Journal of Horticultural Science
with the collaboration of Iranian Scientific Association for Landscape (ISAL)

Investigating Quantitative and Qualitative Traits of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill) under the Effect of Different Growth Stages and Levels of Foliar Spraying with Potassium Nanoparticles

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

N. Gharehbaghli 1
A. Mehraban 2

1 Crop and Horticultural Science Research Department, Hamedan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center Research and Education Center (AREEO), Hamadan. Iran

2 Department of Agriculture, Zahedan Unit, Islamic Azad University, Zahedan, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22067/jhs.2025.92581.1420
Abstract
Introduction
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), a valuable medicinal plant belonging to the Apiaceae family, has been widely recognized for its medicinal and culinary uses. Its essential oils and bioactive compounds, such as anethole, fenchone, and estragole, have made it a significant crop in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries. Fennel is not only prized for its aromatic seeds and leaves but also for its therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects. Given the increasing global demand for high-quality medicinal plants, optimizing cultivation practices to enhance growth, yield, and essential oil production is crucial. Traditional agricultural practices often face challenges such as nutrient inefficiency, environmental degradation, and resource depletion, which can limit the productivity and sustainability of medicinal plant cultivation. In this context, nanotechnology, particularly the use of nanofertilizers, has emerged as a promising approach to improve nutrient efficiency and plant performance. Nanofertilizers offer several advantages over conventional fertilizers, including enhanced nutrient uptake, reduced application rates, and minimized environmental impact. This study aimed to investigate the effects of foliar application timing and varying concentrations of potassium nanoparticles on the growth characteristics and essential oil yield of fennel over two cropping years (2021-2022 and 2022-2023). By exploring the potential of nanotechnology in fennel cultivation, this research seeks to contribute to the development of sustainable agricultural practices that can meet the growing demand for medicinal plants while preserving environmental health.
 
Materials and Methods
The experiment was conducted as a factorial design in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The factors included foliar application timing at three growth stages: stem formation, flowering, and fruiting; and nano potassium oxide concentrations at five levels: 0 (control), 2, 3, 4, and 5 parts per thousand (ppt). The measured parameters included plant height, biomass yield, seed yield, 1000-seed weight, number of umbels per plant, seed carbohydrate content, chlorophyll a, b, and total chlorophyll levels, as well as essential oil percentage and yield.
 
 
 
Result and Discussion
The results demonstrated that foliar application of potassium nanoparticles significantly influenced the growth and essential oil production of fennel. The application of 3 ppt potassium nanoparticles had the most pronounced positive effects on plant height, biomass yield, seed yield, 1000-seed weight, number of umbels per plant, seed carbohydrate content, and chlorophyll levels (a, b, and total). This concentration was found to optimize nutrient uptake and utilization, leading to enhanced photosynthetic efficiency and overall plant vigor. In terms of essential oil production, the highest essential oil percentage (4.37%) was observed in plants treated with 5 ppt potassium nanoparticles. However, the maximum essential oil yield (5.69 kg.ha-1) was achieved with 4 ppt potassium nanoparticles applied during the fruiting stage. This indicates that while higher concentrations of potassium nanoparticles may increase the essential oil percentage, the optimal concentration for maximizing essential oil yield is 4 ppt during the fruiting stage. The fruiting stage was identified as the most critical period for foliar application, as it coincides with the peak demand for nutrients to support seed and essential oil developmentThe findings of this study highlight the importance of precise nutrient management in fennel cultivation. Potassium, as a vital macronutrient, plays a key role in various physiological processes, including enzyme activation, osmoregulation, and stress tolerance. The use of potassium nanoparticles enhances nutrient use efficiency by providing a controlled and sustained release of potassium, thereby improving plant growth and essential oil production. Furthermore, the application of nanotechnology in agriculture offers an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional fertilizers, reducing the risk of groundwater contamination and soil salinity. From an agronomic perspective, the results suggest that foliar application of 4 ppt potassium nanoparticles during the fruiting stage is the most effective strategy for maximizing essential oil yield in fennel. This approach not only improves the economic viability of fennel cultivation but also aligns with sustainable agricultural practices by minimizing input waste and environmental impact.
 
Conclusion
In conclusion, this study underscores the potential of nanotechnology, particularly potassium nanoparticles, in enhancing the growth and essential oil production of fennel. By optimizing foliar application timing and concentration, farmers can achieve higher yields and better-quality essential oils, thereby increasing the profitability of fennel cultivation. The findings of this research provide valuable insights into the role of nanotechnology in sustainable agriculture and its potential to address global challenges in food and medicinal plant production. Future research should explore the long-term effects of nanofertilizers on soil health and plant physiology, as well as their applicability to other medicinal plants. Additionally, studies on the economic feasibility and scalability of nanofertilizer use in different agricultural systems would be beneficial. This work contributes to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable agricultural practices and highlights the importance of integrating innovative technologies into traditional farming systems to ensure food security and environmental sustainability in the face of a changing climate and growing population.

Keywords

Carbohydrates
Chlorophyll
Essential oil
Nano potassium oxide
Subjects

Authors retain the copyright. This is an open access article distributed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
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  • Receive Date 11 March 2025
  • Revise Date 09 July 2025
  • Accept Date 18 August 2025
  • First Publish Date 18 August 2025

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