Influence of ecological conditions on seeds traits and essential oil contents in anise (Pimpinella anisum L.)

Abstract

Anise (Pimpinella anisum L.) is an annual plant of the Apiaceae family, widely cultivated for the seed and essential oil. Under field condition, anise is cultivated in a vast number of countries including Serbia. Field experiments were carried out during two growing seasons, at three localities, in order to determine the effect of different soil and climatic conditions on the quality of anise seed principal traits (thousand seed weight, germination energy and total germination) as well as on the content and quality of its essential oil. During the experiment it was found that the value of aniseed principal traits was significantly lower in hotter and drier year in comparison to the year with moderate conditions, because of more favourable weather conditions for seed development during this year. A significantly higher concentration of essential oil was also accumulated in the moderate year in comparison to the dry and hot one. This can be attributed to a longer period of fruit formation and synthesis of essential oils and better climatic conditions. It can be concluded that drought caused a significant decrease in thousand seed weight, germination energy and total germination as well as essential oil content in anise. Contrary to this, the content of trans-anethole was significantly higher in the dry year. It can be assumed that under stress conditions the amount of trans-anethole in the essential oil increases, because in such conditions the plants produce more secondary metabolites, substances that prevent oxidation processes in the cells.