Employing Modern Technologies in the Cultivation and Production of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.)

Abstract

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is an annual plant of Fabaceae family. It has various medicinal properties. The plant is used as spice or forage crop. It is native to the Mediterranean countries and it is also used as a spice plant in many parts of the world. The seeds and leaves of the fenugreek have been used commonly in traditional medicine because of including some important phytochemicals such as diosgenin, trigonellin, and fenugreekine. The used area of the fenugreek should be increased in different industry as food containing health-giving additives and having medicinal benefit as its phytochemicals. Fenugreek cultivation can increase the diversity of farming systems, improve its profitability, and make an important contribution to human health. This plant has been grown in arid and semi-arid region of the world as easily. However, yield, production and sowing area of fenugreek have lower values compared to other legume plants. Thus, best scientific strategies including breeding programs or cultural application should be implemented to improve the high yield of fenugreek species. Applications of different agricultural system can increase the fenugreek yield and phytochemical properties, thus it can contribute both crop production and soil management. This chapter emphasizes on the various scientific prospective including agricultural, agronomical, nutraceuticals, and industrial uses of fenugreek from past to present. In addition to this, it will moot for new research areas and different used areas of fenugreek.