Effects of different sowing times on some agronomical and technological characteristics of dill (Anethum graveolens L.) in Diyarbakir ecological conditions

This study was conducted to determine the effect of different sowing times on the agronomical and technological characteristics of dill (Anethum graveolens L.). The study was carried out at the experimental area of Department of Field Crops,Agriculture Faculty, Dicle University during 2008-09 growing season under Diyarbakır ecological conditions. In the study, plant height, branch number, umbel number per plant, umbel diameter, fruit number per umbel, thousand fruit weight, fruit yield, fresh and dry herbage yield, fruit essential oil content, essential oil components and mineral content of dry herbs were investigated.In the research, plant height was varied between 64.1-79.3 cm, branch number between 3.2-6.3 per plant, umbel number between 4.4-9.8 per plant, umbel diameter 4.6-7.3 cm, fruit number per plant between 172.5-210.5, fruit yield between 35.6-73.2 kg/da and fruit essential oil content varied between 1.3-1.55%. The main component of dill essential oil were found as R-(-)-carvone 51.42%, D-limonene 38.9, -phellandrene 2.02%, 3,6 dimethtyl-2,3,3a,4,5,7a-hexahydrobenzofuran 1.21% and, apiole 1.91%. Carvone content was determined as 51.42 for winter sowing and 55.56% for summer sowing, respectively. Ca, Fe and Mg content of dry herb were determined as between 18883 and 19567 mg/kg, 222.8 and 535.1 mg/kg, 1833 and 2347 mg/kg, respectively.