Fennel varieties

Gujarat Agricultural University, Spice Research Centre, Jagudan · Gujarat Agricultural University

First variety specifically recommended for rabi cultivation in Gujarat with bold seeds and synchronous flowering habit enabling coordinated harvest. Late heat tolerance sets it apart among fennel varieties. Greater number of seeds per umbel suits large-scale cultivation.

Gujarat Agricultural University, Spice Research Centre, Jagudan · Gujarat Agricultural University

High-yielding with exceptional stability across years and environments. Resistant to lodging, enabling mechanical harvesting. Superior to GF-1, GF-2, and GF-11 in growth and yield parameters. Recommended at national level during AICRP workshop on spices at Coimbatore.

ICAR-National Research Centre on Seed Spices (NRCSS), Ajmer · ICAR-NRCSS Ajmer

Tall, erect plants with large umbels and bold, medium-sized, fragrant seeds. High essential oil content suits both culinary and industrial use. Tolerant to Ramularia blight. Suitable for both rabi and late-maturing cultivation cycles.

ICAR-National Research Centre on Seed Spices (NRCSS), Ajmer · ICAR-NRCSS Ajmer · 2018

High-yielding, disease-resistant fennel with superior essential oil content. Tall, well-branched plants with bold, aromatic seeds. Released following extensive evaluation across 27 sites. Moderately resistant to Ramularia blight and less susceptible to aphid infestations. Suitable for timely sowing.

ICAR-National Research Centre on Seed Spices (NRCSS), Ajmer · ICAR-NRCSS Ajmer

High-yielding variety specifically bred for Ramularia blight resistance. Superior essential oil content addresses a major disease constraint in fennel cultivation. Developed for rainfed and semi-arid conditions typical of Rajasthan's fennel belt.

CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar · Department of Seed Science and Technology, CCSHAU

Semi-tall, spreading type with bold, long seeds and high oil content. Selected for Haryana's semi-arid environment and dryland conditions. Resistant to lodging and seed shattering. Excellent for seed production under rainfed cultivation.

Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore · TNAU, Coimbatore

Medium-tall cultivar with diffused branching. Notable for adaptation to diverse soil and water conditions—tolerates drought, waterlogging, salinity, and alkalinity. Suitable for hilly terrain cultivation and rainfed areas.

Gujarat Agricultural University, Gujarat (selection from Pilwai local germplasm) · Gujarat Agricultural University · 1973

Tall, spreading variety selected from traditional Pilwai local germplasm. Medium-sized hairless green seeds with good essential oil content. Tolerant to common foliar diseases. Well-suited to Gujarat and Rajasthan's rabi season.

Rajasthan (Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University / Swami Keshwanand RAU system) · SKNAU / SKRAU Rajasthan

Tall, spreading cultivar with medium-sized hairless green seeds. Moderately tolerant to common fennel diseases. Used as a check variety in breeding programs and multi-location trials across India for comparative evaluation.

Rajasthan (Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University / Swami Keshwanand RAU system) · SKNAU / SKRAU Rajasthan (SKN College of Agriculture, Jobner)

Short-stature variety with compact umbels and long bold seeds, enabling higher planting density. Exceptionally short maturity period (110–130 days) rare in fennel breeding. High yield potential relative to plant size and early maturity make it efficient for quick turnover.

Lucknow and surrounding region, Uttar Pradesh · Farmer-maintained landrace

Prized for distinctive sweetness and delicate aroma—long favoured by South Asian chefs and culinary traditions. Smaller, finer seeds than other Indian types. Notably milder and sweeter flavour profile. Traditional after-meal digestive (mukhwas) ingredient. High cultural significance in Indian cuisine.

Gujarat (major cultivation districts: Mehsana, Morbi, Banaskantha, Sabarkantha, Aravalli) · Farmer selection over generations

Large, premium-grade seeds commanding highest market prices across India and export markets. Vibrant green, aromatic, rich in essential oils. Represents the high-quality fennel type Gujarat is famous for in domestic and international trade. Cultivation optimized in Gujarat's semi-arid rabi season.

Rajasthan (major districts: Nagaur, Sirohi, Jodhpur, Pali, Swai Madhopur) · Farmer selection over generations

Bold seeds adapted to Rajasthan's arid climate. Grown predominantly in Nagaur district (estimated 10,000 ha alone). Important commercial type contributing approximately 90% of Rajasthan's fennel output. Semi-arid soil and climate conditions produce seeds with strong essential oil character.