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

Liliya Naui^{1, 2,}

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

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

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.

Keywords:
Crithmum maritimum L. sea fennel domestication halophyte crops seed propagation vegetative propagation agronomic practices biosaline agriculture climate-resilient agriculture Tunisia.

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