Influence of Ecological Conditions on Seeds Traits and Essential Oil Contents in Anise (Pimpinella anisum L.)

Anise (Pimpinella anisum L.) is an annual plant of the Apiaceae family, widely cultivated for seeds (fruits) and essential oil. Under field condition anise is cultivated wide range of countries in Southern Europe 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 quality traits of anise seed principal traits (thousand seed mass, germination energy and total germination) as well as on content and quality of its essential oil. During experiment thousand seed mass was significantly lower in 2012 in comparison to the previous year. Germination energy and total germination were significantly higher in 2011, because of more favourable weather conditions for seed development during this year. A significantly higher concentration of essential oil was accumulated in 2011 in comparison to 2012. This can be attributed to a longer period of fruit formation and synthesis of essential oils and better climate conditions. Unlike the content of essential oil, trans-anethole content was significantly higher in dry 2012 than in 2011. It can be concluded that drought caused significantly decrease in weight of thousand seed, germination energy and total germination and content of essential oil in anise. Contrary to this, trans-anethole content was significantly higher in the dry year. It can be assumed that under stress conditions the amount of trans-anethole in the essential oil increased, because in such conditions the plants produce more secondary metabolites, the substances that prevent oxidation processes in the cells.