RF-125

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.

Key facts

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.

RF-125 in detail

RF-125 is an exceptionally short-duration fennel variety from Rajasthan that matures in roughly 110-130 days, a rarity in fennel breeding, allowing quicker turnover and supporting denser planting.

Origin & story

RF-125 was developed at SKN College of Agriculture, Jobner (under the Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University / earlier RAU system) in Rajasthan. It was bred by recurrent half-sib selection from an exotic collection (EC-243380 from Italy) and identified for release in the late 1990s. It belongs to the Rajasthan Fennel (RF) series developed for northern India's major fennel-growing region.

How it grows

Plants are short-statured and compact, with dense umbels and long, bold seeds that suit higher planting density. The variety reaches maturity in about 110-130 days, shorter than many standard fennel varieties, which lets growers complete the crop quickly. Expected seed yield is around 17 quintals per hectare under conventional management.

Quality & character

Seeds are long and bold, larger than those of several other varieties. Umbels are compact, and the plant is short with condensed branching, concentrating the seed crop into a smaller footprint, typical of short-stature fennel cultivars.

Why it matters to buyers

The early-maturing trait shortens the field cycle, which can help with seasonal crop flows and rotation in arid Rajasthan systems. Short stature and bold, uniform seed appeal to growers seeking consistent morphology. One caution: in a screening trial at SKN College of Agriculture, Jobner (rabi 2021-22), RF-125 showed high susceptibility to root rot caused by Fusarium solani (around 70% incidence), the highest among the varieties tested, whereas RF-101 was the most resistant (around 20%). Buyers and growers should factor in soil health and moisture management.

Other fennel varieties

• Gujarat Fennel-11 (GF-11)
• Gujarat Fennel-12 (GF-12)
• Ajmer Fennel-1 (AF-1)
• Ajmer Fennel-2 (AF-2)
• Ajmer Fennel-3 (AF-3)
• Hisar Swarup (HF-33)
• Co-1
• PF-35
• RF-35
• Lucknow Fennel
• Gujarat Bold-Seed Type (Regional)
• Rajasthan Bold-Seed Type (Regional)