Abstract
Due to its valuable properties, Saffron is considered one of the most expensive spices. Saffron was introduced to Lebanon in 2000 and promoted as alternative crop to Canabis Sativa. There has been little research for saffron on a variety of subjects, in particular on cultural practices. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of corm density on Saffron yield attributes. The study included three corm densities that were organized in randomized complete block design with three replicates; Low(LD)-25 corms m-2, 20 × 20 cm spacing; Moderate (MD)-44 corms m-2, 15 × 15 cm spacing; High (HD)-100 corms m-2, 10 × 10 cm spacing. The study was conducted at the Lebanese agricultural research institute (LARI) in Lebaa station for four consecutive years. Results showed a steadily significant high yield of flowers m-2 at high density compared to low density for four years .In contrast, the number of flowers (NF)/100 corm clusters (CC) was significantly increased at low density in last two years compared to high density. Treatments showed no significant effect of the main compounds of air-dried stigmas (Crocin, Picrocrocin and Safranal). Fresh (FWSS) and dry (DWSS) weight of single stigma was affected by year showing a significant change from year to year. These results revealed that success of long-term cultivation can be achieved by planting saffron corm at moderate and low densities.
Highlights
Saffron is valued as the most expensive spice by its diverse uses and benefits (Kumar et al, 2009; Mousavi & Bathaie, 2011)
The results showed that the number of flowers (NF)/100 corm clusters (CC) was significantly affected by treatments F (2,4) = 6.65, p = 0.0535, year F (3,6) = 65.43, p < 0.0001 and their interaction F (6,11) = 7.82, p = 0.0019
High density (HD) in 2014, showed a significant difference compared to low density (LD)
Summary
Saffron is valued as the most expensive spice by its diverse uses and benefits (food, medicinal uses, cosmetic, perfumes and production of textile dyes) (Kumar et al, 2009; Mousavi & Bathaie, 2011). It belongs to Irridaceae family and is geographically distributed in Mediterranean climates, East Asia and Irano-Touranian regions (Kafi, Koocheki, & Rashed, 2006; Kumar et al, 2009). In New Zealand, a yield of 24 kg ha-1 was produced (Gresta, Lombardo, Siracusa, & Ruberto, 2008)
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