3rd Edition Of Plant Science and Molecular Biology World Conference 2026

Abstract

Abstract:  Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is an important culinary spice crop widely cultivated in tropical and temperate regions. Essential oil of Fennel has diverse applications in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, cosmetic, and food industries due to its aromatic and therapeutic properties. The present study investigates the biochemical responses and secondary metabolite production in fennel under salinity stress, with particular emphasis on the role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation. Plants were subjected to varying levels of salinity (0, 40, 80, and 120 mM NaCl) at two different time intervals. Salinity stress resulted in a significant increase in proline accumulation, reducing sugar content, and the activity of antioxidant enzymes, indicating an enhanced stress response with increasing salinity intensity. However, AMF-inoculated plants exhibited reduced oxidative damage compared to non-inoculated plants, as evidenced by lower lipid peroxidation.  This reduction in oxidative stress was associated with enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity. Furthermore, AMF inoculation led to a significant increase in secondary metabolites, particularly total phenolics and key essential oil components such as anethole. In addition, high salinity, levels negatively affected overall essential oil synthesis due to growth inhibition, AMF symbiosis mitigated these adverse effects by improving plant growth and metabolic activity.  The findings suggest that AMF inoculation enhances salt stress tolerance in fennel by modulating biochemical and antioxidative mechanisms, thereby promoting secondary metabolite production. In conclusion, AMF inoculation can be considered a promising and eco-friendly strategy to alleviate salinity-induced stress and improve both growth and secondary metabolite yield in fennel, with potential applications in sustainable agriculture and the spice industry.