Fennel variety · Released variety
Ajmer Fennel-2 (AF-2)
Also known as AF-2
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.
Key facts
| Type | Released variety |
|---|---|
| Origin | ICAR-National Research Centre on Seed Spices (NRCSS), Ajmer |
| Breeder / source | ICAR-NRCSS Ajmer |
| Year released | 2018 |
| Parentage | NRCSS germplasm selection, refined through multi-location trials (2010–2015) |
| Yield | 5 quintals/ha (10.62–12.94% higher than checks RF-205 and RF-101) |
| Tolerance | Ramularia blight, aphid tolerance |
| Distinctive features | Bold, aromatic seeds, 1.9% essential oil, 145–150 cm plant height, well-branched |
| Grown in | Rajasthan, Gujarat |
| Also known as | AF-2 |
Figures are indicative, compiled from public agricultural sources (ICAR institutes, State Agricultural Universities, the Spices Board and the National Innovation Foundation) and vary with soil, season and management. Confirm with your local package of practices.
Ajmer Fennel-2 (AF-2) in detail
Ajmer Fennel-2 is a high-yielding fennel selected at ICAR-NRCSS Ajmer for strong essential oil content and disease tolerance, grown across northern India's fennel belt.
Origin & story
Released in 2018 by ICAR-National Research Centre on Seed Spices (NRCSS), Ajmer, following multi-location trials across 27 sites in India between 2010 and 2015, and notified by the Central Variety Release Committee.
How it grows
Sown around mid-October (15th October) for optimal growth, mainly in Rajasthan and Gujarat; 8-10 kg/ha seed rate at 50 cm row-to-row and 25 cm plant-to-plant spacing. Yields 17.9 q/ha on average, about 10.6% higher than the RF-205 check and 12.9% higher than RF-101. Requires 5-6 irrigations and a fertiliser dose of 90 kg N, 40 kg P2O5, 30 kg K2O per hectare plus 5-10 t/ha farmyard manure. Moderately resistant to Ramularia blight and less susceptible to aphids than older varieties.
Quality & character
Bold, aromatic seeds; 1.9% essential oil with 57.5% anethole plus estragole. Plants reach about 145-150 cm, semi-erect and well-branched. A short first internode aids structural stability.
Why it matters to buyers
Essential oil content is reported about 18.5% higher than RF-205 and 11.7% higher than RF-101, which makes AF-2 of interest for essential oil extraction and whole-seed trade. Its disease tolerance can reduce crop-loss risk and agrochemical use, and steady yields suit bulk supply arrangements.
About fennel
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) has been cultivated across India for centuries, particularly in the arid and semi-arid regions of Gujarat and Rajasthan, which together account for approximately 90-96% of national production. From traditional landraces to modern released varieties bred by ICAR institutes and state agricultural universities, Indian fennel…
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