Fennel - Summer spice technical report - Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia

Summary

This report provides the results of the first year of multi-location trials of three fennel genotypes grown at four locations across Queensland (Tully, Ayr, Rockhampton and Biloela) and in Darwin and Katherine in the Northern Territory.

It covers the in-field crop agronomy and the results of the yield and quality analysis, undertaken by research lead, CQUniversity.

The seed yield of the three fennel varieties across each of the trial locations, ranged from 50 to 1574 kg/ha, with the highest seed yield recorded in Ayr followed by Katherine and Rockhampton, and the lowest yield recorded in Biloela.

Researchers have concluded in order for fennel to realise its potential as a high-value crop in Northern Australian conditions, additional research is required to optimise the time of seeding for different locations, agronomy for developing the planting density, and crop adaptation under different farming systems. These need to be assessed alongside assessment of the impact of variables such as tillage, previous crops and fertiliser regimes, and the impact of previous season herbicide applications.

Spicing up Northern Australia with high-value condiment crops

This project conducted field trials to test the suitability of selected spice crops under real-world farming conditions to develop agronomic advice to support grower adoption. Through the direct involvement of farmers, advisers and commercial seed companies, the project helped build the supply chain links necessary to establish a new and viable industry in northern Australia. Researchers assessed the market and supply chain opportunities, as well as the environmental and agronomic systems required for producers in northern Australia to adopt five high-value spice crops – cumin, caraway, black sesame, kalonji and fennel – as the foundation of a new industry to meet Australian demand and create export opportunities. Data gathered from glasshouse trials by Central Queensland University and AgriVentis Technologies provided proof of the suitability of these five spice crops, enabling the progression to field trials. Field trial data collected across six different agro-ecological zones allowed for detailed assessments of the crops’ potential for large-scale commercial production in northern Australia.