Gamma Radiation Effects Seed Germination, Plant Growth and Yield Attributing Characters of Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.)

Narrow genetic base is the main problem hindering the conventional breeding in fennel. Hence, an experiment was planned using the dried seeds of fennel irradiated with different doses (15kR, 17.5kR, 20kR, 22.5kR and 25kR) of gamma rays. The number of primary branches on harvesting was showed significant difference as compared to control. In case of the number of secondary branches on harvesting the difference was non-significant. The control plants showed earlier (87.6 days) flowering compared to the gamma rays treated plants. In the same way, earlier maturity was recorded in control (143.6 days) followed by 15kR (144.2 days), 17.5kR (145 days), 20kR (147 days), 22.5kR (148.4 days) and 25kR (150.4 days). Significant difference was observed with regards to number of umbels per plant, number of umbellate per umbel, number of seeds per umbellate, number of seeds per umbel, 1000 seed weight (g) and seed yield per plant (g).