Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on growth, yield attributes and yield of direct-seeded rabi fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.)

A field experiment was conducted during rabi season of the year 2011-12 to study the response of direct-seeded rabi fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) to varying levels of nitrogen and phosphorus. There was a significant effect of nitrogen and phosphorus levels on plant height, number of branches per plant, number of umbels per plant, umbellates per umbel, seeds per umbel, test weight, stover yield and seed yield. Significantly the highest seed yield (18.67 q/ha) was recorded under 120 kg N/ha (N 3 ) which was at par with 90 kg N/ha (N2). Application of phosphorus at 60 kg P2O5/ha (P2) registered significantly the highest seed yield and found at par with 30 kg P 2 O 5 /ha (P 1 ).