Floral Phenology and Adequate Collection Time of Flowers of Crocus sativus L.: An Expensive Spice

Abstract

Harvesting of flowers of Crocus sativus L. at optimum time is a very crucial step in the agribusiness of the species. Therefore, the flower phenology with respect to temperature and light intensity needs to be understood properly. In this regard, a strong correlation between atmospheric temperature and floral phenology whereas no linear correlation between floral phenology and light intensity are worked out. Further, morning hours between 0400 and 0600 h during flowering period are attributed as the optimum time for harvesting the maximum yield of the species.