The Impact of Various Nitrogen Treatments on Fennel Quality Attributes

Abstract

The present study was conducted to determine the effects of various nitrogen doses on the quality characteristics and macro-micro nutrient elements of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill. var. dulce) in Kahramanmaras conditions. The trial was conducted in 2020. Two different sweet fennel populations, Konya and Tokat 1, and six different N doses (0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 kg ha-1) were used in the study. Apart from fixed oil content and fixed oil yield, substantial variations between the two fennel populations were found in other traits. Nitrogen dosages significantly affected every trait except the fixed oil ratio. In terms of protein content, essential oil content, and essential oil output, Tokat 1 population exhibited higher values. Oleic acid was abundant in both groups, however Tokat 1 had lower palmitic acid ratios and greater oleic acid ratios than Konya population. Also, Tokat 1 population had higher trans-anethole ratios (90.20%), and Konya population was richer in terms of other essential oil components (α-pinene, Limonene, β-phellandrene, β-ocimene, and Fenchone); Tokat 1 population contained all other nutrient elements (N, Ca, Mn, Ze, Fe, Mg, P, and K) at higher ratios except Cu. Increasing nitrogen doses caused significant increases in fixed oil and essential oil components. Fixed oil components were higher at 150 kg ha-1 N dose. The highest trans-anethole content (88.44%) was detected at a 90 kg ha-1 N dose.