Saffron Flowers Research Articles

Evaluating the possibility of saffron and chamomile mixed culture

Mixed culture is a simultaneous culture of two or more plants in one farm and has many advantages which increase in yield is the most important one of them. This study was conducted to evaluate possibility of chamomile and saffron (Crocus sativus L.) mixed culture during 2008 to 2010 years. Three chamomile kinds (Matricaria chamomilla, Tanacetum parthenium and Anthemis nobilis) at two sowing dates (autumn and spring) were examined in a three years old saffron farm. The experimental layout was split factorial in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. Saffron and pure chamomile plots were two main plots and Factorial of two sowing dates (November 2008 -after saffron flower harvesting- as autumnal sowing date and late February 2008 as spring sowing date) and three kinds of chamomile (M. Chamomilla, A. nobilis andT. parthenium) were sub plots. According to the results, there was no competition between saffron and chamomile in all mixed culture treatments. Various treatments did not show significant differences in saffron yield and top treatment (saffron and autumnal M. Chamomilla); it produced 1.83 kg/ha saffron flower and 1354 kg/ha chamomile flower (LER = 1.69). Also, there was no significant difference between yield of chamomile in mixed culture and the yield of M. Chamomilla in pure chamomile cultivation. Chamomile cultivation significantly reduced soil electrical conductivity (EC). According to the results, we can announce that cultivation of all three chamomile kinds is possible in saffron farms of all similar regions of the world either immediately after flower harvesting of saffron in late November or February. Key words: Mixed culture, saffron, chamomile, land equivalent ratio, soil electrical conductivity.

Short communication. Computer vision applied to saffron flower (Crocus sativus L.) processing

This paper presents a computer vision system to obtain, using image analysis, the optimal cutting point of saffron flowers in order to obtain their stigmas. For this purpose, an effective and flexible computer program has been developed to process the flower image in order to obtain the cutting point to be sent to the cutting element. Furthermore, experimentation with real saffron flowers has been carried out in order to validate the developed application. In particular, the tests show that the method has good robustness and high success percentage in the flower characterization regardless the shape and size of the flower. The high image processing rate of the proposed method (20 computations s–1) would allow to greatly increase the production rate obtained with an automated cutting system compared to that obtained with the traditional hand method.

Immunomodulatory Effects of Saffron: A Randomized Double‐Blind Placebo‐Controlled Clinical Trial

Saffron is the dried stigmata of the flowers of saffron (Crocus sativus L.). Saffron is rich in carotenoids and carotenoids affect immunity. Thus, in this randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial with healthy men aged 21.4 ± 0.8 years (mean ± SE), the effects of taking one 100 mg saffron tablet daily for 6 weeks on the blood serum levels of IgG, IgM, IgA, C(3) and C(4) complements, counts and percentages of white blood cells, platelets, neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes and monocytes, levels of some hematological parameters and levels of creatinine, SGOT and SGPT were evaluated in 45 subjects and compared with the placebo group (n = 44). After 3 weeks, saffron increased the IgG level and decreased the IgM level compared with the baseline and placebo (p < 0.01), decreased the percentage of basophils and the count of platelets compared with baseline, but increased the percentage of monocytes compared with placebo (p < 0.05). However, these parameters returned to the baseline levels after 6 weeks. Saffron did not have any significant effects on the other parameters. No adverse effects were reported. The results suggest that the sub-chronic daily use of 100 mg saffron has temporary immunomodulatory activities without any adverse effects.

CORM SIZE AND INCUBATION EFFECTS ON TIME TO FLOWERING AND THREADS YIELD AND QUALITY IN SAFFRON PRODUCTION IN ARGENTINA

Saffron flowering is greatly concentrated in time. In San Carlos, Mendoza, Argentina (33°44'S), 75% of flowers emerge at 7 times within a lapse of 20 days; in just 2 of these days, 50% of anthesis occurs. Due to this fact, the work intensity on the crop is extremely variable and the availability of manual labor is always challenging. The previous works of Molina et al. (2004) on saffron flowering physiology allow extending and arranging the flowering period at regular intervals, by means of incubating corms under controlled temperature conditions. The aim of this work was to verify possibilities of extending and modifying the flowering time of saffron in Argentina, evaluating the effect on flowers and saffron production of corm size and the duration of incubation under summer-like conditions (23-27°C), and comparing results from controlled environments with field crop data as well. Two categories of corm size (S3 and S4, 2.5-3.4 cm and 3.5-4.4 cm of equatorial diameter respectively), in six periods of incubation (between 59 and 101 days), were tested. Saffron quality was assessed following ISO standards. Saffron production under controlled environment was superior in yield as well as in quality to that obtained in the field. Corm size categories proven resulted of high agronomic usefulness, permitting the discrimination of production levels according to corm biomass. S4 corms were three times more productive than S3. There was a linear positive relationship between days of incubation and harvest time, allowing to forecast the flowering period and to improve the programmed use of farm facilities. Under these conditions, an earlier flowering up to 29 days was possible in relation to the field crop.

INVESTIGATION OF CORRELATIONS BETWEEN SAFFRON FLOWERING PATTERN AND CLIMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS UNDER DIFFERENT LEVELS OF IRRIGATION AND PLANTING DEPTH

ISHS III International Symposium on Saffron: Forthcoming Challenges in Cultivation, Research and Economics INVESTIGATION OF CORRELATIONS BETWEEN SAFFRON FLOWERING PATTERN AND CLIMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS UNDER DIFFERENT LEVELS OF IRRIGATION AND PLANTING DEPTH

RE-EVALUATION OF SAFFRON FLORAL WASTES: ANALYSIS OF SAFFRON FLOWERS DEFATTED HYDRO-ALCOHOLIC EXTRACTS

ISHS III International Symposium on Saffron: Forthcoming Challenges in Cultivation, Research and Economics RE-EVALUATION OF SAFFRON FLORAL WASTES: ANALYSIS OF SAFFRON FLOWERS DEFATTED HYDRO-ALCOHOLIC EXTRACTS

Evaluation of macroscopic water extraction model for salinity and water stress in saffron yield production

Water scarcity and salinity are important limitations for saffron (Crocus sativus L.) production in arid and semi-arid regions. The purpose of this research was to study the interaction effects of water salinity and deficit irrigation on the macroscopic water extraction model for saffron. The effect of salinity and water stress on root-water uptake coefficient was determined by additive and multiplicative functions, and was compared with a recently purposed method. At every irrigation intervals, the root-water uptake coefficient α (h, ho) was reduced as the soil osmotic head (ho) decreased at higher salinity levels. Furthermore, the values of α (h, ho) were reduced at higher irrigation intervals. Root-water uptake coefficient was reduced by decreasing in soil matric head (h) and soil osmotic head at salinity levels greater than control. The results indicated that the additive and multiplicative functions for root-water uptake were not suitable for prediction of root-water uptake coefficient of saffron to show the interaction effect of salinity and deficit irrigation on flower yield prediction. The Mass and Hoffman, and Homaee and Feddes multiplicative equations resulted acceptable estimation of α (h, ho). Furthermore, saffron flower yield was predicted by using Homaee and Feddes α (h, ho) and FAO transpiration reduction coefficient in production function presented by Stewart and his colleagues. Results indicated that the FAO method did not predict the flower yield properly, specially in high irrigation intervals and high salinity levels, but the Homaee and Feddes α (h, ho) resulted in acceptable prediction of the saffron flower yield with a minimum error at salinity and water stress treatments with relative yield of greater than about 40%. Therefore, Homaee and Feddes equation is recommended for estimation of α (h, ho) and flower yield of saffron.

Automated cutting system to obtain the stigmas of the saffron flower

This work presents a new system or machine for automated cutting of saffron flowers in order to obtain their stigmas. The conceptual design of this machine together with an efficient implementation is described. The key point of the invention is the use of a vision system to obtain, using image analysis, the optimal cutting point. An effective and flexible computer program processes the flower image and sends the computed value to a driver that positions a simple mechanical cutting system to make a clean cut of the saffron flower. A prototype machine is used for experimentation in order to validate the proposed approach. In particular, the tests show that the method was robust with a high percentage success in flower cutting regardless of the shape and size of the flower, the flower transporter velocity, the flower orientation (upward/downward), etc. An important benefit of the proposed automated cutting system is that the flower cutting rate is increased approximately eight times over that obtained with the traditional hand method.

Some Studies on Dyeing Properties of Cotton Fabrics with Crocus sativus (Saffron flowers) Using an Ultrasonic Method

Cotton fabrics were dyed with natural coloring matter extracted from Crocus sativus (saffron) using a traditional heating method and a power ultrasonic method. Factors affecting dyeing properties such as pH values, salt concentration, temperature, time in dye bath, and ultrasonic power were studied. Environmentally friendly mordants were used through pre-mordanting, post mordanting, and through simultaneous mordanting methods. The fastness properties—including light, washing, and perspiration for dyed and mordanted fabrics were assessed. Color strength (K/S) and color data [CIE lab (L*, a*, b*)] were measured for dyed cotton fabrics before and after dyeing and for mordanted cotton fabric.

Interaction effects of irrigation regime and salinity on flower yield and growth of saffron

SummarySaffron (Crocus sativus L.) is the most important export crop in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Water scarcity and salinity are important limitations for saffron production in arid and semi-arid regions. The objective of the present study was to determine the interaction effects of salinity and irrigation regime on flower yield and growth of saffron in a pot experiment under a transparent shelter. Irrigation treatments consisted of four irrigation intervals (i.e., 2, 4, 6, and 8 d between successive irrigation events). Salinity treatments in the irrigation water had EC values of 0.5 (tap water), 1.7, 2.9, and 4.0 dS m–1. The results indicated that saffron flower and corm yields were the most and the least sensitive to soil water depletion, respectively; and that leaf and root sensitivities lay between those of flowers and corms. Furthermore, we concluded that corm and root growth were inhibited at field-capacity soil water content and that deficit irrigation was necessary for optimum growth. Dry weight (DW) reductions per unit increase in the salinity of the drainage water were 14.2, 10.8, 9.1, and 2.9% for saffron flowers, corms, roots, and leaves, respectively. Threshold values for the EC of the drainage water ranged between 0.08 and 0.67 dS m–1 for flowers and roots, respectively. Furthermore, DW reductions per unit increase in salinity of the irrigation water for saffron flowers, corms, roots, and leaves were 28.3, 25.0, 21.1, and 7.0%, respectively. The threshold EC values of the irrigation water ranged between 0.13 and 0.48 dS m–1 for flowers and roots, respectively. When saline water was used to irrigate saffron, the irrigation interval needed to be more frequent (i.e., at 2-d intervals) to avoid severe water stress.

SAFFRON, A SUSTAINABLE CROP WITH POTENTIAL MEDICINAL AND INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS

Saffron is made from the dried stigmas of the saffron flower (Crocus sativus L.), a triploid sterile plant that is vegetatively propagated by means of bulbs (corms). Saffron is mostly used as spice (the most expensive food product) and food colorant and, less extensively, as a textile dye or perfume. However, due to its analgesic and sedative properties, traditional herbal medicines have used saffron for the treatment of numerous illnesses for centuries. Nowadays, there is increased interest in research on saffron nutraceutical, chemopreventive, and pharmaceutical properties. The loss of land surface dedicated to saffron crop in many areas has resulted in a corresponding genetic erosion. In order to stop this loss of biodiversity, the CrocusBank project pursues to create, characterise, and exploit a germplasm collection (bank) in Crocus species, including saffron, at a global scale. In this paper, the CrocusBank project funded by European Union through its AGRI GEN RES Programme is presented by its coordinator.

Production and characterization of monoclonal antibody against Saffron pollen profilin, Cro s 2.

Allergy to Saffron (Crocus sativus) pollen has been described in people involved in processing of saffron flower stamens. Profilins have been identified as a pan-allergen in different plant pollens and foods. This molecule is an actin-binding protein with a molecular weight of 12-16 kDa found in eukaryotic species. The aim of this study was to generate monoclonal antibody against Cro s 2 in order to characterize this major allergen of saffron pollen. BALB/c mice were immunized to obtain adequate humoral response. Splenocytes were prepared from the immunized animals, mixed with the P3-X63-Ag8.653 myeloma cells and fused by means of PEG 1500. After two weeks of culturing in HAT-containing media, the supernatant from those wells growing hybridomas were screened by ELISA using plates coated with Cro s 2. Cells from positive wells were cloned at least 3 times by limiting dilution. Specificity and cross-reactivity of the mAbs were determined by Western blot analysis and sandwich ELISA. Two stable hybridoma clones secreting mAbs against Cro s 2 were obtained and expanded. The anti-Cro s 2 mAbs were also found to cross-react with other plant profilins. Isotype of this mAb was identified as micro heavy chain and k light chain. The anti-Cro s 2 mAb could be a useful tool for characterization and standardization of many pollen and fruit-derived profilins.

The first cosmetic treatise of history. A female point of view

The Schola Medica Salernitana was an early medieval medical school in the south Italian city of Salerno and the most important native source of medical knowledge in Europe at the time. The school achieved its splendour between the 10th and 13th centuries, during the final decades of Longobard kingdom. In the school, women were involved as both teachers and students for medical learning. Among these women, there was Trotula de Ruggiero (11th century), a teacher whose main interest was to alleviate suffering of women. She was the author of many medical works, the most notable being De Passionibus Mulierum Curandarum (about women's diseases), also known as Trotula Major. Another important work she wrote was De Ornatu Mulierum (about women's cosmetics), also known as Trotula Minor, in which she teaches women to conserve and improve their beauty and treat skin diseases through a series of precepts, advices and natural remedies. She gives lessons about make-up, suggests the way to be unwrinkled, remove puffiness from face and eyes, remove unwanted hair from the body, lighten the skin, hide blemishes and freckles, wash teeth and take away bad breath, dying hair, wax, treat lips and gums chaps.

English

The objective of this research was to determine the effects of different growing media on saffron growth and corm formation in greenhouse conditions. In the experiment four different treatments were used. These were (1) soil+sand (control), (2) soil+sand+manure, (3) soil+sand+manure applied as a double layer above and bottom of corm bed, and (4) soil+sand+manure+ nitfojips-K. The results revealed that effects of the growing media on most of the characters were significant. Cow manure mixtures especially with double layers had a positive effect on the flower and stigma weight.Average flower weight per plant change between 0.157 - 0.240 g. The corm size did not change significantly in treatments 1, 2 and 3. However, in treatment 4, both corm weight and corm size were significantly lower than they were in the other treatments.The results suggested that the growing medium was one of the important factors for saffron flower and corm formation. &nbsp; Key words:&nbsp;Saffron, stigma, yield, corm.

EFFECT OF PLANT DISTANCE ON FLOWER YIELD AND QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF FORAGE PRODUCTION OF SAFFRON (CROCUS SATIVUS) IN MASHHAD CONDITIONS

EFFECT OF PLANT DISTANCE ON FLOWER YIELD AND QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF FORAGE PRODUCTION OF SAFFRON (CROCUS SATIVUS) IN MASHHAD CONDITIONS

The Volatile Organic Compounds from Tepals and Anthers of Saffron Flowers (Crocus sativus L.)

The ethanolic extracts of tepals and anthers of saffron fowers (Crocus sativus L.) were analyzed by means of GC and GC/MS. The extract from tepals contained 16 compounds, the most abundant were 2-phenylethyl alcohol (15.0%), tetracosane (10.5%), ethyl hexadecanoate (10.0%) and heptadecane (9.6%). The extract from anthers contained 26 compounds, the major compounds being 2-phenylethyl alcohol (50.4%) and 2-phenethyl acetate (15.4%).

Low temperature storage of corms extends the flowering season of saffron (Crocus sativus L.)

SummaryConditions for the cold-storage of saffron crocus (Crocus sativus L.) corms to delay flowering have been characterised. Storage of corms at 2ºC after flower initiation resulted in a time-dependent abortion of those flowers already initiated. The more advanced the stage of flower initiation at the beginning of cold-storage, the faster the rate of flower abortion. Overall, no benefit resulted from cold-storing corms after flower initiation. Corms stored in the cold before flower initiation, formed flowers when incubated after storage at 21º–25ºC. The number and size of flowers formed, and the yield of spice saffron per corm, depended both on the duration and conditions of cold-storage. Storage at freezing temperatures (0º or –1ºC) damaged the corms. Flowering could be induced in corms stored between 0.5º–2ºC. Within this range, temperature had little effect on the subsequent behaviour of corms. Flower number and flower size decreased gradually with increasing duration of cold-storage. This decrease was slower when storage was performed in 1% oxygen than in a normal atmosphere (21% oxygen). Corms lifted after leaf-withering, and stored at 2ºC in 1% oxygen for 70 d, could be forced to flower from early December until the end of January with the same yield of spice saffron as non cold-stored corms.These results complement previous findings on the control of saffron flowering. Taken together, they allow saffron flowering without loss of spice yield from early September to the end of January. Flowering could be further delayed until May by extending the duration of cold-storage, but this delayed flowering resulted in a significant reduction in spice saffron yield.

Flavonols from saffron flower: tyrosinase inhibitory activity and inhibition mechanism.

A common flavonol, kaempferol, isolated from the fresh flower petals of Crocus sativus L. (Iridaceae) was found to inhibit the oxidation of L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) catalyzed by mushroom tyrosinase with an ID(50) of 67 microgram/mL (0.23 mM). Interestingly, its 3-O-glycoside derivatives did not inhibit this oxidation. The inhibition kinetics analyzed by a Lineweaver-Burk plot found kaempferol to be a competitive inhibitor, and this inhibitory activity presumably comes from its ability to chelate copper in the enzyme. This copper chelation mechanism can be applicable for all of the flavonols as long as their 3-hydroxyl group is free. However, quercetin, kaempferol, and galangin each affect the oxidation of L-tyrosine in somewhat different ways.

An Indian Perspective II

K ashmir was described in the past as a paradise on earth. The paradise is today, tragically, bleeding. Its saffron flowers spurt blood instead of fragrance. Kashmir valley has suffered repeated aggressions-in 1947, 1965, and again in 1971. Unfortunately, after two decades, war clouds appear to be gathering on the horizon again. The destinies of India and Pakistan are inextricably linked. Their people have the same historical background and a cultural affinity whose roots go back centuries. It is necessary, therefore, that the situation be defused and the conflict resolved.

A New Procedure for the Production of Carthamin Dye from Dyer's Saffron Flowers

Powdered florets from dyer's saffron (Carthamus tinctorius L.) were suspended in a buffered solution containing KMnO4 or H2O2 and the mixtures oscillated with a supersound sonicator for 10 min at 25 ± 1°C. Carthamin yield in the floral pastes was determined and the data were compared with those of the floret pastes with no supersonic oscillation treatment. With short time sonication, carthamin yield could be increased by about 8% higher on average.