The present study was carried out at El - Sheikh Zowaid Research Station - Desert Research Center, North Sinai Governorate during the two successive seasons of 2008/2009 and 2009/2010. The objective of this work was to study the effect of sowing date, applying of chemical fertilizers, biofertilizer and organic fertilizers on the vegetative growth and essential oil productivity of Foeniculum vulgar var. panmorium ( Indian fennel type). However, the highest values of vegetative growth measurements were obtained with application of F5 N80 P32 K 50 /fed. (100%recommended dose)+ Compost(CM) + Biofertilizer which produced the tallest plants, the heaviest fresh and dry weights of herb/plant as compared to other fertilization treatments . The early sowing date (7 October) approved to be the most effective one for producing the best vegetative growth in comparison with the other sowing dates. In addition, the highest values of umbels number/plant, fruit yield /plant (g) and per feddan (ton) and weight of 1000 fruits (g) were recorded by using the treatment of F5 N80 P32 K 50 /fed. (100%recommended dose)+ Compost(CM) + Biofertilizer. The highest oil percentage was belonged to fertilization treatment F4 ( Biofertilizer+5ton compost/fed). Whereas , the highest oil yield/plant was obtained from F5 fertilizer (N80 P32 K 50 /fed. (100%recommended dose)+ Compost(CM) + Biofertilizer. Also, delaying planting date decreased both oil percentage and oil yield/plant. The highest values were belonged to the early sowing date of 7 October. Moreover, the highest leaves N, P and P contents were gained by fertilized Indian fennel plants with the treatment of F5 N80 P32 K 50 /fed. (100%recommended dose)+ Compost(CM) + Biofertilizer in both seasons. |
