Effects of fenugreek and dill different intercropping patterns and harvesting times on essential oil of dill

Abstract

Intercropping is an important and sustainable cropping practice in agroecosystems. Intercropping is a planting technique that farmers and gardeners can use to promote beneficial plant interactions and increases in biodiversity, enhanced production and lower economic risk. In the search for sustainable agricultural methods for medicinal plants, fenugreek and dill plants were intercropped at different additive (1:20, 1:40 and 1:60) and replacement (1:1, 1:2 and 1:3) series, at the Research Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Iran. Field experiment was arranged as split plot based on randomized complete block design in three replicates. Dill umbels were harvested at flowering, pasty and complete ripening stages. Results showed that among harvesting times, pasty stage had maximum essential oil percentage, essential oil yield and harvest index of essential oil, whereas among intercropping patterns, 1:1 and 1:20 treatments had the maximum values. Fenugreek as a medicinal, forage and legume crop promote dill essential oil yield and harvest index and could be an effective plant in intercropping systems.