Effect of nitrogen application on growth, yield and oil contents of Fennel ( Foenoculum vulgare Mill.)

Abstract

Fennel is used in pharmaceutical, preparation of various dishes, confectionaries and cosmetic products in Pakistan. Therefore, there is a dire need to know optimum nitrogen level for higher seed yield and oil contents of fennel. Field studies pertaining to the effects of different levels of nitrogen viz., 0, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105 and 120 kg ha-1 on growth, seed yield and oil contents of fennel were carried out at the Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, during two consecutive years 2006 to 2007 and 2007 to 2008. Seed yield and yield components were influenced significantly by different levels of nitrogen application. The treatments of 90 kg N ha-1 produced higher seed yield but it was statistically similar to 105 and 120 kg N ha-1. The increase in yield was mainly due to greater plant height, umbels per plant, seeds per umbel and 1000-seed weight. The nitrogen application at the rate of 90 kg ha-1 seems to be the economical dose for fennel under agro-climatic conditions of Faisalabad.