ABSTRACT
Anethum graveolens (Dill) is an annual herb with a long history of use since ancient times. Even to date, dill has popular for medicinal, culinary and environmental uses. Dill has traditionally been used for various therapeutic purposes such as stimulating breast milk production, colic, cramps and treating digestive system infections. It has antihyperlipidemic, antihypercholesterolemic and antioxidant activities and is widely cultivated in various parts of the world. Various compounds have been isolated from the seeds, leaves and inflorescence of dill, with the main ones being the monoterpenes carvone and limonene. Dill is a commercially important crop whose productivity is affected by a number of biotic stress factors such as pests and diseases as well as abiotic stresses such as heat, drought and salinity. This chapter explores the different biotic and abiotic stressors of A. graveolens and modulates the composition of secondary metabolites and essential oil. The chapter also highlights the possibilities of manipulating different stress factors to increase certain secondary metabolites of pharmacological importance.
