea). Additionally, intra-specific competition postulated highest mean value of grain yield per plant for both black seed and chickpea respectively. Competitive interaction especially competitive balance index and relative yield (CBIc and RYc) was more superior than other parameters of competitive indices. These findings contribute to our understanding of the competitive dynamics between these two crops and provide insights for optimizing crop management practices in intra and inter-specific competitions.

Keywords: Black seed, Chickpea, Inter-specific competition, Intra-specific competition, Yield, Competitive Interaction

INTRODUCTION

Mixed cropping systems have gained attention as sustainable agricultural practices that enhance resource utilization and improved agricultural productivity¹ . Black seed refers to the seeds of the plant (Nigella sativa L.) it is an annual flowering plant belonging to the Ranunculaceae family². Black seed has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and culinary practices³. Chickpea, scientifically known as (Cicer arietinum L.), is a legume crop belonging to the Fabaceae family, it is one of the earliest cultivated crops and is widely consumed. Chickpeas are known for their high protein content and nutritional value ,Both black seed and chickpea are important crops with cultural, culinary, and economic significance, they have distinct characteristics, nutritional properties, and utilization purposes, making them valuable resources in agriculture, food production, and traditional medicine⁵. However, limited research has been conducted to explore the yield and competitive interaction between these two crops. Competitive interactions refer to the interactions between individuals or species that compete for limited resources within an ecological community ,These interactions can occur both (within a species) intra-specific competition and between (different species) inter-specific competition⁶. Competitive interactions may affect the distribution, abundance, and behavior of any organisms and play a highly significant role in designing community dynamics⁷. Competitive interactions can vary and depends on many factors such as resource availability, population densities, and the competitive abilities of the species involved⁸.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Experimental Design:

The pot experiment conducted at Grdarasha Research Farm, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences / Salahaddin University – Erbil / Iraq on location 36.2˚ N 44.1˚ E and elevation 440 m above mean sea level, during winter growing season 2021 and 2022. Two species, black seed (Nigella sativa L.) and chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), were included in the study followed a completely randomized design replicated thrice. The intra-specific competition treatment involved a fixed seed rate for each species, while the inter-specific competition treatments consisted of four different seed rates to induce varying levels of competition between the two species.

Pot Preparation, Planting and Crop Management:

Uniform-sized pots were used, and each pot was labeled accordingly. Seeds of black seed and chickpea var. Rafiddain, were sown in separate pots according to the specified treatments. For the intra-specific competition treatment, a fixed seed rate was used for each species (9 seed for black seed and 9 seed for chickpea). In addition, inter-specific competition treatments, different seed rates were applied to create varying levels of competition between the two species (6 seed black seed + 3 seed chickpea, 3 seed black seed + 6 seed chickpea, 5 seed black seed + 4 seed chickpea, 4 seed black seed + 5 seed chickpea). Mechanical and chemical analysis of soil is presented in Table (1).

Table. 1 Mechanical and chemical properties of the experimental soil during 2021-2022 winter growing season.

Cultural Practices

Adequate watering was provided to maintain optimal soil moisture levels throughout the experiment. Regular monitoring and removal of weeds were conducted to minimize interference and ensure the focus was on the target species.

Data Measurement

Data on various yield parameters were measured include (number of capsule, pod per plant and grain yield per plant). As for competitive indices which provide insights into the competitive ability and dynamics between the two species (black seed and chickpea) under varying levels of competition, such indices were measured include:

Aggressivity (A)

Aggressivity quantifies the competitive ability of one crop in suppressing the growth or yield of another crop⁹.

Aab = Yab / Yaa × Zab – Yba / Ybb × Zba

Competitive Balance Index (CBI)

It is calculated by comparing the actual species composition in a mixed stand with the expected species composition under conditions of perfect competition¹²

CBI = log (( Yab / Yba ) / ( Yaa / Ybb))

Competitive Ratio (CR)

CR measures the competitive ability of one crop over another in an intercropping system ¹³.

CRa = (( Yab /Yaa ) / ( Yba / Ybb ))

Relative Yield (RY)

It is calculated by dividing the yield of the focal species in mixed stands by its yield in monoculture ¹⁴.

RYa = Yab / Yaa

RYb = Yba / Ybb

Relative Yield Total (RYT)

RYT is a widely used competition index that measures the relative performance of intercropped crops compared to their yields in monoculture. It is calculated as the sum of the relative yields of each crop in the intercrop¹⁰

RYT = Yab / Yaa + Yba /Ybb

Where;

Yaa = Yield in pure stand of species (a).

Ybb = Yield in pure stand of species (b).

Yab = Mixture yield of species (a) in combination with species (b).

Yba = Mixture yield of species (b) in combination with species (a).

Zab = Sown proportion of species (a) in mixture with species (b).

Zba = Sown proportion of species (b) in mixture with species (a).

Statistical Analysis

The collected data were analyzed using appropriate statistical software¹⁵ , program. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to determine significant differences among treatments¹⁶. post hoc test at a P value of %5, were conducted to compare means and identify treatment effects.

RESULTS

Yield and Yield Component of Black Seed and Chickpea as Influenced by Intra and Inter-Specific Competition

Number of Capsules, Pods per Plant

Number of capsules, pod per plant is an important yield component that contributes to the overall productivity of crops. Figure (1) presents the mean number of capsules, pods per plant for black seed and chickpea under different competition scenarios. The results indicate that the number of capsules, pods per plant varied significantly (P ≤ 0.05) among the different treatments.

Figure 1. Effect of intra and inter-specific competition on the number of capsules, and pods per plant of black seed and chickpea

Grain Yield per Plant-1

Grain yield per plant-1 is a crucial parameter that directly represent the amount of harvested grains or seeds produced by an individual plant and is an essential indicator of crop performance and yield potential. The results indicate that the mean grain yield per plant showed highly significant effects (P ≤ 0.05) among the different treatments figure (2).

Figure 2. Effect intra and inter-specific competition on grain yield per plant-1 of black seed and chickpea.

Competitive Interaction of Black seed and Chickpea as Influenced by Intra and Inter-Specific Competition

Aggressivity (A)

Is a measure used to postulate the competitive ability of one species compared to another species in mixtures. A species with higher aggressivity has a greater negative influence on other species, causing to reduced plant growth and productivity. Aggressivity (A) was calculated for black seed (Ab) and chickpea (Ac) by using a model applied by Mc Gilchriest, 1965 figure (3). As shown in equation (3.1 and 3.2) respectively.

Ab = -0.023x – 0.200 …..….. 3.1 R2 = 0.0992

Ac = 0.013x + 0.225 …..….. 3.2 R2 = 0.0317

Figure 3. Aggressivity (A) in black seed (Ab) and chickpea (Ac) in for different seed portions of inter-specific competition.

Competitive Balance Index (CBI)

The Competitive Balance Index is a parameter used to evaluate the relative competitive abilities of different species in a mixed community. CBI values range from (0 to 1), where values closer to (1) indicate a more balanced competition among species. Figure (4) disclosed competitive balance index (CBI) of black seed (ABIb) and chickpea (CBIc) were modified according to equation (3.3 and 3.4) respectively.

CBIb = -0.025x - 0.115 …..….. 3.3 R² = 0.0834

CBIc = 0.0541x + 0.043 …..….. 3.4 R² = 0.3966

Figure 4. Competitive Balance Index (CBI) in black seed (CBIb) and chickpea (CBIc) in for different seed portions of inter-specific competition.

Competitive Ratio (CR)

CR is a parameter that compares the yield of one species to that of a competing species. Figure (5) revealed a competitive ratio of black seed (CRb) and chickpea (CRb) were behaved according to equation (3.5 and 3.6) respectively.

CRb = -0.026x + 0.765 …..….. 3.5 R² = 0.0353

CRc = 0.086x + 1.39 …..….. 3.6 R² = 0.0771

Figure 5. Competitive Ratio (CR) in black seed (CRb) and chickpea (CRc) in for different seed portions of inter-specific competition.

Relative Yield (RY), and Relative Yield Total (RYT)

Relative yield (RY) compares the yield of a species in mixed-stands to its yield in mono-stands. In addition, relative yield total calculated by summing of relative yields of all species in the mixed-stands. Figure (6) indicate (RYb, RYc and RYT) of black seed and chickpea were expressed according to equation (3.7, 3.8 and 3.9).

RYb = -0.045x + 0.64 …..….. 3.7 R² = 0.0894

RYc = -0.051x + 0.91 …..….. 3.8 R² = 0.3489

RYT = -0.114x + 1.605 …..….. 3.9 R² = 0.2349

Figure 6. Relative Yield (RYbc) and Relative Yield Total (RYT) in black seed and chickpea in for different seed portions of inter-specific competition

Dual Competition Model

Yield in Mono (Intra-specific competition)

According to ¹⁴ (yield in mono) based on density versus grain yield per plant-1 for both (black seed and chickpea) figure (7. a,b).

Figure 7. a,b Yield in mono (intra-specific competition) based on density versus grain yield per plant.

Yield in Mix (Inter-specific competition)

In addition, according to ¹⁷ we found the general model (yield in mixture) intra and inter-specific competition as follows:

Ybc= Nb/(bb0 +bbbNb+bbc+bbcNc)

Ybc= Nb/(10.81338 -0.6976Nb+0.0001+0.0001Nc)

Ycb= Nc/(bc0 +bccNc+bcb+bcbNb)

Ycb= Nc/(7.016775 -0.88025Nc+0.0001+0.0001Nb)

DISCUSSION

In the intra-specific competition treatment, black seed possessed the lower mean number (1.11), while higher mean number (1.93) possessed at inter-specific competition (5+4) respectively. However, chickpea showed maximum and minimum mean number of pods at inter-specific competition with black seed at treatment (6+3 and 3+6) with their mean values of (3.00 and 0.94) respectively. The presence of a competitor species leads to resource limitation and reduced reproductive output in both species^18,19.

Intra-specific competition postulated highest mean values (1.16 and 1.83) for both black seed and chickpea respectively, whereas lowest mean values (0.78 and 1.22) was recorded at inter-specific competition (3+6) respectively ^{20 ,21} . reported that coefficient analysis has shown that number of pod and seed size have the biggest effects on yield.

These interactions can occur both (within a species) intra-specific competition and between (different species) inter-specific competition6. Competitive interactions may affect the distribution, abundance, and behavior of any organisms and play a highly significant role in designing community dynamics. Competitive interactions can vary and depends on many factors such as resource availability, population densities, and the competitive abilities of the species involved

Alternatively, they can result in resource partitioning, where species adapt and specialize to utilize different resources, reducing the intensity of direct competition and allowing coexistence²². Competitive interaction is essential for studying community ecology, species coexistence, and ecosystem dynamics ^23,24. This pot experiment aimed to investigate the effects of intra and inter-specific competition on the yield and competitive dynamics of black seed and chickpea, focusing on one intra and four different seed rates of inter-specific competition²⁵.

CONCLUSIONS

The concept of competitive ratio and relative yield between black seed and chickpea crops provides valuable insights into their competitive dynamics and resource partitioning within inter and intra-specific competition. While research findings have shown diverse outcomes, it is evident that a comprehensive understanding of competitive ratio and relative yield is essential for maximizing the benefits of intercropping, such as increased productivity, efficient resource utilization, and ecological sustainability. Further research is needed to explore specific factors influencing the competitive ratio and relative yield between black seed and chickpea crops under different environmental conditions.

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Received: 25 June 2023/ Accepted: 26 August 2023 / Published:15 September 2023

Citation: Dizayee A.AS. Yield and Competitive Interaction between Black Seed (Nigella sativa L.) and Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) as Influenced by Inter and Intra-Specific Competition. Revis Bionatura 2023;8 (3) 122 http://dx.doi.org/10.21931/RB/2023.08.03.122