Fennel: A comprehensive review of its botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, agronomic practices and post-harvest handling
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Rajender
PAU, Ludhiana
Author
Abstract
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.), a multi-purpose and odoriferous medicinal plant, has many culinary, pharmaceutical and even industrial applications. This review is a summative of botanical, therapeutic and agronomic management practices of fennel. Fennel can adjust to different agro-climatic situations, and its seeds are known to be rich in essential oils that have various health-promoting effects. The paper explores its morphological characteristics, growth behaviour as well as the best methods of cultivation, including timely sowing, nutrient management, timing of irrigation, and pests and diseases control measures. Sustainable agronomic practices, especially those that correlate with the organic and integrated nutrient management systems, are also brought to the limelight to increase productivity and quality of fennel. While developing a list of the existing information related to cultivation and use of fennel, the purpose of this review is to support further investigation and promote the popularity of the crop in a diversified agricultural system.
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