Genetic diversity in fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Miller)

Abstract

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Miller), family 'Apiaceae' is important for its seeds and essential oil. The seeds are also regarded as aromatic, carminative, emmenagogue, and stimulant and stomachic almost anywhere the spices are encountered [1, 2]. In the present study, genetic divergence among landraces was quantified by multivariate analysis with the objectives: (i) to assess the proximity of landraces thus classify them in different clusters/groups, (ii) to identify highly divergent clusters/promising genotypes for high seed and oil yield of better quality.