Daughter Corms Research Articles

Unveiling the impact of nitrogen deficiency on alkaloid synthesis in konjac corms (Amorphophallus muelleri Blume)

BackgroundKonjac corms are known for their alkaloid content, which possesses pharmacological properties. In the primary cultivation areas of konjac, nitrogen deficiency is a common problem that significantly influences alkaloid synthesis. The impact of nitrogen deficiency on the alkaloids in konjac corms remains unclear, further complicated by the transition from mother to daughter corms during their growth cycle.ResultsThis study examined 21 alkaloids, including eight indole alkaloids, five isoquinoline alkaloids, and eight other types of alkaloids, along with the associated gene expressions throughout the development of Amorphophallus muelleri Blume under varying nitrogen levels. Nitrogen deficiency significantly reduced corm diameter and fresh weight and delayed the transformation process. Under low nitrogen conditions, the content of indole alkaloids and the expression of genes involved in their biosynthesis, such as tryptophan synthase (TRP) and tryptophan decarboxylase (TDC), exhibited a substantial increase in daughter corms, with fold changes of 61.99 and 19.31, respectively. Conversely, in the mother corm, TDC expression was markedly reduced, showing only 0.04 times the expression level observed under 10 N treatment. The patterns of isoquinoline alkaloid accumulation in corms subjected to nitrogen deficiency were notably distinct from those observed for indole alkaloids. The accumulation of isoquinoline alkaloids was significantly higher in mother corms, with expression levels of aspartate aminotransferase (GOT), chorismate mutase (CM), tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT), and pyruvate decarboxylase (PD) being 4.30, 2.89, 921.18, and 191.40 times greater, respectively. Conversely, in daughter corms, the expression levels of GOT and CM in the 0 N treatment were markedly lower (0.01 and 0.83, respectively) compared to the 10 N treatment.ConclusionsThe study suggests that under nitrogen deficiency, daughter corms preferentially convert chorismate into tryptophan to synthesize indole alkaloids, while mother corms convert it into tyrosine, boosting the production of isoquinoline alkaloids. This research provides valuable insights into the mechanisms of alkaloid biosynthesis in A. muelleri and can aid in developing nitrogen fertilization strategies and in the extraction and utilization of alkaloids.

Yield and quality of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in response to priming treatments and water deficit

Despite being the most expensive spice, saffron is generally exposed to drought stress during its life cycle. The application of some effective compounds in the plants, can make it strong against environmental stresses such as water deficit. Therefore, the effect of saffron corm priming on the quantitative, qualitative, and physiological responses of this crop under drought stress was investigated in a split-plot experiment as a randomized complete block design with three replicates in two experimental years, 2022 and 2023. The treatments of the on-field experiment included 50 % Field capacity (FC) (equal to 2500 m3ha−1) and 70 % FC (equal to 3800 m3 ha−1) as the main plot and pretreatments (Corm priming) at six levels of KNO3 (3:1000), Indole-3-acetic acid (1 mg l−1), Gibberellin (300 ppm), Silicon dioxide nanoparticles (100 ppm), Hydro-priming (distilled water) and non-priming (control) as sub-plots. The results revealed the increase of petal and stigma dry weights with the application of IAA priming agents under 70 % FC irrigation as compared to 50 % FC. Based on the findings, the petal dry weights decreased, under 50 % FC in the growing season (2022 and 2023), as compared to 70 % FC conditions. Water use efficiency increased significantly with the use of IAA compared to other treatments in the second year. Water deficit led to an increase in leaf proline content and total soluble sugar. The amounts of picrocrocin improved by 5.6 % with decreasing irrigation water from 70 % to 50 % FC in both experimental years. Moreover, the highest amounts of safranal were gained when corms were exposed to IAA. Priming with IAA increased the dry weight of daughter corms compared to other priming treatments. The N and P absorbed by saffron corm decreased to 29.2 % and 28.6 % at 70 % and 50 % FC, respectively. The highest K+ uptake was recorded with the application of IAA under 70 % FC. Overall, this work indicated that an increase in saffron yield and the quality of flowers is associated with an increase in dry weight of daughter corms, ion absorption in corms and the activity of non-enzymatic defense system caused by the application of IAA under different soil moisture.

English

The current study was conducted in growth chamber with the aims to examine the effect of different soil types and temperature regimes on quantitative and qualitative traits of saffron and to assess the agro-climatic suitability of selected sites of Poonch Division of Azad Jammu & Kashmir for field scale saffron cultivation. Soil from 07 sites was collected and processed for pot filling. A total of 63 plastic pots (21 for each temperature level i.e., 19, 26 and 32 oC), were filled with soils of each site and incubated separately in growth chambers. The pots were arranged under completely randomized design (CRD) replicated thrice. Results indicated that maximum number of flowers (1.35 per plant), flower fresh weight (29.03 mg per plant), stigma length (1.21 cm), stigma fresh weight (8.97 mg per plant) and stigma yield (8.60 mg per pot) was recorded for Khaigala site (loam textured soil) at 26 oC followed by Trarkhel (sandy loam textured soil) and Abbaspur (loam textured soil) sites. On an average, maximum 58.30 days were taken to initiate flowering in soil of Alisojal site (clay loam textured soil) with flowering period of 17.06 days. The maximum number of daughter corms (2.92 per plant), corm diameter (9.61 mm), corm weight (15.76 g per plant), corm yield (47.28 g per pot), picrocrocin (11.32%) and safranal (0.22%) content was again recorded for Khaigala site (at 26 oC). However, maximum crocin content (14.33%) was noted for Alisojal site (1831 m altitude). The Cluster and PC analyses revealed that Khaigala, Trarkhel and Abbaspur sites produced saffron of better quality and agro-climatically suitable for establishment of saffron. Further, the saffron grown on loam and sandy loam textured soils showed better performance compared to that of clay textured soils.

Microbial interactions modify saffron traits selectively and modulate immunity through adaptive antioxidative strategy: Organic cultivation modules should be trait and crop-specific

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is a high-value, low-volume niche cash crop that has the unique ability to synthesize apocarotenoids. Since different biofertilizers are advocated for promoting plant health, we aimed to evaluate the interactions of commercially available microbial inoculants with this unique hysteranthous plant species. We studied the interactive effect of microbial inoculants on agronomical, physiological and biochemical aspects of Crocus growth, corm multiplication and apo-carotenoid biosynthesis. Significant differences in nutrient mobilization potential, induced systemic resistance, plant growth, corm, and stigma yield/quality were detected between the different biofertilizer combinations. The arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) + phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) + potassium-solubilizing bacteria (KSB) combination was the most suitable for enhancing shoot biomass, root depth, and root biomass. Additionally, the average number of flowers per corm, stigma yield, and corm yield were greatest for the same combination. The highest multiplication rate of mother corms and a small corm index were recorded for plants inoculated with Azospirillum + PSB + KSB. Although Azospirillum caused maximum multiplication, the percentage of smaller daughter corms was greater, while the replacement of Azospirillum with AMF resulted in maximum percentage of larger corms. Plant health improved through AMF-mediated microbial interactions, which induced systemic resistance via enzymatic and nonenzymatic mechanisms and increased the uptake of P, K, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn. The interrelationship between plant and microbial consortium was complex, causing trait-specific qualitative and quantitative impacts on saffron attributes. Microbial inoculants increased nutrient uptake by saffron plants and triggered biochemical defence response by causing mild stress, making the plant more growth-responsive and better equipped for defence. Microbial interaction increased saffron yield and quality by favourably modulating plant metabolism, majorly overlapping with plant protection mechanisms. However, plant-microbial combinations in an organic production module are trait-specific and should be chosen carefully.

Geographical origin verification of Crocus sativus L. grown using “two-segment” cultivation

Two-segment cultivation has recently been adopted to increase vegetative propagation and flower production of Crocus sativus in some Asian countries. Crocus sativus flowers (petals and stigmas) from Hangzhou (Jiande saffron with a geographical indication or GI status) and relocated daughter Crocus sativus corms from Shanghai (an origin without GI status) were investigated using stable isotopes (δ13C, δ15N, δ2H, δ18O) and elemental concentrations (%C and %N). Results showed that δ13C, δ15N, and δ18O of stigma and petal samples from daughter corms originating from Hangzhou and Shanghai had significant differences between the two regions (p < 0.001), even though the Shanghai origin daughter corms were harvested in Hangzhou. Furthermore, the δ15N values of stigmas and petals had a significant correlation (p<0.05, r = 0.566), but corresponding δ13C and δ2H values did not show a correlation (p>0.05). Finally, supervised PLS-DA pattern recognition models effectively discriminated stigmas and petals from crocus corms originating from the two locations. This research provides a globally-applicable mechanism to identify imposter GI Crocus sativus transferred from a non-GI origin before flowering and will enhance trust within the saffron industry.

Phenological observations on the growth and development of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in the conditions of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine

There is a need to summarise information using phenological models to develop a sustainable saffron production technology with further regulation of flowering at a certain phenological stage and determination of the appropriate flowering period to improve yield and quality under different environmental conditions. The purpose of the study is to establish the course of phenological phases of saffron growth and development in the conditions of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. Phenological observations and biometric measurements were performed in the study. According to field observations, there are a total of 6 phenological stages of saffron development. The rest period lasts from the third ten days of May to October and is divided into primary and secondary dormancy. During the primary dormant period, corms do not show external morphological changes and growth, but internal physiological and morphogenetic changes occur. In the secondary dormant period, the initial emergence of leaves and flowers and their differentiation take place. During the dormant period, saffron plants were left without aboveground organs. The flowering period falls in October. The passage of this phenological stage may be affected by changes in environmental conditions or agricultural technology. The growth of the root system began with the appearance of flowers and leaves. During the growing season, the growth of the leaf apparatus and the development of the root system continue. During this period, daughter corms are also formed from the buds of the mother corm. During the winter, the replacement corms continue to grow using the nutrient reserves of the mother corm. In early March, the development of the root system slows down and the daughter corms reach almost the final size. At the end of the growing season, the root system of the mother corm stops growing. The leaves begin to age from the top to the base. By the end of May, the daughter corms are fully developed and are preparing for the transition to a dormant state. The number of corms produced per unit area depends on the age of the plot, nutrient supply, and the level of agricultural technology. Older fields produce more corms. Due to the higher density, a larger yield of stamens is formed. Therefore, understanding the phenological reactions and influence of climatic factors on the stages of saffron growth and development in certain soil and climatic conditions is useful for future forecasting of harvest time

Understanding the Saffron Corm Development-Insights into Histological and Metabolic Aspects.

The reproduction of Crocus sativus L., a sterile triploid plant, is carried out exclusively through corms, whose size determines the saffron yield. The development of daughter corms (DC) is supported by photoassimilates supplied by the leaves as well as by the mother corms (MC). While biomass partitioning during DC development is well studied, growth dynamics in terms of cell number and size, the involved meristems, as well as carbohydrate partition and allocation, are not yet fully understood. We conducted a comprehensive study into saffron corm growth dynamics at the macroscopic and microscopic levels. Variations in carbohydrate content and enzymatic activities related to sucrose metabolism in sources and sinks were measured. Two key meristems were identified. One is involved in vascular connections between DC and MC. The other is a thickening meristem responsible for DC enlargement. This research explains how the previously described phases of corm growth correlate with variations in cell division, enlargement dynamics, and carbohydrate partitioning among organs. Results also elucidated that the end of DC growth relates to a significant drop in MC root biomass, limiting the water supply for the DC growth, and establishing the onset of leaf wilting. The lack of starch accumulation in aged leaf cells is noteworthy, as is the accumulation of lipids. We hypothesize a signaling role of sugars in DC growth initiation, stop, and leaf aging. Finally, we established a predominant role of sucrose synthase as a sucrolytic enzyme in the maintenance of the high flux of carbon for starch synthesis in DC. Together, the obtained results pave the way for the definition of strategies leading to better control of saffron corm development.

The subsurface application of pistachio waste compost and foliar spraying of organic matter can induce the flower yield and the quality of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) corms affected by restricted nutrient conditions

Correct use of organic waste in the form of composting can play a constructive role in reducing environmental pollution and increasing saffron sustainable production. Recently, pistachio waste compost has been considered as a soil conditioner, especially in arid and semi-arid areas. Along with improving the organic structure, foliar application of amino acids through the recommendation of reputable companies is another sustainable solution that can further strengthen the relationship between trade and agriculture. The current study was conducted in Anbari Agricultural Seeds Company, Mashhad, Iran during 2019-2021. The experiment was performed with three replicates based on a randomized complete block design arranged in factorial-split including 12 main plots [Organic fertilizer (control, pistachio compost (P), wheat straw (W), cow manure (M), P+W, and P+M) × Foliar spraying (control and 2 L. ha−1 DRIN: a commercial organic compound)] and 2 sub-plots (first and second sampling). The minimum number of saffron flowers and stigma weight were observed under no-organic fertilizer; while all organic sources led to increase these traits. The values increased by 27% and 31%, respectively, resulting pistachio compost compared to control treatment. Applying organic sources resulted in a higher crocin and safranal. At the same time, foliar spraying had a significant effect in increasing crocin and safranal concentrations. Organic fertilizers and foliar spraying caused a significant effect in terms of N, P, and K concentration in daughter corms. when control treatment was considered, foliar spraying increased sucrose by 24% compared to non-spraying. Furthermore, sucrose content was recorded to be improved following all organic amendments. Similar responses were observed regarding arginine, glutamic acid, alanine, and aspartic acid. Overall, applying pistachio compost concurrent with spraying of DRIN is recommended for saffron sustainable production, especially under nutrient-restricted conditions.

Propagation of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) Using Cross-Cuttings under a Controlled Environment

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is a valuable geophyte plant and one of the most expensive spices in the world. Recently, the demand for saffron spice has increased in worldwide markets owing to its enormous application and value. However, the production of saffron is limited by the vegetative propagation technique and the limited number of high-quality corms planted. Furthermore, climatic changes, notably increasing temperatures, negatively influence saffron multiplication and growth. Thus, it is important to develop alternative cultivation and propagation techniques for saffron under a controlled environment, which could ensure an increase in saffron yield and avoid the negative impact of climatic changes. The present study aimed to develop an alternative method for vegetative propagation of Crocus sativus under controlled conditions. The effect of different cross-cuttings, including basal cuttings (BCs) and top-to-bottom cuttings (CTBs), was evaluated on shoot, leaf, flower, and daughter corm production. All the growth parameters examined were influenced by the cutting treatment applied. The results showed that the highest number of shoots formed was obtained by BCs and CTBs, with an average of 6.68 and 5.47 shoots per corm, respectively, compared to the control with an average of 2.70 shoots per corm. The cutting treatment positively affected the formation of daughter corms in which, the high mean number of corms recorded was obtained by the BC treatment. Meanwhile, the lower size of the daughter corms was obtained after the cross-cutting treatment. This is the first report that provides an alternative propagation for saffron using a controlled environment, which could help to improve the production of saffron.

Simulation of saffron growth using AquaCrop model with high-resolution measured data

Saffron is one of the most expensive and worth-to-cultivate crops in countries struggling with water scarcity due to its low water requirement and compatibility with arid climates. This study was conducted to calibrate and validate the AquaCrop model for saffron at the research farm of the Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (FUM), Iran, in two growing seasons of 2021–2022 (two-year-old saffron) and 2022–2023 (three-year-old saffron). The soil water content, canopy cover, and biomass values were measured continuously during both growing seasons. The field measurements of the first and second growing seasons were used to calibrate and validate the AquaCrop model, respectively. Furthermore, using the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm, a new module for the inverse solution of the AquaCrop model has been presented. The module was successfully employed to fine-tune sensitive soil parameters of the field. The results showed that the AquaCrop model could accurately simulate soil water content, biomass, and canopy cover in both growing seasons. The root mean square error (RMSE) of simulations for soil water content, biomass, and canopy cover comparing to in-situ measured data was 8.3 mm, 0.3 ton ha−1 and 3.4% for the first year and 5.5 mm, 0.4 ton ha−1 and 2.7% for the second year, respectively. In these simulations, the saffron daughter corm production was considered as the crop yield, because the stigma yield is affected by the climatic conditions of the past year while corms are produced at the end of the prevailing season. To investigate the effect of cold and heat on saffron yield, the hottest and coldest growing seasons in the past 30 years were determined in 6 regions besides Mashhad, and the biomass in these seasons was simulated using the model. It was concluded that the cold growing season had a more significant effect than the hot season in reducing the saffron corm yield.

Comparative metabolomics analysis reveals dynamic changes in carbohydrate profiles of corms during the "relay growth" of konjac (Amorphophallus muelleri).

The type and content of carbohydrates in konjac corms are an essential factors in determining the quality of konjac; however, the pattern of carbohydrate changes and the mechanism regulating the development of mother and daughter corms in the "relay growth" process of Amorphophallus muelleri remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate changes in corm carbohydrates during the growth cycle of A. muelleri and to compare the carbohydrate composition and the expression of related genes between mother and daughter corms. Integrated metabolome and RNA-seq analyses identified 37 differential metabolites as well as 8074 genes that were differentially expressed between mother and daughter corms, the majority of which were involved in starch and sucrose metabolism. More than 80% of the differential metabolites, including sucrose and starch, tended to accumulate in the mother corms; however, konjac glucomannan (KGM), as one of the most important carbohydrates and its major component of the corm, accumulated in higher amounts in the daughter corms. In addition, the expression of invertase and alpha-amylase that promote the breakdown of sucrose and starch was 351.78- and 15.63-fold higher, respectively, in the daughter corm, whereas that of the starch synthesis gene AkWAXY was only 0.096 times as high as in the mother corms. Furthermore, the level of cellulose synthase-like protein G, which promotes KGM synthesis, was 3.85 times higher in daughter corms compared to mother corms. Thus, we inferred that the daughter and mother corms had two distinct carbohydrate utilization strategies. This study provides insights into temporal changes in carbohydrates during the growth cycle of A. muelleri.

Genetic variability assessment of indigenous and exotic saffron germplasm through morpho-agronomic characterization at Jammu and Kashmir, India

AbstractThe present study analysed a total of 272 saffron (Crocus sativus L.) genotypes using multivariate analysis. We carefully observed and recorded information about the floral, morphological and corm attributes. Significant variations were observed among the genotypes for all the traits, indicating a high level of variability and suggesting a great potential for saffron improvement. The phenotypic variances were found to be greater than the estimated genotypic variances. Descriptive data on various morphological traits revealed significant differences in the frequency of phenotype classes as well as a wide distribution range. The high heritability estimates were observed in average number of daughter corms per plant (ANDCPP), initial weight of corms (IWC g), no. of buds/corm (NBPC), – no. of leaves in main sprout, (NLMS), number of sprouted buds per corm (NSBpC) and total number of leaves (TNL), whereas average weight of daughter corms per plant (AWBCPP), corm diameter (CDcm), pistal length (PL) cm, style length (STYLcm), fresh weight of pistals per plant (FWOPPPmg) and stigma length (STML cm), revealed medium sense of heritability. The traits dry weight of pistals per plants (DWOPPP mg), inner tepal width (ITW cm), leaf length (LLcm), number of flowers per corm (NFpC), outer tepal length (OTLcm), parianth length with tube (PLWT cm) and weight of stigma (WSTG mg) exhibited low broad-sense heritability. Principal component analysis (PCA) divulged that the first eight component characters had an eigenvalue greater than one with a contributory cumulative variance of 66.15% to the total variance, while as rest of the 16 components contributed 33.85% of total variation in a set of 272 genotypes of saffron. The eigenvalues for yield attributing traits for significant PCs ranged from 5.48 (PC1) to 1.03(PC8). The current study has revealed that there was a sufficient variability in a set of saffron germplasm lines which forms the basis for performance-based clonal selection. Moreover, identified elite genotypes based on saffron yield and corm attributes could be used in the saffron breeding programme for the development of saffron varieties.

PGPR mediated enhancement of saffron corm production in non-traditional area of Himachal Pradesh, India

In India, saffron (Crocus sativus) cultivation is being extensively promoted in non-traditional areas mainly in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. In this regard, the availability of good quality planting material (large corms) is a major limitation. Hence, efforts were made to increase the production of daughter corms in farmers’ fields through the application of thermotolerant PGPR FS2 which could retain its growth-promoting potential over a wide temperature regime. The bacterial community was assessed through metagenomic approach. The PGPR FS2 was isolated from the bacterial community associated with the saffron rhizosphere. Stringent screening processes were adopted to select appropriate PGPR to successfully produce bigger-size saffron corms which are of economic importance. The study highlights the positive role of Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) in promoting the commercial cultivation of saffron in nontraditional areas of HP India through organic argopractice.

Genetic Variability of Gladiolus (Gladiolus grandifloras L.) Varieties Under Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh Agro-Climatic Conditions

A study on genetic variability of gladiolus (Gladiolus grandifloras L.) varieties under prayagraj agro-climatic conditions was carried out at Departmental research field of Horticulture, Naini Agriculture Institute during the Rabi season of 2021-2022 with ten cultivars in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications viz.,. Punjab Flame, Source Biscuts, Arka Naveen, White Prosperity, Dhanvantri, Phule Neelrekha, Pusa Srijan, Arka Amar, Priscilla, Yellow Stone were evaluated. Out of these ten cultivars, genetic variability, heritability, phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and genetic correlation for the characters viz., plant height at (30, 60, 90 DAS), number of leaves per plant at (30,60,90 DAS), no. of shoot per plant, days taken for corm sprouting, rachis length, days taken to spike emergence, days taken colour break stage, no. of floret per spike, no. of spike per plant, no. of days taken for first basal open, no. of days taken for last floret open, spike length, floret diameter, weight of daughter corm, weight of mother corm, corm diameter, corm weight, no. of corm per hectare, and corm yield/ plant were observed. for all characters, the highest GCV and PCV were recorded for the characters viz., weight of daughter corm (g) (33.6786 and 47.569), number of leaves per plant at 30 DAS (25.70 and 37.81), number of leaves per plant at harvest (24.73 and 35.25), number of shoots per plant ( 25.47 and 31.19), weight of mother corm (25.18 and 33.90), corm weight (25.11 and 33.38), days taken for corm sprouting (23.7566 and 23.7566) and the lowest GCV and PCV were recorded for floret diameter (17.50 and 40.95).The genotypes Phule Neelrekha followed by Arka Amar were identified as high corm yielding and no. of cormsper hectare and produced more no. of spikes/ plot and also yield per plotwhich indicated that these genotypes have resultedfor higher yield and indicated good response to selection owing to their high heritability, variability and genetic advance showing additive gene effect. These genotypes can be used for improvement of yield and component traits by selection.

Vegetative Growth and Productivity of Potted Crocus sativus in Different Growing Media

Saffron (Crocus sativus) is the most expensive spice in the world and a valuable medicinal plant. In this study, the flowering, vegetative growth performance, and daughter corm formation of potted saffron were investigated in six growing media: loamy soil, silty soil, sandy soil, peatmoss, peatmoss + sandy soil, and peatmoss + foam. The highest values of the stigma fresh weight, the root weight, and the number and diameter of daughter corms were observed in plants grown in soil with a light texture, i.e., sandy soil or peatmoss + foam, although smaller daughter corms were produced by sandy soil-grown plants. Compared with loamy soil (heavy soil), the peatmoss + foam growing medium increased the leaf pigment levels and the number of leaves and daughter corms, and it produced the highest number of daughter corms with diameters of ≥2 cm. Compared with plants in other media, saffron plants grown in loamy soil had higher catalase and peroxidase activities but lower polyphenol oxidase activity. Overall, saffron could be cultivated and produced in growing media with various pH values (4.00–9.25), although a mixture of peatmoss and foam was the optimal growing medium for potted saffron production. These findings are beneficial for selecting the optimal growing media/soil for saffron cultivation in farmlands.

STUDYING THE GROWTH AND PRODUCTIVITY OF SAFFRON UNDER DIFFERENT AGRICULTURE TECHNIQUES

This study was conducted at Abi – Jarash farm, Damascus, Syria, during 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 growing seasons. The aim of this study was comparing the effect of three different cultivation techniques of saffron (Crocus sativus L.), which were soilless cultivation, within the nutrient film technique (NFT), and the technique of cultivation in substrates (mixture of peat moss- perlite), in addition to cultivation in soil. An increasing in the vegetative growth measurements was recorded with​​ cultivation saffron in the soil, compared to the cultivation without soil, within the nutrient film technology (hydroponics) ,and the technology of cultivation in the substrates (peat moss and perlite mixture)، Flowering was poor in the hydroponics technique, while non significant differences were observed among the cultivation technique in the peat moss–perlite mixture, and the cultivation in the soil in first and second seasons . Cultivation in the soil achieved a significant increase in the rate of corms multiplication (corm plant-1), and the weight of daughter corms produced from one plant, whereas, a qualitative superiority appeared within the nutrient film technique, in which the percentage of commercial corms (˃ 8 g) reached 100%, and the average weight of the produced corms was 13.65,16.07 g in first and second seasons, respectively .

Clean application of pistachio residues-based vermicompost with γ-aminobutyric acid can alleviate the negative effects of high soil pH on P uptake in saffron (Crocus sativus L.)

In semiarid areas dominated by calcareous soils, a large portion of available P may be deformed into insoluble structures due to the chemical activity of carbonate compounds. This phenomenon, known as P deficiency stress, is considered one of the most important limiting factors for saffron (Crocus sativus L.) production. To avoid P limitation, the application of clean and practical techniques has been emphasized to improve saffron adaptability grown in P-deficient calcareous soils. Hence, field experiments were conducted based on a factorial randomized complete block design with three replicates during 2017–2018 and 2018–2019 (farm 1) and repeated during 2018–2019 and 2019–2020 growing seasons (farm 2). Four levels of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) (0, 0.5, 1, and 2 mg L−1) and soil amendments (control, pistachio residues-based vermicompost (VP: 10 t ha−1; 50% in each growing season), sulfur (S: 100 kg ha−1; 50% in each growing season), and VP +S) were considered as experimental factors. From the results, application of VP, S, and VP+S decreased soil pH and increased Olsen-P, microbial biomass, and microbial respiration. Furthermore, the increase was observed for flower number, proline content and corm growth. Following GABA foliar application, flower number, proline content and P availability improved. Compared to control treatment, P concentration in large-sized daughter corms increased by 23.6, 16.8%, and 30.8%, following VP, S, and VP +S, respectively. Among the treatments, the highest P acquisition efficiency (39.2%) were recorded by applying VP +S along with 2 mg L−1. Overall, the results recommend the co-application of VP with GABA foliar spray to improve saffron production grown in calcareous soils of semiarid regions.

Biostimulant enhances growth and corm production of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in non-traditional areas of North western Himalayas.

The usage of seaweed extracts in cropping systems is gaining attention nowadays due to their distinct bioactive properties. This study aims to assess how saffron (Crocus sativus L.) corm production was affected by seaweed extract through different application modes. The study was conducted at the CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, HP, India, during the autumn-winter agricultural cycle. Five treatments using a combination of Kappaphycus and Sargassum seaweed extracts were replicated five times in a randomized block design. Treatments that were examined include T1: Control, T2: Corm dipping @ 5% seaweed extract, T3: Foliar spray @ 5% seaweed extract, T4: Drenching @ 5% seaweed extract, and T5: Corm dipping + foliar spray @ 5% seaweed extract. Seaweed extract, when applied to saffron plants (T5: Corm dipping + foliar spray @ 5% seaweed extract) resulted in significantly higher growth parameters along with the higher dry weight of stem, leaves, corms, and total roots per corm. Corm production, viz., the number of daughter corms and corm weight per m2 was significantly affected by seaweed extract application, with the maximum value recorded with treatment T5. Biochemical parameters chlorophyll, carotenoids, and photosynthetic rate were higher in T5, while nutrient concentration was lowest in this treatment. Seaweed extracts improved corm production, making it a feasible alternative to limiting the application of conventional fertilizers, attenuating the effects on the environment, and enhancing corm number and weight.

Hurdles and clarifications for the cultivation of saffron in Jammu and Kashmir

Since saffron is a triploid crop, it does not generate seed when selfed or crossed and is passed down through the generations by daughter corms produced from the mother corms. As a result, agro-technology development is the only viable alternative for bringing this crop to its full potential. Saffron does not have any specific habitat preferences, as evidenced by discovering numerous previously unknown saffron farmed areas during the current study. The plant grows as a mixed crop under apple ( Malus domestica Borkh ), almond (Prunus amygdalus Batsch.), populus ( Populus alba L.), and walnut ( Juglans regia L.) trees, as well as in plains, undulated soils, hills, and rice fields. It can be found growing between 1585 and 2050 m above sea level. Different agro-techniques were standardized, among which compost soil (compost 250 gms per pot with 2 kgs of soil; 500 gms per tray with 4 kgs of soil; 10 kgs per bed) was found to be best for early flower production. Soil and farmyard manure (1:3), UDP 0.25 gms/pot (N-115.511+ K130.952+P-58.496 mg), soil DAP 650 mg/2 kg of soil (@P = 152.0899 mg), soil MOP 350 mg/2 kg (@ K = 183.37 mg) of soil was preeminent of procured in vitro raised cormlets in terms of their sprouting and survival of shoots. Corm density was also checked in the offseason of the crop, with growth activity of only saffron corms. Significant negative correlation was recorded with r = 0.82; n = 100; P ≤ 0.001. But the reverse trend was observed in the crop's growing season when most de-weeding and field preparations are accomplished. The study will benefit people in near future as it emphasized the imperative proofs and picture of saffron cultivation in Kashmir valley, reflects the realities of saffron cultivation and trounces the earlier myths. • Saffron is a triploid crop, hence fails to produce seed upon selfing or crossing. It is propagated by daughter corms produced from the mother corms. • Some unfamiliar saffron cultivated sites have also been located. • It grows along an altitudinal gradient of 1585–2050 m asl. i.e. from Nehama (1585 m) Budgam to Buzgow (2050 m)- Nilnag- Gogipathri. • Different agro-techniques were standardized and compost soil (Compost 250 gms per pot with 2 kgs of soil; 500 gms per tray with 4 kgs of soil; 10 kgs per bed) was found to be best with respect to early flower production. • Soil and farm yard manure 1:3, UDP 0.25 gms/pot (N-115.511+ K130.952+P-58.496 mg), soil DAP 650mg/2 kg of soil (@P = 152.0899 mg), soil MOP 350mg/2 kg (@ K = 183.37 mg) of soil was preeminent of procured invitro raised cormlets in terms of their sprouting and survival of shoots up to the second year of their growth period. • Knowledge of weed characteristics, morphology, ontogeny, nature of competition and degree of association with crops are pre-requisite for suggesting some efficient weed control measures. • The data on weeds revealed that most weed species belongs to three families with dominant family Asteraceae, followed by Brasicaceae, Fabaceace and Lamiaceae. • Corm density was checked in off season of the crop, with growth activity of only saffron corms, significant negative correlation was recorded with r = 0.82; n = 100; P ≤ 0.001. But reverse trend was observed in growth season of the crop when most de-weeding and field preparations are going on.

Crocus sativus (L.) Grown in Pots with High Volume Capacity: From a Case of Study to a Patent

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) cultivation is widespread in different parts of the world, including various Mediterranean areas. The crop management techniques, requiring intensive manual labor from planting, weeding, flower picking to the collecting of stigmas, contribute greatly to the high price of the spice. Traditionally, the corms are cultivated in field soil and only stigmas are collected to obtain the spice while the flower’s remaining parts, corresponding to about 90% of the total biomass, are discarded and thrown away. In this study, in order to overcome some difficulties occurring during the whole crop cycle (pathogens, fungi, pests, weeds, etc.), as well as to ease and increase floral bioresidue recovery, an alternative planting way for Crocus sativus L. was proposed relying on the use of large pots. For this aim, corms with 3.0–3.5 cm diameter size, from two different geographical origins (Spain, Holland), were planted in plastic pots with a volume of 250 L or 350 L, placed in two different areas of the Basilicata region (Italy). The effect of this new growing condition on dry stigma yield as well as daughter corm yield and size was evaluated. Although this cultivation system is more expensive than the traditional one, it offers numerous and huge advantages. Among them, it allows us to maintain a more correct posture and to preserve flower integrity during harvesting. The structural integrity of the tepals is a very important factor to obtain innovative dried flowers in their original tridimensional shape (3D). Consequently, the proposed cultivation system facilitates the achievement of a real “niche product” with high added value (absence of pollen grains). Moreover, the qualitative analysis of the spice, performed according to the International Standardization Organization Normative 3632 (ISO 3632-2/1:2010/2011), classified all investigated saffron samples in the first qualitative category. The results of the first three trial years are very exciting and promising as they are similar to those from the literature carried out in ground soil. However, corms from Spain gave the best results. Further investigations are in progress in order to optimize this alternative cultivation system.