Saffron Plant Research Articles

Ultrasound treatment on saffron (Crocus sativus L.) corm: Impact on textural, morphological, and microbial properties and stigma- derived metabolite compositions

This research aimed to assess the influence of ultrasound at a frequency of 37 kHz on various parameters of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) plants, including flowering efficiency, morphological, and textural properties, corm surface microbial population, and the concentrations of key secondary metabolites in saffron stigmas. Ultrasound was applied to saffron corms during two distinct growth stages, namely flower induction and flower initiation, utilizing varying sonication durations (0, 15, 30, and 60 min). Notably, flowering efficiency experienced a significant decrease (P ≤ 0.05) after 60 min of sonication compared to the control at both stages. In contrast, an increase in sonication time from 0 (control) to 15 and 30 min resulted in a noteworthy augmentation in the number of flowers and flowering efficiency. The structural morphology of corms did not exhibit significant alterations under ultrasound at different durations within each stage. Extended exposure time showed efficacy in diminishing microbial population on corm surfaces and reinforcing corm resistance against compressive forces. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of saffron stigmas revealed that a significant increase in crocin content compared to the control at both stages, a trend that persisted with increasing sonication time up to 60 min. However, picrocrocin and safranal contents exhibited a decrease in both stages with prolonged sonication. These findings imply that ultrasound not only impacts the flowering efficiency of saffron corms but also exerts an influence the concentrations of secondary metabolites in the resultant stigma.

Exogenous application of serotonin, with the modulation of redox homeostasis and photosynthetic characteristics, enhances the drought resistance of the saffron plant

Water stress is one of the most significant abiotic stresses that disrupts the osmotic balance of plants and consequently reduces their growth and performance. In recent years, it has been found that serotonin, as a signaling and regulatory molecule, can play important roles in the growth and development of plants and enhance their tolerance to abiotic stresses. Saffron is a plant known for its medicinal and culinary properties. Its distinct flavor, aroma, and vibrant color make it a sought-after ingredient in various cuisines and traditional medicines. The aim of this study is to investigate the possible effect of serotonin growth regulator on some morphophysiological and biochemical characteristics of saffron plant under water stress conditions. Water stress was applied using polyethylene glycol 6000 at a level of 30%, w/v. Serotonin was also applied exogenously at a concentration of 100 µM in both foliar and root applications. The experimental findings demonstrated that water stress had a detrimental impact on various growth and photosynthetic parameters including FW, DW, SH, RWC, photosynthetic pigments content, Pn, Fv/Fm, C and Ci. Under these conditions, H2O2 content and ion leakage increased. The increase in the content of proline and sugars also confirmed that the saffron plant was placed in unfavorable growth conditions. Serotonin application in both foliar and root applications and especially root treatment under stressful conditions improved plant growth by activating enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems. Overall, the exogenous application of serotonin increased the resistance of saffron plants to water stress.

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.

Macronutrients and biochemical compounds' changes in the leaves and corms of the saffron plant (Crocus sativus L.) during the final stages of growth

Macronutrients and biochemical compounds' changes in the leaves and corms of the saffron plant (Crocus sativus L.) during the final stages of growth

The Concentration of Lead, Cadmium, Copper, Nickel, Zinc, Manganese and Iron in Saffron: A Meta-analysis and Systematic Review

Background: We aimed to investigate the concentrations of metals, including lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn), in various types of saffron. Methods: All published studies until 2022 were searched from PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases. The published articles’ references were also evaluated to investigate the prevalence of heavy metal contamination in different types of saffron. The heterogeneity and concentration were estimated using I2 and the random effect model, respectively. Results: Among 128 articles retrieved in the identification phase, eight articles were included in this meta-analysis. The Pb exhibited the highest concentration among metals, with an average concentration of 0.10 mg/kg and a range of 0.11-0.10 mg/kg. Cd had the lowest concentration, with an average of 0.009 mg/kg and a range of 0.008-0.010 mg/kg. The concentration of Ni, Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu were also in accordance with the sequence of Ni>Fe>Zn>Mn>Cu. Specifically, Ni demonstrated the highest concentration among essential metals in the sample, with an average of 2.81 mg/kg and a range of 2.76-2.86 mg/kg, while Cd displayed the lowest concentration, with an average of 0.022 mg/kg and a range of 0.023-0.023 mg/kg. Conclusion: The concentration of different metals in the examined saffron was variable, which can be attributed to several factors, including characteristics of the metals, nature of the saffron plant, composition of the irrigation water and the soil used for production of the plant, water conditions and crop cultivation.

MYSTERIOUS SAFRON PLANT AND ITS MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

This article discusses the practical significance of the saffron plant. Information was also given about the saffron plant, its systematic place, practical significance and diseases, which were approved in antiquity.

A novel green reducing agent for the synthesis of chromium oxide nanoparticles (Cr2O3 NPs) based on saffron by-products: Characterization and antioxidant activity

The production of nanomaterials using safe, biological and environmentally friendly methods is attracting increasing attention. In the present study, aqueous extracts of Moroccan saffron (Crocus sativus L) by-products were used for the first time as a green stabilizer and reductant agent to synthesize chromium oxide nanoparticles (Cr2O3NPs). The aqueous extract of saffron by-products was analyzed for phytochemical screening, while the green synthesized Cr2O3NPs were analyzed using high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The antioxidant activity of Cr2O3NPs, aqueous chromium nitrate solution (Cr (NO3)), and aqueous extract of saffron by-products have been also investigated using 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. The results showed that the aqueous extract of saffron by-products used for the synthesis of Cr2O3NPs appeared to be rich in phenolic (2.32 mg GA / g dry weight), flavonoid (2.28 mg RE / g dry weight), and anthocyanin compounds (33.67 mg Delphinidin / L extract). The XRD analysis confirmed that the Cr2O3NPs have a particle size of 31 nm with a hexagonal crystal structure. SEM micrographs of Cr2O3NPs showed a homogenous distribution and spherical shape, while the EDX spectrum confirmed that Cr2O3NPs contain significant amount of Chromium (61,90 %), and oxygen atoms (36,55 %). Moreover, the presence of absorption bands characteristic of the alcohol group (3451 cm−1) and the aromatic rings (1639 cm−1) in the infrared spectrum of Cr2O3NPs, indicates that the secondary metabolites of the saffron plant were successfully active in reducing chromium ions to Cr2O3NPs. Besides, the antioxidant activity results showed that the biosynthesized Cr2O3NPs exhibited strong inhibition percentages (63 %) compared to the aqueous extract of saffron by-products (74 %), and the aqueous solution of chromium nitrate (30 %) at 1,30 mg/mL. The study suggests that saffron by-products extract can be used as a natural reducing agent in the synthesis of Cr2O3NPs. Furthermore, the environmentally friendly synthesis process for Cr2O3NPs and their antioxidant effect make them suitable for use in various fields.

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

Design of an IOT-based saffron crop irrigation system

Saffron is a highly prized and globally demanded spice.Still, the rate of production is unable to keep up with the exponentially rising demand due to a variety of reasons. One of the major problems faced in increasing saffron growth is the lack of understanding of the best circumstances. Factors like Temperature, humidity, and light intensity play a vital role in the growth and development of plants, and continuous monitoring and control of these factors are necessary to ensure optimal growth. To address this issue this paper introduces an integrated automated system designed to empower farmers in optimizing production while simultaneously facilitating data collection for research purposes, aimed at enhancing both the quantity and quality of agricultural yields using the utilization of sensors and a live data streaming application. It allows for efficient management of saffron's growing operations and enables more accurate adjustments. The sensors can be remotely located in the saffron growing areas and connected to the app via wireless connections, allowing farmers to monitor these factors and suggest changes continuously. Using this system, farmers can ensure that the conditions for saffron plant growth are optimal at all times, leading to increased production. The developed app utilizes technologies such as ReactJS and Google Firebase, and also allows for real-time data streaming, enabling farmers to view the current conditions at any time and make adjustments accordingly. Additionally, a user-friendly mobile application is developed to enable farmers to easily oversee their cultivation conditions. This paper bridges the gap between existing research by integrating the factor of luminous intensity and its effect on Saffron during it’s budding and growth stage, an area which is severely under researched and finds almost negligible mainstream integration in similar prototype models. Furthermore, the paper underscores the potential for future machine learning models by highlighting the provision for follow-up studies using the data collected through the prototype, thus fostering ongoing advancements in agricultural research and technology.

Garlic Bulb Decay and Soft Rot Caused by the Cross-Kingdom Pathogen Burkholderia gladioli.

In 2021, two gram-negative bacterial strains were isolated from garlic (Allium sativum) bulbs showing decay and soft rot symptoms in Central Iran. The bacterial strains were aggressively pathogenic on cactus, garlic, gladiolus, onion, potato, and saffron plants and induced soft rot symptoms on carrot, cucumber, potato, and radish discs. Furthermore, they were pathogenic on sporophores of cultivated and wild mushrooms. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the bacterial strains belong to Burkholderia gladioli. Garlic bulb rot caused by B. gladioli has rarely been reported in the literature. Historically, B. gladioli strains had been assigned to four pathovars, namely, B. gladioli pv. alliicola, B. gladioli pv. gladioli, B. gladioli pv. agaricicola, and B. gladioli pv. cocovenenans, infecting onion, Gladiolus sp., and mushrooms and poisoning foods, respectively. Multilocus (i.e., 16S rRNA, atpD, gyrB, and lepA genes) sequence-based phylogenetic investigations including reference strains of B. gladioli pathovars showed that the two garlic strains belong to phylogenomic clade 2 of the species, which includes the pathotype strain of B. gladioli pv. alliicola. Although the garlic strains were phylogenetically closely related to the B. gladioli pv. alliicola reference strains, they possessed pathogenicity characteristics that overlapped with three of the four historical pathovars, including the ability to rot onion (pv. alliicola), gladiolus (pv. gladioli), and mushrooms (pv. agaricicola). Furthermore, the pathotype of each pathovar could infect the hosts of other pathovars, undermining the utility of the pathovar concept in this species. Overall, using phenotypic pathovar-oriented assays to classify B. gladioli strains should be replaced by phylogenetic or phylogenomic analysis.

Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamic Simulation on the Interaction of Saffron’s Active Compunds with HER-2 Protein

Human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2) is an essential oncogene in breast cancer. HER-2 causes 25% of breast cancer, and this type of cancer tends to grow and spread faster than others but had a good response to HER-2 targeted therapy. This study aims to analyze chemical compounds in saffron plants (Crocus sativus) that potential to breast anticancer activity by inhibiting HER-2 receptor (PDB ID: 3RCD). The study employed in silico research such as molecular docking using AutoDock Tools software, and visualization with Biovia Discovery Studio. In addition, molecular dynamic simulation was conducted using GROMACS software, with visualization performed using Grace. The molecular docking results showed that Crocetin has a lower binding energy value of -8.37 kcal/mol compared to Herceptin, which is -7.11 kcal/mol and the lowest energy among Saffron bioactive compounds. These results indicated that the affinity of Crocetin in binding to HER-2 receptor is better than Herceptin. The molecular interactions were hydrogen, hydrophobic, electrostatic, and unfavorable bonds. The MD results showed that the RMSD value meets the 0.2-0.5 nm stability requirements. According to the data analysis, Herceptin appears to have a more stable RMSF value when compares to Crocetin. The Rg graph of both complexes showed stability until the end of the simulation. The H-bond results show that the Herceptin complex has more hydrogen bonds than the Crocetin complex. These results showed that the chemical components of saffron plants have the potential as breast anticancers by inhibiting the HER-2 receptor.Keywords: anticancer, Crocus sativus, HER-2 receptor, molecular docking, molecular dynamic.

Identification of adulteration in the market samples of saffron using morphology, HPLC, HPTLC, and DNA barcoding methods.

Saffron, the stigma of Crocus sativus L., is the most expensive spice used for culinary, medicinal, dye, and cosmetics purposes. It is highly adulterated because of its limited production and high commercial value. In this study, 104 saffron market samples collected from 16 countries were tested using morphology, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC), and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) barcoding. Overall, 45 samples (43%) were adulterated. DNA barcoding identified the highest number of adulterated saffron (44 samples), followed by HPTLC (39 samples), HPLC (38 samples), and morphology (32 samples). Only DNA barcoding identified the adulterated samples containing saffron and other plants' parts as bulking agents. In addition, DNA barcoding identified 20 adulterant plant species, which will help develop quality control methods and market surveillance. Some of the adulterant plants are unsafe for human consumption. The HPLC method helped identify the saffron samples adulterated with synthetic safranal. HPLC and HPTLC methods will help identify the samples adulterated with other parts of the saffron plant (auto-adulteration).

Detection of Diseases found in Saffron Plant and its Classification using ML: A Review

Abstract: Saffron, derived from the dried stigmas of the Crocus sativus plant, holds immense value as an agricultural product. With a rich history spanning over 3500 years, saffron has been revered as a precious spice and has gained popularity due to its medicinal properties and diverse applications. As the demand for saffron continues to rise, efforts to increase productivity and expand cultivation face various challenges. One significant hindrance is the prevalence of diseases affecting saffron plants, which not only reduce yields but also impact the quality of saffron stigmas. This review paper offers a thorough and inclusive exploration of saffron-related diseases. Encompassing their historical backdrop, present conditions, impact on yield, dynamics of pathogens, methods of survival and spread, variables affecting disease severity, epidemiology, and approaches for sustainable management. Through the investigation of diseases and their discernment using machine learning techniques, the intention of this review is to be of advantage to cultivators, students, scholars, plant protection entities, developmental divisions, outreach staff, policymakers, governmental bodies, and civic organizations. Overall, this review sheds light on the significance of saffron diseases, their impact on production, and the importance of adopting effective disease management strategies. By disseminating this knowledge, stakeholders can make informed decisions to mitigate the risks associated with saffron diseases and contribute to the sustainable growth of the saffron industry.

Isolation, Identification, and Determination of the Virulence of the Causal Agents of Corm Rot of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in Valle de Uco, Argentina.

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) presents an attractive opportunity for diversifying production and adding value, particularly for small-scale growers and family-based agriculture. However, the agamic propagation of the crop through corms raises concerns regarding disease dispersion. During the summers of 2013 and 2015, symptoms of corm rot were observed in saffron crops in La Consulta, Valle de Uco, Argentina. These symptoms manifested in the form of wilting plants and red-coloured areas on the surface of the corms, in some cases affecting deeper regions. This study aimed to isolate and identify the causal agent responsible for saffron corm rot while also comparing the virulence of four strains isolated on saffron plants. Consistent isolation of Fusarium spp. colonies from affected corms confirmed its association with the disease. The obtained isolates were inoculated into healthy corms, and the reproduction of symptoms was confirmed, as well as subsequent pathogen re-isolation. Morphological and molecular characterisation of the strains was performed using rDNA gene sequencing. Furthermore, disease progression was assessed with fitting epidemiological models to empirical data, which served as estimators of fungal strain aggressiveness. The results conclusively identified Fusarium oxysporum Schltdl. as the causal agent of corm rot, and variations in virulence were observed among the strains on the host plant. After basic molecular and pathological studies, it is postulated that the fungal strains possibly belong to the forma specialis gladioli, but further studies are necessary to confirm that. The present study provides findings that highlight the importance of early detection and the preservation of pathogen-free fields to sustain saffron cultivation. These findings may constitute the initial step for future projects aimed at understanding the epidemiology of the disease better, determining the species/races of the pathogen, and developing effective management strategies.

Edukasi Pemanfaatan Tanaman Asam Jawa dan Saffron sebagai Antidiabetes bagi Masyarakat Desa Tengah Pancur Batu, Deli Serdang

According to the International Diabetes Federation (2013), currently there are 382 million people living with diabetes. There are 316 million people with impaired glucose tolerance at high risk, an alarming number which is expected to reach 592 million people in 2035. Among the plants that have the potential as anti-diabetic agents are tamarind leaves and saffron plants. This community service activity uses the educational socialization method by conducting counseling and education on how to make tamarind and saffron drinks as anti-diabetic drugs. The purpose of this community service is to provide knowledge regarding education on the use of tamarind and saffron plants for the people of Tengah Pancur Batu Village. The results of Community Service obtained a good knowledge category with the achievement of the level of knowledge of participants before counseling and education in the less (60%) sufficient (27.5%) and good (12.5%) category, after counseling the results of the category increased significantly, namely less 0 ( 0%), enough (15%), and good (85%).

First report of meadow saffron breaking virus on wild Colchicum autumnale from a stricly protected Natura2000 site at a Hungarian National Park.

In mid-April of 2018 light green to greenish yellow linear stripes (Fig. S1.) were observed on the foliage of meadow saffron (Colchicum autumnale) plants - which are native to Hungary - at a strictly protected Natura2000 site maintained by the Duna-Ipoly National Park (DNPI). By autumn, during the flowering season, flower breaking symptoms (Fig. S2.) were noticed, which indicated possible viral infection. With the permit of the Government Office of Pest County and the DNPI, 200 mg leaf sample was collected from one symptomatic plant in spring 2021 and stored at -70 °C until further processing. At the time of the sampling about 2.5 % of the ~ 5000 meadow saffron were symptomatic. Multiplex RT-PCR testing of the sample and an asymptomatic C. autumnale plant for cucumber mosaic virus, tomato spotted wilt virus (Nemes and Salánki 2020) and Nepovirus subgroup-A (Digiaro et al. 2007) gave negative results. The asymptomatic plant also tested negative for potyviruses (Salamon and Palkovics 2005). The asymptomatic (healthy) C. autumnale plant was inoculated with leaf sap of the sample (0.02M Sörensen's phosphate buffer pH 7.2 + 2 % PVP-40 (m/v)) resulting in symptoms of flower breaking in autumn of 2021, and linear stripes on the foliage in spring 2022, identical to symptoms on the originally infected plant. ELISA tests were carried out on the source plants in duplicate using potyvirus-specific MAb PTY1 antibodies (Jordan and Hammond 1991) (Agdia, Elkhart, IN, USA). Absorbance values were 1.519 and 1.530, while the negative controls were 0.003 and 0.007, respectively indicating potyvirus infection of the sample. Molecular tests were carried out on the source and inoculated plant samples in 2022. Total nucleic acid was extracted with the modified CTAB protocol of Xu et al. (2004), and reverse transcription was carried out with Maxima H Minus First Strand cDNA Synthesis Kit (Thermo Fisher Scientific Baltics UAB, Vilnius, Lithuania) with poly T2 (5'-CGGGGATCCTCGAGAAGCTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT-3') primer (Salamon and Palkovics 2005). PCR amplification was carried out with poty7941 (5'-GGAATTCCCGCGGNAAYAAYAGYGGNCARCC-3') and poly T2 primers as described earlier (Salamon and Palkovics 2005). A PCR product of ~ 1.6 kb was obtained in each case (Fig. S3.), cloned into pGEM®-T Easy vector (Promega, Madison, WI, USA) and transformed into E. coli DH5α strain. The obtained 1642 nucleotide (nt) sequence encompassing the complete coat protein (CP) was determined (Accession No: OP057214). The virus sequence present in the source and inoculated plants shared 100% nt identity. EcoRV digestion of the PCR products yielded two restriction fragments (369/1273 bp), indicating the presence of a single potyvirus in the infected plant tissue (Fig. S3.). BLASTN analysis of the CP cistron revealed highest nt identity (93.91 %) to meadow saffron breaking virus (MSBV) isolate FR GenBank Acc. No.: AY388995. MSBV was first reported in the Alsace region of France at an INRA research station in cultivated meadow saffron plants showing similar symptoms and the disease reached 100% incidence within a year (Poutaraud et al. 2004). Potyviruses are transmitted mechanically and by aphids (Inoue-Nagata et al. 2022). The spread of MSBV could lead to the infection and decline of the population of Colchicum in protected ecosystems. To our knowledge, this is the first report of MSBV on wild meadow saffron plant from a strictly protected Natura2000 site at a Hungarian National Park.

The effect of Crocus sativus L. (saffron) herbal tea on happiness in postmenopausal women: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundEvidence suggests that menopause can be associated with a variety of negative psychological changes such as depression and anxiety, and improving the mental health status of women during menopause is one of the important priorities and challenges of the health system. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of saffron (Crocus sativus L., Iridaceae) herbal tea on happiness in postmenopausal women.MethodsIn this randomized clinical trial which was conducted in 2021, 72 postmenopausal women were enrolled and divided into intervention and control groups. The randomization blocks method was used for random allocation, and the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire was utilized to measure the scores. The intervention included the use of 30 mg of dried stigmas of the saffron plant, which was boiled once (in the morning, in 300 ml of boiling water for 10–15 min) and consumed with white rock candy as one cup of saffron tea daily. To compare the trend of changes and after removing the effect of other variables, generalized estimating equation (GEE) was used.ResultsThere was no significant difference between the intervention and control groups in any of the quantitative and qualitative characteristics (p > 0.05). The results of paired samples t-test showed that the happiness mean score in the intervention group increased significantly (p < 0.001) from 42.93 ± 8.54 to 61.58 ± 8.24, while in the control group, there was no significant difference between the happiness mean score at the beginning and end of the study (p = 0.861). Also, after applying the treatment program in the intervention group, there was a significant difference between the two groups in terms of the happiness mean scores (p < 0.001).ConclusionSaffron herbal tea had a positive effect on reducing depression and increasing the happiness score; thus, it is recommended that it should be used as a complementary treatment in consultation with the treating physician.Trial registrationThe present study was registered with the code of IRCT20210403050818N1 (Registration date: 09/04/2021) in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials. It was also approved by the Ethics Committee of Larestan University of Medical Sciences (Approval ID: IR.LARUMS.REC.1399.017).

Improved growth and quality of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in the field conditions through inoculation with selected native plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR)

The use of bioresources such as bio-fertilizers especially those containing plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), may be a strategy for sustainable agriculture that respects the environment while ensuring optimal plant growth. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of selected PGPR strains on the growth, yield and quality of saffron. The bacteria tested were isolated from the saffron rhizosphere and selected for important plant beneficial activities (phosphate solubilization, siderophore, and auxin production). The best strains were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Strains S11P1 and S11A1a were identified as Rahnella aquatilis, while strain S12S4 belonged to the species Variovorax paradoxus. An inoculation field experiment was conducted in a 1575 m2 field area in Taliouine (Morocco). Four different inoculants were set-up: the three single selected strains and their mixture. Using the PGPR isolates as inoculum affects positively different saffron plant parameters, such as the number of leaves (28.87 ± 6.1 vs. 22.47 ± 8.19 for control treatment) and chlorophyll content. Underground parts, in particular, daughter corms production was significantly increased about 1.91 times more than the control. In addition, the quality of inoculated saffron was in accordance with the category I specifications (Crocin > 200, Picrocrocin > 70 and Safaranal >20). Overall these results bode well the possibility of using these rhizobacteria, and specially the treatment T2 (Rahnella aquatilis S11P1), as effective biofertilizers for saffron organic cultivation.

Effect of Nano fertilizers and amino acid of tryptophan on some physiological characteristics of saffron plant Crocus sativus L.

study was carried out in the Lathhouse , agricultural research station belonging to the College of Agriculture, University of Kirkuk - Iraq for for the period 15/9/2021 to 20/4/2022, to study the effect of spraying with different concentrations(0, 1.5, 3.0) g.L-1 of nano-fertilizers (NPK, N, P), and soaking the corms with the amino acid tryptophan at concentrations (0,150,300) mg.L-1 before planting for 24 hours affected the growth, flowers and yield of the corms of saffron plant( Crocus sativu L.) Kormat saffron was obtained from the Islamic Republic of Iran,the factorial experiment was designed according to the( R.C.B.D ) Randomized Completely Block Design, the results were analyzed according to the statistical program) SAS, 2005 (The Statistical Analysis, and Duncan's Multiple Range Test was used to compare averages at the level of probability 5%, NPK Nano fertilizer resulted in a significant increase in the number of flowers when the plants were sprayed with a concentration of 3.0g.L-1 and reached 2.5 flowers.plant-1, while the highest average weight of corms was 24.02g when sprayed with a concentration of 1.5 g.L-1.Nano-nitrogen fertilizer at a concentration of 3.0 mL.L-1had a significant positive effect on increasing the average number of leaves at the second stage and reached 30.27 leaves, and the highest dry weight of the stigmas was 0.090 g .The number of branches for the first stage amounted to 4.53 buds.plant-1,while spraying with a concentration of 1.5 gm.L-1 increased the average number of branches in the second stage and reached 6.06 buds.plant-1,Soaking the corms with a concentration of 150 mg.L-1 of the amino before planting led to a significant increase in the average number of leaves in the first stage, which amounted to 14.60 leaves.Plant-1, the fresh weight of the corms was 19.08 g, and the least number of flowers was 1.3 flowers. Plant-1 As for the soaking at a concentration of 300 mg.L-1, the highest number of branches were (4.74 and 5.62) bud.plant-1 for both stages, respectively, and the highest number of leaves after flowering was 28.66 leaves.plant-1 , number of flowers 1.5 flower.plant-1, and the dry weight of the stigmas was 0.082 g, while the control plants had the lowest average number of branches (3.60and5.08) bud.plant-1 for both stages,The interaction between spraying with Nana-fertilizer and soaking with the amino acid tryptophan had a significant effect on physiological characteristics, the response was different according to the Nana-fertilizer and its concentration, average number of leaves and flowers increased (15.40 leaves, plant-1 and 3.0 flowers), wet weight of corms 31.08 g , Nano fertilizer at a concentration of 3.0 ml L-1 increased at the same concentration above the acid increased the average number of leaves to 32.60 leaves.Plant-1, nano-phosphorus fertilizer at a concentration of 3.0 g.L-1 at the same concentration of the above acid led to an increase in the average number of branches for both stages (5.20 and 8.40) bud.Plant-1 .

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.