Effect of Seed Rate and Sowing Method on Seed Yield of Fennel

Abstract

The present study was carried out at the research field of Spices Research Sub-Centre, Faridpur during Rabi season 2018-19. The experiment was done to determine the optimum seed rate and suitable sowing method for fennel cultivation to increase seed yield and quality of fennel. The experimental field belongs to high land of Low Ganges River Floodplain (AEZ 12) with clay loam in texture having 7.6-8.1 soil pH. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (factorial) with three replications. Four different seed rates viz., 6, 8, 10 and 12 kg seed/ha and two sowing methods viz., Broadcasting and Line sowing method were evaluated. All of all yield contributing parameters (number of plants per m2, number of branches per plant, number of umbels per plant, number of umbel lets per umbel, number of seeds per umbel let and seed yield (kg/ha)  showed better result where seeds were sown at 10 kg/ha with line sowing method. Most of all yield contributing characters showed minimum results where seeds were sown at 6 kg seed/ha.The highest seed yield (1569 kg/ha) was recorded from the treatment combination of 10 kg seed/ha ×  line sowing method with highest benefit-cost ratio (2.9). The lowest seed yield (985.8 kg/ha) was recorded from 6 kg seed/ha × Broadcasting method with lowest benefit-cost ratio (1.87).