Fenugreek is one of the oldest known medicinal plants that have long been used in traditional medicine in many parts of the world. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of nitrogen fertilization and Rhizobium meliloti inoculation on the yield, yield components and seed quality of fenugreek. The experiment was performed during two growing seasons. Chlorophyll content was determined with the use of a SPAD-502 chlorophyll meter. After harvest, biometric measurements were performed and the chemical composition of vegetative organs and seeds was determined in fenugreek plants. At 43 DAS, the chlorophyll content of control plant leaves was determined as 46 SPAD, and it decreased with the plant growth. In treatments fertilized with nitrogen, the chlorophyll content of leaves increased from 48.5 (N0.5) - 56.1 (N1) SPAD (43 DAS) to 58.2 (N0.5) - 60.6 (N1) SPAD (58 DAS). Seed inoculation with Rhizobium meliloti was more highly correlated with seed quality than the plant conformation and yield components. The inoculation decreased (by 11.5%) the crude fat content of fenugreek seeds, but increased phosphorus, calcium and sodium concentrations. The nitrogen fertilization significantly influenced morphological parameters and yield components, and it contributed to a significant increase in the total protein content of seeds.

19.4.2014