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INRGREF. “Experimental Trials on Seed Germination and Establishment of Crithmum maritimum L. under Tunisian Greenhouse Conditions.” Project PRIMA: SeaFennel4Med, National Research Institute of Rural Engineering, Water and Forests (INRGREF): Tunis, 2024 (Unpublished Data).

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Article

Botanical, Ecological, and Socio-Economic Insights on Crithmum maritimum L. as a Precursor to Domestication

1National Institute of Agronomy of Tunisia, University of Carthage, Tunis 1082

2Laboratory of Management and Valorization of Forest Resources, The National Research Institute of Rural Engineering Water, and Forestry Tunis 2080, Tunisia


American Journal of Food Science and Technology. 2025, Vol. 13 No. 5, 130-140
DOI: 10.12691/ajfst-13-5-4
Copyright © 2025 Science and Education Publishing

Cite this paper:
Liliya Naui. Botanical, Ecological, and Socio-Economic Insights on Crithmum maritimum L. as a Precursor to Domestication. American Journal of Food Science and Technology. 2025; 13(5):130-140. doi: 10.12691/ajfst-13-5-4.

Correspondence to: Liliya  Naui, National Institute of Agronomy of Tunisia, University of Carthage, Tunis 1082. Email: liliya.naui@iresa.agrinet.tn

Abstract

Crithmum maritimum L. (sea fennel) is a perennial halophyte with high ecological, nutritional, and socio-economic value whose domestication offers concrete solutions for saline and water-limited farming systems. This article synthesizes the state of knowledge on the species (taxonomy, morphology, ecology, distribution, and uses) and delivers a step-by-step cultivation protocol tailored to Tunisian conditions, integrating peer-reviewed literature with original experimental trials (INRGREF; IRA Médenine). It provides details seed biology (including successful germination without pre-treatments, >70% within 10–15 days under greenhouse conditions), vegetative propagation options, and agronomic practices (site/soil selection, spacing, drip irrigation and salinity/EC management, fertilization, canopy and stress management). Field insights confirm robust establishment from sub-humid coasts to arid, saline environments, with operational recommendations such as optimal transplant size (≈20 cm) and the feasibility of direct seeding (emergence ≈7 days). Post-harvest handling and storage guidelines are provided for fresh and processed uses, alongside perspectives on value-chain development for food, nutraceutical, cosmetic, and ecological restoration markets. This study positions C. maritimum as a climate-resilient crop for biosaline agriculture and a lever for biodiversity conservation and rural development in the Mediterranean.

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