Agriculture
Mohammad Bagher Alizadeh; Hassan Makarian; Ali Ebadi Khazine Ghadim; Ebrahim Izadi-Darbandi; Ahmad Gholami
Abstract
In recent years, in order to produce organic products and reduce environmental problems, organic and biological fertilizers are used to increase soil fertility, eliminate the nutritional needs and to improve of plants growth. In order to evaluate the effect of organic and biological fertilizers on qualitative ...
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In recent years, in order to produce organic products and reduce environmental problems, organic and biological fertilizers are used to increase soil fertility, eliminate the nutritional needs and to improve of plants growth. In order to evaluate the effect of organic and biological fertilizers on qualitative and quantitative traits of saffron, a field experiment was carried out as split plots based on a randomized complete block design with three replications at the Research Farm of Ardebil Agricultural Research Center during two growing seasons of 2015-2016 and 2016- 2017. Treatments included three levels of organic fertilizers: vermicompost (10 t.ha-1), manure (25 t.ha-1) and control in the main plots, and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria in four levels including, control, Azotobacter sp.PTCC 1658, Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Bacillus subtilis and the combination of biofertilizer (A. sp < em>. PTCC 1658+ B. subtilis+ P. aeroginosa( in sub plots. Bio fertilizers were inoculated on the saffron corms before sowing in the first year and were applied mixed with irrigation water in the second year. The results indicated that the interaction effects of organic and biological fertilizers increased the fresh weight of flowers, dry and wet yield of stigma and style and qualitative compounds including crocin (Color factor), picrocrocin (Taste factor) and safranal (Perfume factor) compared to control. So that, the application of manure and vermicompost in combination with the total of bio-fertilizers (A. sp. PTCC 1658+ B. subtilis+ P. aeroginosa), increased the dry matter of stigma from 0.86 kg.h-1 to 2.93 and 2.7 kg.h-1 respectively. By using manure fertilizer with biofertilizers, picrocrocin, safranal and crocin, were increased 73, 77 and 83 percent compared to the control respectively. Based on this experiment results, the combined use of organic and biological fertilizers in addition to reducing the environmental pollution, can enhance qualities and quantities of yield of saffron through synergistic effects.
Economics and Marketing
Karim Naderi Mahdei; S.M.Jafar Esfahani
Abstract
Addressing the special conditions of saffron growing areas, and planning the optimum use of its production factors need specific attention and determination of the efficiency of saffron farms seems to be necessary. Thus, the current study attempts to measure the efficiency of saffron fields by using ...
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Addressing the special conditions of saffron growing areas, and planning the optimum use of its production factors need specific attention and determination of the efficiency of saffron farms seems to be necessary. Thus, the current study attempts to measure the efficiency of saffron fields by using bounded data envelopment analysis to give an overall assessment of the performance of the farms. The necessary data was collected by interviewing and filling 36 questionnaires by the saffron farmers of the city of Ghaen, Iran and the data were analyzed by GAMS software. The results showed that average optimistic output and input oriented efficiency is 1.259 and 0.849, respectively. Also, 13.8% of the farms are located on the inefficiency frontiers. 47 percent of the farms are surrounded by efficient and inefficient frontier that reflects the overuse of inputs and potential to produce more and reduce the use of inputs. According to the results, it may be suggested that the efficient farms should be considered as a pattern and we should present training of need assessment in inefficient farms in order to enhance farmers’ efficiency with appropriate and scientific planning.
Other subject about saffron
Hossein Mohammadzadeh; Alireza Karbasi; Maryam Kashefi
Abstract
Insurance for agricultural products can be considered to be one of the levers of agricultural development since its use can provide greater security for agricultural producers and provide more favorable conditions for attracting private investment in the agriculture sector. In this study, we used the ...
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Insurance for agricultural products can be considered to be one of the levers of agricultural development since its use can provide greater security for agricultural producers and provide more favorable conditions for attracting private investment in the agriculture sector. In this study, we used the data which was gathered in 2013 from 118 Qaeni Saffron farmers and examined the factors that affect the acceptance of Saffron insurance using Logit, Probit and Heckman two-stage Tobit. The results showed that among the estimated models, since Heckman two-stage can distinguish between the factors influencing the adoption of insurance and the factors affecting it, it is more strength paramount. The results of estimation of variables with the three models showed that farmer education, annual income, the usage of banking facilities, area under cultivation, educational services of agricultural demonstrators, insurance knowledge index and technical-crop knowledge index have a positive impact on the acceptance and insurance of saffron, and only the age variable has a negative impact on the insurance and the amount of the saffron insurance. According to the results, training courses on the benefits of crop insurance in rural areas and increasing farmers awareness of the types of insurance fund services, the insurance period and premium amount, consideration of the officials in charge of the agricultural insurance fund regarding the different income levels and development strategies to expand the use of banking facilities for farmers was suggested.
Nima Khaledi
Abstract
The aim of this study is to identify Fusarium species associated with root and corm of saffron and evaluate extracellular enzyme activity secreted by them. In order to study the species of Fusarium, a total of 53 root and corm samples were randomly collected from saffron fields of the South Khorasan ...
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The aim of this study is to identify Fusarium species associated with root and corm of saffron and evaluate extracellular enzyme activity secreted by them. In order to study the species of Fusarium, a total of 53 root and corm samples were randomly collected from saffron fields of the South Khorasan province during 2017 growing season. After washing the samples with sterile water and disinfected the surface with 1% sodium hypochlorite, small pieces of root and corm were cultured on general and specific culture media. Purification of fungal colonies was performed using single spore and hyphal tip methods on 2% water agar medium. Identification of fungi based on the microscopic and morphological characteristics was performed with valid identification keys. The F. oxysporum, F. graminearum, F. culmorum and F. proliferatum species were identified based on morphological characters. The results obtained from molecular analysis using species-specific primers confirm morphological identification. The results reveal that 22.6% of saffron samples are contaminated by Fusarium species. F. oxysporum is the predominant species with the highest isolation frequency in samples of 9.4% followed by F. culmorum (5.7%), F. proliferatum (3.8%) and F. graminearum (3.8%) based on morphological and molecular observations,
Other subject about saffron
Sadegh Asghari Lafmejani; Ali Eizadi
Abstract
Saffron is the most expensive agricultural and pharmaceutical product in the world. It is significant for several reasons such as having high water productivity compared to other crops. It is providing rural employment and preventing their migration, having high medicinal and spice values, ease of maintenance ...
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Saffron is the most expensive agricultural and pharmaceutical product in the world. It is significant for several reasons such as having high water productivity compared to other crops. It is providing rural employment and preventing their migration, having high medicinal and spice values, ease of maintenance and transportation. Most importantly, it is producing a high revenue compared to other agricultural products. On this basis, due to the suitability of some parts of Iran to saffron production and the role of this product in the livelihood of rural households, assessment of the sustenance impacts of saffron production in the active villages seems absolutely necessary. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to assess the status of saffron production and its role in the livelihood of rural households of the Roshtkhar Rural District. This research was done based on a descriptive-analytic approach. In this regard, the role of saffron cultivation in 355 households living in 13 villages with over 100 households in the study rural district was investigated. To this goal, after conducting documentary studies and initial field visits, a wide range of measures proportional to the circumstances of the study villages were adopted. Then, data collection was performed based on the selected indices and questionnaires were distributed to be filled by villagers and households... To analyze the data, the relevant statistical and spatial analyses were done through the application of Expert choice, SPSS, and ArcGIS software packages. The research findings indicated that the annual revenues derived from saffron production in 43.9% of the households under study were more than they obtained from other sources of income. Through the analysis of the study data, it can be concluded that saffron production has a significant effect on the improvement of the residents’ livelihood in the Roshtkhar Rural District and this fact has reinforced the households’ motivation to stay in the rural district.
Economics and Marketing
Mohammad Ghodoosi; Toktam Mohtashami; Mahnaz Motavalli Habibi; Shakiba Sheddati
Abstract
The importance of saffron in the growth of non-oil exports makes it necessary to explain proper marketing systems based on expert priorities. The aim of this study is to identify and prioritize marketing mix elements influencing the increase in export of this product. In this regard, based on McCarthy's ...
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The importance of saffron in the growth of non-oil exports makes it necessary to explain proper marketing systems based on expert priorities. The aim of this study is to identify and prioritize marketing mix elements influencing the increase in export of this product. In this regard, based on McCarthy's 4P model, different criteria for export marketing of this product were determined and prioritized using Analytical Hierarchy Process and interviews with 63 experts in the export of saffron. Based on the findings, product criteria with important sub criteria such as brands, the standard sign and packaging weighting 0.485, have the highest priority in saffron marketing. Promotion criteria (weight 0.281) are the next important in determining the marketing mix. Among the indicators of this criterion, advertisements (0.408), overseas sales (0.23) and specialized exhibitions (0.138) were the determining factors in maintaining Iran`s share of this market. Finally, the criteria of price (weight 0.183) and distribution (0.068) have third and fourth priority in saffron marketing mix. Accordingly, identifying distribution channels in target markets, funding the establishment of an international distribution network for Iranian brands, supporting mechanized production process of saffron, and encouraging and requiring manufacturers to food-grade and health license are required and recommended.
Economics and Marketing
Mohammadjavad Mehdizadehrayeni; Hamid Hamidmohammadi; Masoud dehdashti
Abstract
Saffron is one of the non -export products that belong to Iran more than half of it global market. In the last two decades, the export price of saffron has been declining. Continuing this process by reducing exports can have important welfare consequences for producers, exporters and consumers. In this ...
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Saffron is one of the non -export products that belong to Iran more than half of it global market. In the last two decades, the export price of saffron has been declining. Continuing this process by reducing exports can have important welfare consequences for producers, exporters and consumers. In this regard, the present study aimed to evaluate the welfare effects of saffron export prices in the world market on the aforementioned groups. The analytical tools used include domestic supply and demand functions and export supply, which was estimated by the series data during the period of 1980-2020. The findings of the study indicate a significant effect of reducing export prices on saffron exports. It has been found that the price of exporting producers and exporters is suffering from welfare, but the welfare of domestic consumer's increases, which is far less than the welfare of the two groups. Welfare analysis showed that in the saffron market if the monopoly in the market of these products completely disappeared, the total welfare of the said groups would be reduced by about 53 percent. It is suggested that before the producers are harmed, support programs should be prepared for this group specifically so that in case of changes in the world market, with the support of the product, it will be possible to continue production. Until now, the export price has always been much higher than the domestic price and exporters have been able to make a profit, so to support producers, transferring income from exporters in the form of a production protection fund can be a political solution. This fund can also be used as a tool to reduce the volatility of exporters' income.
Processing, food industry and biochemistry
Neda Hashemi; Hadiseh Rabiee; Hamid Tavakolipour; Samane Gazerani
Abstract
In recent years production and usage of functional food and drinks is one of the public and scientist’s interest. Since carbohydrates have been recognizedas the major calorie source in many food baskets, most attention has been focused on substitution of sucrose with non-caloric sweeteners. Although ...
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In recent years production and usage of functional food and drinks is one of the public and scientist’s interest. Since carbohydrates have been recognizedas the major calorie source in many food baskets, most attention has been focused on substitution of sucrose with non-caloric sweeteners. Although both natural and synthetic sweeteners have been used in the formulation of food stuffs, deep concern is raised regarding safety aspects of synthetic ones. Stevia is a natural suitable sweetener that is currently being used as a substitute for sugar in many dietary and functional foods and drinks. In the present study the effect of using stevia sugar as a replacement for sucrose in the preparation of saffron beverages was investigated. Accordingly, saffron syrup was prepared with 5 treatments in which100%, 75%, 50%, 25% and 0% of stevia sugar replaced sucrose. Then, the physicochemical, rheological and sensory properties of saffron functional syrup were investigated. The results indicated that by increasing stevia brix level, density and viscosity increased but the syrups’ pH decreases. The best treatment was the sample containing 25% steviaand 75% sucrose that compared to other samples regarding sensory characteristics had a higher acceptance by consumer and regarding physicochemical and rheological characteristics more similar to the control sample.
Economics and Marketing
Alireza Karbasi; mahmoud sabuhi sabuni; bahareh zandi dareh gharibi
Abstract
This study aimed to improve the level of quality classification of saffron and increase farmers' profits by creating a hypothetical market to investigate the factors affecting selection and the willingness of farmers to pay for saffron quality testing using contingent valuation method and open-ended ...
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This study aimed to improve the level of quality classification of saffron and increase farmers' profits by creating a hypothetical market to investigate the factors affecting selection and the willingness of farmers to pay for saffron quality testing using contingent valuation method and open-ended question. data were collected by a questionnaire from a random sample of 170 saffron producers in Khorasan Razavi province. Two-stage Heckman model was used to identify the factors influencing choice and estimation of willingness to pay. data analysis showed that about 48 percent of farmers are willing to pay an additional amount for a quality test, of which 29 percent showed willingness to pay more than 900,000 rials per kilogram of flower. The results of the model's estimation also showed that age, education, land ownership and history of saffron quality testing in the past have a positive and significant effect on the likelihood of choosing and the amount of willingness to pay extra for quality testing. Accordingly, the use of proper and comprehensive training, holding public organizations and promotional activities can play an effective role in encouraging farmers to conduct quality tests.Key words: Saffron, Willingness to pay, Contingent valuation, Two-stage Hackman model.
somaye zadehrahim; iraj radad; hassan behzadi
Abstract
Saffron is one of export products which has a competitive advantage in Iran and saffron farmers need proper information in order to improve the quality of their agricultural performance. Thus, addressing and identification of their information behavior components, sources, and strategies as well as the ...
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Saffron is one of export products which has a competitive advantage in Iran and saffron farmers need proper information in order to improve the quality of their agricultural performance. Thus, addressing and identification of their information behavior components, sources, and strategies as well as the challenges and problems would help the authorities to make proper policies and decisions. The present research has been conducted in order to compare elite saffron farmers’ information-searching behavior with that of normal saffron farmers in the South Khorasan province. The study population comprised of all the saffron farmers of South Khorasan province (N =17387). Using Morgan formula and cluster sampling, 375 people were selected for the purpose of this study. The results showed that saffron onion (M=3.58 of 5), pesticides and fertilizers (M=3.56) and farmland worker (3.54) were the main components of saffron farmers’ information-searching of the two groups, respectively. The sources of information for both groups included reference to past experience (M=2.68 of 5), neighboring saffron farmers (M=2.67), contact with informants (2.64) and other family members (M=2.64). The information available in local language (M=4 of 5), by native people (M=3.98), clear and intelligible information (M=3.98) and low cost (M=3.82) were among the main criteria that affect the behavior of the two groups in the use of information sources. Also they are confronted with common problems such as lack of attention to the needs of farmers (M=3.57 of 5), and insufficient number of technical experts (M=3.42). It was also found that there was no significant relationship between information searching behavior of elite and normal saffron farmers and their performance (r= -0.08, p= 0.133). Regarding the “lack of attention to the needs of farmers by technical experts” as the most major problem, South Khorasan Organization of Agricultural Extension is advised to design and implement relevant training courses based on the information needs of saffron farmers.
Processing, food industry and biochemistry
Morteza Mohamadzadeh moghadam; Masoud Taghizadeh; Hassan Sadrnia; Hamid reza Pourreza
Abstract
The classification of saffron as the most expensive spice is of great importance for customers and traders. In general, two methods are currently used to classify saffron. The first method is based on the experiences of an expert and by observing the samples. The second method is destructive and is performed ...
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The classification of saffron as the most expensive spice is of great importance for customers and traders. In general, two methods are currently used to classify saffron. The first method is based on the experiences of an expert and by observing the samples. The second method is destructive and is performed using laboratory methods. According to experts, the use of machine learning techniques to classify saffron is a goal due to its non-destructive nature and timely characteristics. This method can also increase the accuracy of the industrial scale grading process. In this paper, a vision machine method is presented. Due to lack of documented research on this subject, a comprehensive literature search is presented in this work. Almost all color characteristics were extracted and used in a large number of classifiers. Experts in Iran classify saffron into three main categories based on their appearance: Pushal, Negin and Sargol. In this paper, a database consisting of 440 images from saffron for the three different classes was collected using a mobile phone camera. After applying some preprocessing steps, such as background removal, cropping etc., 21 color features were extracted using different image analysis methods. Twenty-two classifiers were employed for classification. Comparing results of different classifiers showed that the Linear Discriminant, Linear SVM, Bagged Trees and RUSBoost Trees can produce more accurate grading compared to other classifiers when using color features. In particular, mean classification accuracy of 82.23% was achieved in this work using Linear a SVM classifier.
Agriculture
zahra Tavakoli; Mehdi Jahani; Hossein Hammami
Abstract
To evaluate the allelopathic and fungicidal effect of saffron leaf and corm aqueous extracts on the germination and growth characteristics of London rocket (Sisymbrium irio) and Fusarium solani, independent experiments were conducted as factorial arrangement based on the completely randomized design ...
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To evaluate the allelopathic and fungicidal effect of saffron leaf and corm aqueous extracts on the germination and growth characteristics of London rocket (Sisymbrium irio) and Fusarium solani, independent experiments were conducted as factorial arrangement based on the completely randomized design with four replications at the Faculty of Agriculture of Birjand University in 2022. Treatments to test the inhibitory effect of saffron extract on London rocket seed germination characteristics including two types of saffron organs (leaf and corm) and seven extract concentrations (0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, and 4 w/v %). Experimental treatments to investigate the inhibitory effect of saffron extract on the growth of Fusarium solani fungus including two types of saffron organs (leaf and corm) and seven extract concentrations (0, 1, 0.5, 25. 0, 0.125, 0.625, and 0.0312 w/v %). The results showed that the type of extract has an effect on the germination percentage, germination rate, mean germination time, length and fresh and dry weight of radicle, the length, fresh and dry weight of the plumule, seedling dry weight, and the seedling vigor of London rocket were significant, and the corm extract had more negative effects compared to the leaf extract. As the extract concentration increased, its inhibitory effect also increased. The extract concentration of 4% significantly reduced the radicle length and fresh and dry weight, the plumule length and fresh and dry weight, seedling dry weight, and seedling vigor of London rocket compared to the control. The results of the interaction showed that the lowest percentage of germination, germination rate, radicle length and fresh and dry weight, plumule fresh and dry weight and seedling dry weight of london rocket were observed at the concentration of 4 % corm extract. The results of the interaction effect of extract type and extract concentrations on Fusarium solani colony diameter showed that all the concentrations of corm extract inhibited the growth of Fusarium solani in all four stages of sampling. In leaf extract, concentrations of 0.125, 0.25, 0.5 and 1% completely inhibited the growth of Fusarium solani in all four stages of sampling. Finally, the results of these experiments showed that the effect of inhibiting the germination and growth of london rocket as well as the antifungal effect is greater in saffron corm extract than the leaf extract. Therefore, considering the results of this research and conducting more research in the field of allelopathic and fungicidal effects of saffron organ extracts, we can proceed to produce natural herbicides and fungicides.
Other subject about saffron
Ali Asghar Padarloo; Ebrahim Izadi Darbandi; Mohammad Hassam Rashed Mohassel; Hassan Feizi
Abstract
The Khorasan Razavi province is the center of saffron production in Iran and the world. Among factors affecting saffron gap yield, weeds are the most important one. However there is no compiled information about saffron weed flora population and its structural characteristics in the Khorasan Razavi ...
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The Khorasan Razavi province is the center of saffron production in Iran and the world. Among factors affecting saffron gap yield, weeds are the most important one. However there is no compiled information about saffron weed flora population and its structural characteristics in the Khorasan Razavi province. In order to identify and determine the density and frequency of weed species on saffron fields in the Khorasan Razavi province, 118 fields in 6 counties during two years (2014 and 2015) were selected based on the cultivation area and yield per area. In each field, weed species were counted in each sampling point and weed population indices including mean relative density, relative uniformity and frequently were calculated and latitude and altitude were recorded by GPS. By using recorded data, population indices of different weed species in the studied saffron farms including mean relative density and relative frequency of species were calculated. During 2 years, a total of 52 weed species were identified and observed within the saffron fields. Between plant families, Brassicaceae, Asteraceae, Poaceae, Fabaceae and Charyophilaceae were the most abundant families, respectively. The results showed that the highest and lowest number of weed species belong to Kashmar and Gonabad counties, respectively. Based on the frequency index, the important annual weed species on saffron fields of the Khorasan Razavi province wereMouse Barle (Hordeum murinum) and London Roket (Sisymbrium septulatum) and perennial species were Hoary Cress (Cardaria draba) andCommon yarrow (Achillea millefoliam).
Economics and Marketing
mohammad reza kohansal; Amirhossein Tohidi
Abstract
In terms of quality and quantity, Iranian saffron has a considerable position at the international level and by taking advantage of the existing capacity; we can significantly increase the export earnings from it. On the other hand, sales forecasting based on time series analysis is s a very important ...
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In terms of quality and quantity, Iranian saffron has a considerable position at the international level and by taking advantage of the existing capacity; we can significantly increase the export earnings from it. On the other hand, sales forecasting based on time series analysis is s a very important element for the designing and implementing of marketing strategies in the international arena. However, the conventional approaches to forecasting, by ignoring the linear (or nonlinear) structure of data, do not provide accurate results. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to design a hybrid model consisting of two methods, artificial neural networks (ANN) and autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA), in order to overcome the deficiencies and the use of the unique features of the each of these methods. Using the data related to the export of Iranian saffron during the period 1904-2013, the results of the study showed that the ARIMA–ANN hybrid model is stronger and better performance than ARIMA and ANN individual models in order to forecasting of Iranian saffron export. Therefore, given the considerable performance ARIMA–ANN hybrid model, the use of this model is recommended in setting strategies related to the export and also in the forecasting of the forecasting of time series variables.
Economics and Marketing
- -; Toktam Mohtashami; Fatemeh Rastegaripour
Abstract
Among the risks that threaten banks and financial institutions, credit risk is the most important risk due to its centrality, volume of operation and especially its sensitivity. Due to the lack of proper transportation equipment and communication infrastructure and the need to manager water resources ...
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Among the risks that threaten banks and financial institutions, credit risk is the most important risk due to its centrality, volume of operation and especially its sensitivity. Due to the lack of proper transportation equipment and communication infrastructure and the need to manager water resources and initial capital for advertising and packaging, a major part of Saffron producers in the northeast of the country and especially Zaveh city in Khorasan Razavi province, use banking facilities to provide floating capital. However, for reasons that cause agricultural risk, part of the facilities granted to them is not returned every year and causes the risk of non-repayment for the bank. Accordingly, the aim of this research is to measure the credit risk of facilities granted to Saffron producers in Zaveh city. Examined information is related to 16.000 real customers from three branches of Keshavarzi bank located in Zaveh city from the beginning of 2017 to the end of 2019, which has been analyzed using the Logit model. According to the results, it can be said that specialization of loans in the agricultural sector, payment to technical and trained people and non-renewal of these facilities on time, along with better follow-up and supervision can improve credit risk efficiency. Also, due to the greater impact of financial characteristics than personal characteristics in customer default, getting closer to Islamic banking in which the bank is the partner of facilities in economic activities and the individual's contribution is considered as a guarantee, may better cover credit risks while freeing the core collateral to select better customers.
Processing, food industry and biochemistry
Behrouz akbari-adergani; morteza mohammadzade moghadam; mehdi Karimi noghabi; Mojtaba Mohammadpour; Mohammad Khalilian-Movahhed
Abstract
Saffron is one of the most expensive spices in the world. Saffron is a spice that is widely cheated. The development of techniques based on simple, inexpensive, appropriate and fast tools in the food industry is essential for detecting adulteration such as saffron adulterated. In the present study, the ...
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Saffron is one of the most expensive spices in the world. Saffron is a spice that is widely cheated. The development of techniques based on simple, inexpensive, appropriate and fast tools in the food industry is essential for detecting adulteration such as saffron adulterated. In the present study, the combination of image processing and Support vector machine (SVM) method has been used for fast and non-destructive evaluation of distinguishing authentic saffron from adulterated saffron. After preparing images from pure and counterfeit saffron and separate stigmas, the images entered the pre-processing stages and finally, statistical features related to the texture of the images and morphological features including 105 features were extracted. In order to increase the speed and accuracy of classification, PCA principal component analysis method was used to reduce the properties of the feature matrix. Also, the images were classified into two classes using different SVM kernel functions. Also, the images were classified into two classes using different SVM kernel functions. Then statistical indicators such as accuracy, precision, sensitivity, specificity and AUC were calculated to evaluate the classification. The values of these indices for classification with SVM cubic kernel for authentic saffron were 97, 98, 99, 93 and 97%, and for adulterated saffron, 97, 93, 83, 97.5 and 97% were obtained, respectively. The results of this classification showed that this system, as an intelligent, fast, non-destructive and accurate method, has the ability to distinguish the authentic saffron from adulterated saffron.
Other subject about saffron
Fatemeh Sogandi
Abstract
As the world's most expensive agricultural and medicinal product, saffron holds a special place among Iran's industrial and export goods. Customers constantly seek the best products in terms of price, quality, and timely delivery. Thus, it is crucial and necessary to ensure quality control in the saffron ...
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As the world's most expensive agricultural and medicinal product, saffron holds a special place among Iran's industrial and export goods. Customers constantly seek the best products in terms of price, quality, and timely delivery. Thus, it is crucial and necessary to ensure quality control in the saffron production process in order to satisfy customers and enhance profitability. To thrive in the competitive market, greater attention should be given to the critical quality characteristics of saffron, namely crocin, picrocrocin, and safranal. Moreover, statistical process control, a method for monitoring processes to identify the underlying causes of specific changes and deviations, is essential. Control charts and process capability indicators serve as necessary tools in statistical process control. Therefore, this paper primarily focuses on the use of the exponentially weighted moving average control chart, which is effective for handling minor deviations, to monitor and control the saffron production process in a data set during the initial phase. The data sets pertain to the qualitative characteristics of saffron in the cities of Torbat Heydarieh, Zaveh, Roshtkhar, Bardeskan, and Kashmar. Following the examination of the quality aspects of the saffron production process and its sustainability, emphasis is placed on the control chart as the most crucial statistical process control tool. Efficiency indicators of the saffron production process are then calculated and analyzed using standards 259-1 and 259-2. Through this analysis, efforts can be made to reduce process variability and consequently compare and enhance the quality level of saffron produced in the investigated areas. The results showed that in premium cut string saffron, Torbat Heydarieh city has the best picrocrocin, Kashmar city saffron has the best safranal, and Rashtkhwar city saffron has the best crocin. Also, the best picrocrocin and saffron type 1 string saffron belong to the town of Torbat Heydarieh and the best safranal belongs to the town of Bardeskan. Utilizing these indicators in the saffron production process serves as a measure to evaluate the processes' ability to meet customer demands and comply with relevant industry standards.
Biotechnology and genetics
Sara Sabertanha; BARAT ALI FAKHERI; Nafiseh Mahdinezhad; Zohre Alizadeh
Abstract
The present research was conducted to investigate the effect of water stress and silver nanoparticles on morphological traits of some saffron ecotypes. The experiment was done in form of split plot factorial in a randomized complete block design format in three replications at research farm of Birjand ...
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The present research was conducted to investigate the effect of water stress and silver nanoparticles on morphological traits of some saffron ecotypes. The experiment was done in form of split plot factorial in a randomized complete block design format in three replications at research farm of Birjand University with two levels including full and low water irrigation on 10 ecotypes of saffron and at three levels of silver nanoparticles including control treatment (distille water), 55 and 110 ppm. The traits such as germination date (germination), the number of germinated corm, the number of tillers, the number of leaves, leaf length, the pods length and leaf width were measured. The best date of emergence and the largest number of paws in complete irrigation treatment was observed under distilled water treatment (control). The highest number of corm germinated was observed in irrigated conditions at 55 ppm of silver nanoparticles in the Qaeen ecotype. The highest leaf length was observed under drought stress in the treatment with distilled water (control). The largest number of leaves and leaf width were observed under drought stress at 55 ppm of silver nanoparticles. According to the obtained results of this study, some of the traits at the conditions of drought stress under the silver nanoparticles with a concentration of 55 ppm and some of the traits in the full irrigation and lack of use of silver nanoparticles had the best performance, which it could be said that probably, in stress dryness, the amount of ethylene increases. Some of the obtained results of this study can be related to the effect of silver in preventing ethylene activity.
Other subject about saffron
Ommolbanin Bazrafshan; Zahra Gerkani Nezhad Moshizi
Abstract
Lack of adequate water resources, not only reducing the trend of agricultural development, but also it will cause damage and losses in the future. This study is a comprehensive research in water resource management using water footprint approach, water footprint accounting and water use efficiency by ...
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Lack of adequate water resources, not only reducing the trend of agricultural development, but also it will cause damage and losses in the future. This study is a comprehensive research in water resource management using water footprint approach, water footprint accounting and water use efficiency by clustering analysis. In this study, water footprint of green, blue and gery in saffron production are calcuated using principle framework during 2008-2014 . Based on, these indicators calculated using data and common methodology. Result shown, the share of WFGreen, WFBlue and WFGrey is 20, 90 and 10% respectively in the saffron production that mean of water footprint estimated 2764 m3/kg. Amount of water footprint accounting and water use efficiency calculated 1.91-5.93 m3/kg and 0.2-0.62 kg/m3, respectively. In assessing the prioritizing of the provinces by two indicators, the provinces were divided into four categories. Lorestan, Kermanshah, Hamedan, North Khorasan, Tehran, Kerman, East Azerbaijan and Zanjan provinces including the lowest water footprint accounting and water footprint while these provinces have the highest water use efficiency. The category of these provinces is the first rank. Golestan, Ghazvin, Markazi, Alborz, Yazd, South Khorasan and Razavi Khorasan provinces are the second rank, Fars and Semnan are the third rand and Chaharmahal and Bakhtirai is the end rank of priority. Based on results, considering indicators such as water use efficiency, water footprints and footprint counting can help decision makers to development cultivation of Saffron.
Processing, food industry and biochemistry
Mohsen Kazemi; Hasan Saleh; Behzad Fahmideh
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the chemical composition, silage characteristics, digestibility, and in vitro gas production parameters of saffron waste (including petals and stamen) before and after ensiling. Experimental treatments (4 replicates) contained: 1) Saffron wastes before ensiling: SWBE; 2) ...
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This study aimed to determine the chemical composition, silage characteristics, digestibility, and in vitro gas production parameters of saffron waste (including petals and stamen) before and after ensiling. Experimental treatments (4 replicates) contained: 1) Saffron wastes before ensiling: SWBE; 2) Saffron wastes after ensiling: SWAE; 3) 96.88% Saffron wastes after ensiling+3.12% wheat bran: 96.88%SWAE+3.12%WB (fresh weight); 4) 93.75% Saffron wastes after ensiling+6.25% wheat bran: 93.75%SWAE+6.25%WB (fresh weight); 5) 87.5% Saffron wastes after ensiling+12.5% wheat bran: 87.5%SWAE+12.5%WB (fresh weight); 6) 75% Saffron wastes after ensiling+25% wheat bran: 75%SWAE+25%WB (fresh weight); 7) 50% Saffron wastes after ensiling+50% wheat bran: 50%SWAE+50%WB (fresh weight). Statistical analysis of the data was performed in a completely randomized design. Treatment 2 did not have good quality and odor due to high moldy and adhesion characteristics, but the addition of wheat bran, especially at higher levels (treatment 4, 5, 6) led to an increase in the silage quality. Chemical composition of the experimental treatments (dry matter 10.40-54.37% of fresh weight, neutral detergent fiber 12.83-27.35%, acid detergent fiber 7.23.11.45%, crude protein 14.88-15.67%, ether extract 5.43-5.77% and ash was 5.89-11.12% of dry weight) was different. Among the experimental treatments, the highest neutral and acid detergent fibers were observed (27.35% and 11.45%, respectively) in treatment 7. The lowest pH as well as the highest concentrations of lactic and acetic acids, gas production at 12 and 24 h incubation, and constant rate of gas production were observed in treatment 7. True dry matter digestibility differed from 76.30% for treatment 2 to 79.95% for treatment 1. Overall, saffron waste had good nutritional value before being ensilaged, and ensiling without additives reduced its quality. However, it was possible to ensilage saffron wastes with wheat bran as a moisture-absorbing material without adverse effects on some nutritional parameters. In terms of appearance quality, odor, non-molding, and fermentation characteristics of the silo environment, the best conditions were observed in treatment 7.
Economics and Marketing
morteza Yaqubi; Mostafa Yaghoobzadeh; Moein Tosan
Abstract
Saffron is one of the most valuable agricultural products in the global market. Iran has the largest area under cultivation and the highest production of this crop. However, Iran's share of the value added of saffron in the global market is unacceptable and declining, which indicates the many ...
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Saffron is one of the most valuable agricultural products in the global market. Iran has the largest area under cultivation and the highest production of this crop. However, Iran's share of the value added of saffron in the global market is unacceptable and declining, which indicates the many challenges facing this industry. The purpose of this research is to explain the hidden structures of the challenges of production, processing, and marketing, and to rank the most important challenges of the saffron industry in Torbat Heydarieh, Iran, which is the world's saffron center. The necessary data were collected in 2023 using a convenience sample of 108 questionnaires. The challenges were ranked using Friedman's test and the weight coefficients obtained from factor analysis. Principal component analysis was used to identify the hidden patterns in the challenges of production, processing, and market (domestic and international) of the saffron industry in Torbat-e Heydarieh. The challenges were then ranked using Friedman's test and the weight coefficients obtained from factor analysis. The study found that the most important challenge facing the saffron industry in the production sector is climate change, in the processing sector is the need for high working capital, in the international markets is strict customs regulations, and in the domestic markets is the lack of cooperation of the rural cooperative to purchase the product. Factor analysis revealed that the most important hidden components in the production sector are "production instability" and "low production efficiency"; in the processing sector, "technical and infrastructural challenges" and "financial challenges"; in the domestic market, "lack of development of the domestic competitive market" and "weak domestic market institutions"; and in the international market, "lack of access to foreign markets" and "poor saffron quality in foreign markets."
Agriculture
fatemeh Arsalani; Seyed JavadRasouli
Abstract
In this study parameters of daily and monthly rainfall, minimum, average and maximum temperatures, relative humidity, number of sunny hours and number of freezing days in the towns of Kashmar and Ghaen were analyzed for a statistical period of 20 agricultural years (1992-2011). Several traditional methods ...
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In this study parameters of daily and monthly rainfall, minimum, average and maximum temperatures, relative humidity, number of sunny hours and number of freezing days in the towns of Kashmar and Ghaen were analyzed for a statistical period of 20 agricultural years (1992-2011). Several traditional methods of climate classification were used to compare climate conditions of Ghaen and Kashmar towns by climate determining software. Then effective meteorological indicators on saffron cultivation were selected. Results of climate classification by traditional methods showed that these towns are located in the same climate class. Although the climate was similar, but studies showed that saffron quality in color, odor and taste in Ghaen was higher than Kashmar. The Maximum temperature and relative humidity were the same in both towns. Relative humidity in both towns was the same, especially in October and November which coincided with the beginning of saffron flowering time. Minimum temperature and sunny hours made climate conditions of Ghaen at more favorable for saffron because of mountainous nature. Sunny hours in Ghaen during flowering season was more than Kashmar. Finally, a slight difference in three climate parameters, i.e. rainfall during summer, temperature and sunny hours cannot be the only reason for lower quality of saffron in Kashmar in comparison to Ghaen and saffron quality in Kashmar could be highly raised by other factors such as better planning and management.
Agriculture
Nasim Rezvani; Ali Sorooshzadeh
Abstract
Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is cultivated as spices, medicinal and aromatic plant species. At autumn season, heavy rainfall can cause flooding stress and inhibits growth of saffron. Thus this research was conducted to study the effect of silver ion (as an ethylene inhibitor) on growth of saffron under ...
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Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is cultivated as spices, medicinal and aromatic plant species. At autumn season, heavy rainfall can cause flooding stress and inhibits growth of saffron. Thus this research was conducted to study the effect of silver ion (as an ethylene inhibitor) on growth of saffron under flooding conditions. The corms of saffron were soaked with one concentration of nano silver (0, 40, 80 or 120 ppm) and then planting under flooding stress and non flooding stress conditions. Results showed that number of roots, root length, root fresh and dry weight, leaves fresh and dry weight were reduced by 10 day flooding stress. Soaking saffron corms with 40 or 80 ppm concentration of nano silver rewarded the effect of flooding stress on the root number, by increasing it. Furthermore, 40 ppm of nano silver increased root length in stress. Nano silver 80 ppm in flooding stress, increased leaves dry weight.
Economics and Marketing
Majid Khosravi; Ali Shams; Higar Gholi Zadeh; Zahra Hoshmandan moghadam
Abstract
The marketing behavior of different Saffron farmers is different due to a few effective factors. The present descriptive/correlational study is aimed at investigating the selling behavior of Saffron farmers and the associated factors. The statistical population consisted of all Saffron farmers in the ...
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The marketing behavior of different Saffron farmers is different due to a few effective factors. The present descriptive/correlational study is aimed at investigating the selling behavior of Saffron farmers and the associated factors. The statistical population consisted of all Saffron farmers in the Qaen Township in 2015 (N= 12860) of which 230 were selected through a randomized multi-stage sampling method. The sample size was identified based on Cochran's sampling formula. Data was gathered through a valid and reliable questionnaire with face to face interviews done with farmers and analyzed by SPSS software package. The results indicated that Saffron farmers have distinct marketing behaviors, such that 30.7 percent of their Saffron products were sold in Dasteh type, 35.8 percent in Poshal type and 33.5 percent in Negin type. The results also showed that there were significant correlations between marketing behavior with variables such as the amount of self-consumption of saffron, acreage of cultivated area, their satisfaction from product quantity, the extent of use of some marketing information channels and the ratio of saffron income to total income.
Economics and Marketing
Arash Dourandish; amirhossein tohidi; Mona Mousavi
Abstract
Saffron, a valuable agricultural product in the national and international level is valued by consumers in different ways and the price paid for it depends on different factors. Identifying these factors can be helpful to marketing saffron with the price that is consistent with consumer preferences. ...
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Saffron, a valuable agricultural product in the national and international level is valued by consumers in different ways and the price paid for it depends on different factors. Identifying these factors can be helpful to marketing saffron with the price that is consistent with consumer preferences. The major aim of this study is to evaluate the factors that affect the price of saffron in Mashhad using the Hedonic pricing model. What distinguishes this study from previous studies is using the sensitivity analysis approach in the context of artificial neural networks. The information needed for this research was collected from 120 saffron buyers in the city of Mashhad with the random sampling approach. Considering the 14 explanatory variables, the results showed that age and brand have the least impact on the price of saffron, while the consumption goals variable has a significant effect on the price of this product. Among the goals, nutritional uses has a positive effect, and medical and industrial uses have a negative effect on the price of saffron. According to the research findings, manufacturers and suppliers of saffron are recommended to price the product according to the buyers’ consumption goals, sale style and the saffron type, respectively.
