Combined effect of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria and gamma radiation on growth and essential oil productivity of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare l.) [electronic resource].

Includes references.

Seeds of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare, Miller) were irradiated with gamma rays at doses of 0, 50, 100 and 150 Gray. Irradiated and non-irradiated fennel seeds were soaked in bacterial suspension of B. subtilis, P. fluorescens, Sinorhizobium and Bradyrhizobium for 15 min. Treated and non-treated seeds were cultivated in sandy loam soil at two successive seasons of 2008 and 2009. At full blooming stage, fresh and dry weights of plant shoots were recorded. However, at full maturity, fruits were harvested and seed yield was recorded. Essential oil percent was determined in fennel seeds and oil yield was calculated. GLC was carried out for essential oils extracted from non-irradiated and irradiated seeds at 100 Gray under the different bacterial inoculation. In addition, sugars and chlorophyll contents were determined in fennel plant shoots. Results showed that all the applied treatments had the capacity to stimulate plant growth as it increased fresh and dry weights of the grown plants and intern increased fruits and seeds yield. Essential oil production was increased due to the enhancement of seeds yield.

Summary in Arabic.

1