Exogenous application of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) alleviates the effect of water deficit stress in black cumin (Nigella sativa L.)

Water deficit is an abiotic stress factor that negatively affects black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) production. Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), an endogenous signaling molecule and metabolite, has high physiological and molecular activity in plant cells, which can promote tolerance to water deficit stress, but little information is available on the effect of exogenous application on growth of black cumin. A field experiment over two years was carried out at a farm located in Naqadeh-Urmia, West Azerbaijan, Iran to evaluate the effects of GABA on some agronomic and biochemical attributes of black cumin under water deficit stress conditions. Three irrigation treatments (irrigation after 50, 100, and 150 mm evaporation based on evaporation from class A pan) and four levels of GABA application (0, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg L−1) were tested. Irrespective of GABA application, the severe water deficit treatment (i.e., irrigation after 150 mm evaporation) provided the lowest seed number per follicle, 1000-seed weight, and seed yield. Increasing water deficit, significantly reduced chlorophyll a by 8.2 to 15.8% and chlorophyll b by 18.4 to 41.5%, whereas GABA application significantly improved these traits. The application of 2.0 mg L−1 GABA increased chlorophyll a content by 6.2% and chlorophyll b content by 19.2% compared with control. In addition, GABA application showed a positive and significant effect on soluble sugars content, proline accumulation, and catalase (CAT) activity. The maximum values of these variables were obtained with the application of GABA at 2.0 mg L−1. CAT, peroxidase (POX), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased with decreasing chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b contents, whereas soluble sugars and proline content increased with increasing activity of those antioxidant enzymes. Overall, in addition to cellular mechanisms, such as osmoregulation and antioxidant defense, GABA application can improve growth and productivity of black cumin under water deficit stress conditions.