Influence of Harvest Stage of Fruits on Essential Oil Quantity and Main Component in Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) Endemic of Hamedan

Indication of the harvest time for spice and aromatic plants could be one of the most important factors on quality and quantity of the essential oil of a plant cultivated in the special region. The present study was conducted to define the suitable time for harvesting of Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) fruits, landrace of Hamedan. Fennel seeds purchased from Hamedan were cultured in college of Agriculture (Tarbiat Modares University) in Tehran. The experiment performed with three replications based on the randomized complete block design (RCBD). Fruits were harvested in two stages (waxy and full ripe). Then dried in the shade and their essential oils extracted by hydro-distillation method using Clevenger apparatus. After evaluation of the essential oil quantity, the quality of essential oil was analyzed using Gas Chromatography (GC) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS).The results showed that harvest time influences significantly the quantity of essential oils. Also the results showed that the highest percentage of essential oil obtained in waxy phase (% 3.43). Dominant component in the essential oils at both stages was Anethole which defined to be %76 of total amount of essential oil content.