The field study was commenced during the winter of 2020–2021 to study the effects of planting times and licorice extract foliar application on the growth, yield, and quality traits of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.), conducted at the city of Karma, Anbar Governorate, Iraq. The experiment layout had randomized complete block design (RCBD) with a split-plot arrangement, with two factors. The planting dates November 1 and 20 and December 10, 2020 were the first consideration; the second was the licorice extract with three concentrations 0, 20, and 40 g L-1. The results revealed early planting (first of November) of cumin led to a significant increase in all the studied traits compared with the medium- and late-planting dates. Licorice extract concentration (40 g L-1) effectively improved growth and production characters and enhanced the oil and protein content in cumin fruits (2.62% and 18.52%, respectively). In the interaction of early planting date (November 1) and licorice extract (40 g L-1), the highest yield (1.95 g plant-1) appeared compared with the late planting with the control treatment, which revealed the lowest yield (0.98 g plant-1). The results concluded increasing cumin fruit yield with improved proportions of oil and protein can result from the early planting and foliar application of licorice extract (40 g L-1).
Cumin (C. cyminum L.), planting times, licorice extract concentrations, photoperiods, fruits’ oil and protein content
Results revealed by adopting early planting with licorice concentration (40 g L-1), the cumin (C. cyminum L.) growth and yield traits and fruits’ oil and protein content can be considerably improved.