Some Phenotypic Selection Criteria to Improve Seed Yield and Essential Oil Percentage of Sweet Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill. var. Dulce)

Abstract

The research was aimed to determine relationships between seed yield and some yield components of 20 sweet fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill. var dulce) lines. The highest positive correlation (r=0.915) was recorded between biological yield and single plant yield. Plant height, number of branches, number of umbels and umbellets had a positive effect on single plant yield. One thousand seed weight was negatively correlated with essential oil percentage. The highest positive and direct effect on seed yield was shown by number of umbellets, while maximum negative and direct contribution to it was made by biological yield. In addition, single plant yield, plant height and one thousand seed weight affected seed yield positively. Single plant yield had maximum direct effect (32.95%) on essential oil percentage followed by plant height (24.60%) and number of branches (15.11%). In conclusion, it could be suggested that single plant yield, number of umbellets and plant height are good phenotypic selection criteria to improve seed yield and essential oil percentage of sweet fennel.