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Saunf (Fennel)RabiOpen-pollinatedUpdated 1 September 2026

Ajmer Fennel-3 (AF-3)

The newest and highest-yielding named fennel variety, from ICAR-NRCSS Ajmer, selected over three seasons of trials specifically for yield and genuine Ramularia blight resistance.

SeasonRabi
Maturity periodMedium-long
Expected yield~21.4 q/ha (2,143 kg/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
~21.4 q/ha (2,143 kg/ha)
Suitable soil
Loam
Release
ICAR-National Research Centre on Seed Spices (NRCSS), Ajmer · selected 2012–13 to 2014–15 trials

About this variety

Ajmer Fennel-3 (AF-3) is a high-yielding, Ramularia blight-resistant variety developed by ICAR-National Research Centre on Seed Spices, Ajmer, after evaluating fennel germplasm lines at the institute's research farm across three consecutive winter seasons (2012–13 to 2014–15) for yield potential, quality and disease resistance. It was recommended for release at the AICRPS Annual Group Meet, and its reported average seed yield of 2,143 kg/ha (about 21.4 q/ha) is the highest among the named varieties covered on this site, alongside a 1.9% essential-oil content. Because Ramularia blight is fennel's major disease and worsens the longer the crop stays in the field, a genuinely resistant, high-yielding release like AF-3 is a strong default choice, particularly on a field with a blight history.

Key characteristics

    Plant typeOpen-pollinated
    MaturityMedium-long
    Yield potential~21.4 q/ha (2,143 kg/ha)
    Disease resistanceResistant to Ramularia blight
    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

~21.4 q/ha (2,143 kg/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

  • Highest reported yield (about 21.4 q/ha) among the named fennel varieties covered here.
  • Genuine Ramularia blight resistance, backed by multi-season trial selection specifically for that trait.

Things to consider

  • Being the newest release, it has a shorter public grower track record than long-established varieties like GF-1 or RF-101.

Suitable regions

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

  • Rajasthan
  • Gujarat
  • Madhya Pradesh

Sourced from: Ajmer Fennel-3 — ICAR International Journal of Seed Spices. editorial policy.