Effect of different sowing methods and times on the growth and yield of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill)

A field experiment was conducted at the Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad during winter 2003-04 and 2004-05 to evaluate the effect of four sowing methods viz., broadcast, line sowing (45 cm), ridge sowing (45 cm) and bed sowing (45/45 cm) on growth and yield of fennel sown on 14 th September, 14 th October and 14 th November 2004. The crop sown in lines gave significantly higher seed yield due to higher number of umbels per plant and number of seeds per umbel. Plant height and biological yield were only influenced during the year 2004-05. The fennel sown on 14 th November produced significantly lowest seed yield than 14 th September and 14 th October mainly due to lower stand density, number of umbels per plant and number of seeds per umbel. The line sowing of fennel in mid October seems to be the best combination for getting higher fennel seed yield.