Effect of growth substances and Azotobacter on quality of seed produced by different order umbels in transplanted fennel

The studies were carried out to find out the effect of growth substances and Azotobacter on quality of seed produced by different order umbels in fennel. Mean contribution to total seed yield by main, primary, secondary and tertiary umbels was 8.8, 56.7, 29.5 and 5.0%, respectively. Quality of the seed measured in terms of test weight, germination percentage and vigour index was much better for the seeds harvested from main and primary umbels and poorest for the seeds harvested from tertiary umbels. Treatment of seeds before sowing in nursery with Azotobacter, significantly improved the different parameters of seed quality. Treatment of seedlings with Azotobacter also had beneficial effect on seed quality. Treatment of seedlings with’ Azotobacter +100 mg/l IBA reduced the seed quality.