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Abstract

A greenhouse and field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of Azotobacter (Azotobacter chroococcum), Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (Pseudomonas fluorescens), and Arbuscular mycorrhiza-like fungi (Sebacinca vermifera) on seed germination, physiology, and essential oil production of dill (Anethum graveolens). The experimentation was comprised of a randomized complete block design with six replicates of each treatment. Evaluation of germination was done using parameters; germination percentage, mean germination time, germination index, T 50 of germination, seedling vigour, and vigour index. Physiological responses include the parameters for total length, total fresh weight, and total dry weight of the plant. For physiological evaluation, harvesting of plants was done a total of four times at an interval of 30 days i.e. on 30, 60, 90, 120 days after transplantation. Essential oil analysis was done by hydrodistillation followed by Gas chromatography-Mass spectrometry. All the data collected were statistically analyzed using the GraphPad Prism v6 software package. Results showed that all treatments negatively affected the emergence behavior of seeds, whereas physiology of plants and essential oil production by Sebacina vermifera were significantly higher than other treatments. More specific to essential oil, treatments not only affected the total yield of essential oil but also affected the most components of essential oil. This study is potentially representing an alternative way of promoting the growth and biosynthesis of essential oils in dill. INTRODUCTION:Anethum graveolens L. (Dill) is an aromatic and herbaceous annual plant that belongs to the family Umbelliferae (Apiaceae). This plant is indigenous to the Mediterranean, central and southern Asia 1 . This plant has been used in condiments and medicinal purposes since Egyptian times 2 .