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Saunf (Fennel)RabiOpen-pollinatedUpdated 1 September 2026

Ajmer Fennel-2 (AF-2)

Released 2018 by ICAR-NRCSS, Ajmer after trials at 27 sites — the most widely adapted named fennel variety, semi-erect and compact with reduced aphid susceptibility.

SeasonRabi
Maturity periodMedium-long
Expected yield17.9 q/ha
Suitable soilLoam

Quick facts

Crop
Saunf (Fennel)
Type
Open-pollinated
Season
Rabi
Maturity period
Medium-long
Seed rate
10–12 kg/ha for direct sowing
Expected yield
17.9 q/ha
Suitable soil
Loam
Release
Released 16 January 2018 (S.O. 216(E)) · ICAR-National Research Centre on Seed Spices (NRCSS), Ajmer

About this variety

Ajmer Fennel-2 (AF-2) was officially released and notified by the Central Variety Release Committee (notification S.O. 216(E), 16 January 2018) after ICAR-National Research Centre on Seed Spices, Ajmer, ran multi-location trials across 27 sites in India between 2010 and 2015. It reports an average seed yield of 17.9 q/ha, about 10–13% higher than comparable varieties at the time of release, along with a high 1.9% essential-oil content (57.5% Anethol and Estragole). Its semi-erect, compact growth habit makes it easier to manage than taller, spreading types, and it is reported as less prone to aphid infestation — a genuine agronomic plus given how much damage the coriander aphid does to fennel at flowering. It is recommended across the widest range of states of any variety on this list: Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab.

Key characteristics

    Plant typeOpen-pollinated
    MaturityMedium-long
    Yield potential17.9 q/ha
    Disease resistanceModerately resistant to Ramularia blight; less prone to aphids
    SoilLoam
    SeasonRabi

Sowing & cultivation

  • Sowing timeMid-September to mid-October
  • Seed rate10–12 kg/ha for direct sowing
  • Spacing45–60 cm between rows

Soil & climate

Soil

Suitable soil
Well-drained loam

Yield & maturity

Maturity period

Medium-long

Expected yield

17.9 q/ha

Actual yield depends on sowing time, soil, irrigation, weather, seed quality and crop management.

Pest & disease considerations

Advantages & considerations

Why farmers may choose it

  • The widest official state recommendation of any variety here, following trials at 27 sites across India.
  • Compact, semi-erect plant type is easier to manage than taller, spreading varieties, with reduced aphid susceptibility as a bonus.

Things to consider

  • Its Ramularia blight resistance is moderate, not as strong as RF-101 or AF-3 — on a heavily blight-prone field, one of those two is the safer choice.

Suitable regions

States this variety is recommended for — check locally, since a state can have more than one recommended zone.

  • Rajasthan
  • Gujarat
  • Madhya Pradesh
  • Uttar Pradesh
  • Punjab

Sourced from: Ajmer Fennel-2 (AF-2) — Krishi Jagran. editorial policy.