Agriculture
Basir Atarodi; Hamidreza Zabihi; Mehdi Zangiabadi
Abstract
Balanced nutrition is one of the most important methods to increase the quantity and quality of agricultural products such as saffron. Optimal application of fertilizer and impose the balance between nutrients is very important; achieving it requires a proper assessment of plant needs. Because the leaf ...
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Balanced nutrition is one of the most important methods to increase the quantity and quality of agricultural products such as saffron. Optimal application of fertilizer and impose the balance between nutrients is very important; achieving it requires a proper assessment of plant needs. Because the leaf is the main and most important tissue of plant metabolism so decomposition of its nutrients and interpretation of the results according to standard methods can provide complete information about the nutritional status of the plant, and can also be used to determine the order of nutrient requirements and fertilizer priority of the fields. In the present study, in order to investigate the nutritional status of saffron in South Khorasan province, leaf samples were collected from 23 farms and analysed for determining the macro and micronutrients concentration. Using nutrients concentration in high yielding fields, reference concentration (Cref ) was obtained for N, P and K nutrients 2.94, 0.25 and 1.22 percent respectively. As well as Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu Cref was 215.17, 27.21, 21.30 and 7.27 mg/kg respectively. After obtaining the reference concentration, the DOP value was calculated and based on that, the order of nutrient requirements was determined. The results showed that the absolute value of DOP for all nutrients studied was more than zero, in the other words, there was a nutritional imbalance in all fields. In more than 95% of cases, the nutritional imbalance was due to nutrient deficiencies, although in a few cases, the nutritional imbalance was also related to the excess of nutrients. Based on the indices of deviation from optimum percentage, among macronutrients potassium in 70% of the studied farms and among the micronutrients, manganese in 60%, and iron in 30% of the farms, had highest negative indices. Overall and based on the results of this study, it can be recommended that in saffron farms of South Khorasan province, the use of fertilizers containing potassium, iron and manganese should be given priority.
Agriculture
Surur Khorramdel; Mahmoud Mokhtari; Hoda Latifi
Abstract
The goal of meta-analysis is to provide knowledge and better understanding of the phenomena under study. The statistical technique of a large collection of analysis results from individual studies for the purpose of integrating the findings. We conducted a global meta-analysis to evaluate the effect ...
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The goal of meta-analysis is to provide knowledge and better understanding of the phenomena under study. The statistical technique of a large collection of analysis results from individual studies for the purpose of integrating the findings. We conducted a global meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of various fertilizers on saffron yield using data obtained from peer-reviewed publication (71 studies representing 14 studies on biofertilizers, 16 studies on compost, 14 studies on humic acid, 26 studies on chemical fertilizers (NPK) and 16 studies integrated application of fertilizers). Based on the results, the highest effect size was related to the impact of humic acid on dried weight of stigma (g=3.434). After humic acid, biofertilizer, chemical fertilizer and compost were computed in the next ranks. The standard error for compost (E = 0.101) was calculated less and with higher accuracy, so it is recommended with 95% confidence interval. Based on the results of Begg and Mazumdar correlation, all studies except humic acid on dried weight of stigma, humic acid on fresh weight of stigma, manure on flower number, chemical fertilizers on dried weight of stigma and chemical fertilizers on fresh weight of flower were homogeneous. Among the application of manure rate, 60 t cow manure per ha and 5 t poultry manure per ha had the highest and lowest effects, respectively. The results of meta-analysis for compost rates on dried weight of stigma indicated that 60 t per ha had the maximum impact. The highest effect of humic acid on dried weight of stigma was computed for 30 kg/ha. Based on the results it seems that there is no good long-term plan to resolve existing problems of soil fertilizers on saffron production systems and most of the experiments are based on researcher’s opinion, ease of implementation or following published articles in credible journals. Generally, the meta-analysis results provide a basis for conducting trade-off analyses to support the fertilizer management and development strategies based on available scientific findings.
Agriculture
Alijan Salariyan; Sohrab Mahmoodi; Mohammad. Ali Behdani; hamed kaveh
Abstract
In order to investigate the effect of salinity levels, bio fertilizer and nano fertilizer of Fe on quantitative and qualitative characteristics of saffron, a factorial experiment was conducted as a combined analysis in location by a randomized complete block design with three replications. Bio fertilizer ...
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In order to investigate the effect of salinity levels, bio fertilizer and nano fertilizer of Fe on quantitative and qualitative characteristics of saffron, a factorial experiment was conducted as a combined analysis in location by a randomized complete block design with three replications. Bio fertilizer was applied at four levels of zero, 500, 1000 and 1500 kg ha-1 and nanoparticles of Fe was applied at two levels of non-consumption and application of four liters per hectare. These factors were investigated in two locations with different irrigation salinity (2.29 and 4.49 dS m-1). The results showed that there were the highest values for traits of weight of flower, number of flowers, dry weight of stigma and weight of stigma + style in irrigation conditions with a salinity of 2.29 dS m-1. In the mentioned traits, under the conditions of irrigation with salinity of 2.29 dS m-1, there was no significant difference between the application and non-application levels of nano fertilizer of Fe; However, in the conditions of irrigation with salinity of 4.49 dS m-1, the application of nano fertilizer of Fe compared to non-application, caused a significant increase of 35.5, 33, 32.8 and 34.1% of these traits, respectively. Comparison of mean for triple interaction showed that at both salinity levels of 2.29 and 4.49 dS m-1, in the absence of bio fertilizer, the application of nano fertilizer of Fe could significantly increase the amount of crocin. However, in the application of different levels of bio fertilizer, the application of nano fertilizer of Fe reduced significantly the amount of crocin. The highest amount of safranal was observed in salinity of 4.49 dS m-1 and in the treatments of application of 500 and 1500 kg per hectare of bio fertilizer and application of nano fertilizer of Fe as well as non-application of bio fertilizers and nanoparticles of Fe. Irrigation with salinity of 4.49 dS m-1 in bio fertilizer levels (except for 500 kg ha-1) caused a significant increase in picrocrocin. In generally, it seems that for achieving higher yields, irrigation with less saline water and in case of irrigation with water by more than salinity of 4.2 dS m-1, the use of nano fertilizer of Fe to moderate the effects of salinity is recommended.
Agriculture
Roohollah Saeidi Aboueshaghi; Heshmat omidi; Amir bostani
Abstract
In order to investigate the effect of chicken manure and chemical fertilizers on some morphological characteristics and yield flowers and replacement corms of saffron under irrigation regimes, a split plot experiment on the basis of complete randomized block design was conducted at the shahrekord and ...
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In order to investigate the effect of chicken manure and chemical fertilizers on some morphological characteristics and yield flowers and replacement corms of saffron under irrigation regimes, a split plot experiment on the basis of complete randomized block design was conducted at the shahrekord and two consecutive crop years (2018-2019 and 2019-2020) with three replications. Irrigation as main plot at three levels (Fc (0% moisture depletion), %33 moisture depletion and %66 moisture depletion) and nutrition as sub-plot at six levels (control (without fertilizer application), 100% recommended chemical fertilizer, 100% recommended chicken manure, 25% chemical fertilizer + 75% chicken manure, 50% chemical fertilizer + 50% chicken manure and 75% chemical fertilizer + 25% chicken manure) were used. Chicken manure at a rate of 3 tons per hectare and chemical fertilizers including: urea 100 kg, potassium sulfate 150 kg, triple superphosphate 50 kg, iron sulfate 45 kg, zinc sulfate 15 kg and manganese sulfate 20 kg, all per hectare based on soil decomposition and the plant needs, were used. Also, the morphological traits and production of flowers and replacement corms was evaluated. The results showed that the interaction effect of year × irrigation × nutrition on all studied traits except leaf number, leaf length and replacement corm diameter was significant at 1% level. The mean comparison compound of the interaction of year × irrigation × nutrition showed that the highest dry yield of stigma and style in the second year, under %33 moisture depletion and 75% chicken manure + 25% chemical fertilizer treatment at the rate of 9.21 kg /ha and the lowest amount In the first year, %66 moisture depletion and control was obtained at the rate of 3.3 kg / ha. With increasing water stress intensity, the effect of 75% chicken manure + 25% chemical fertilizers treatment on the yield of replacement corm increased compared to the control and the effect of this treatment in the second year was more compared to the first year, so that in the first year and field capacity (%0 moisture depletion), increasing yield of replacement corm in this treatment compared to the control was 3.2%, in %33 moisture depletion 11.8% and in %66 moisture depletion, 26.7% , and in the second years, was respectively 11.2%, 15.5% and 38.9%. Therefore, this treatment had the highest effect on increasing the yield of saffron stigma and style in all irrigation regimes in this experiment.
Agriculture
Mansoore Kermani; Shahram Amirmoradi
Abstract
This research was carried out as factorial experiment basis on randomized block design with four replications on a three-year saffron farm in Mashhad at 2017/2018 crop year. The experimental factors were different concentrations of silica (0, 0.3, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.2 and 1.5 lit/ha) and the number of spraying ...
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This research was carried out as factorial experiment basis on randomized block design with four replications on a three-year saffron farm in Mashhad at 2017/2018 crop year. The experimental factors were different concentrations of silica (0, 0.3, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.2 and 1.5 lit/ha) and the number of spraying times (Once, twice and three times). Silica spraying (with Crapsil brand) was performed on February 6, March 1 and March 6, 2017.The results showed that the main effect of silica, the number of sprays and their interaction on all studied traits were significant. Mean comparisons of the experimental factors revealed that at the concentration of 1.2 lit/ha silica and two times of spraying, the highest number of flowers per plant(693 flowers), leaf dry weight(3.56 gr/plant), fresh weight of corm(67.25 gr/plant), stigma length(3.8 cm), fresh and dry weight of stigma(1656.5 and 14.39 kg/ha respectively),Safranal (33%) and crocin (192.75%) obtained. The highest amount of picrocrocin (66.35%) was obtained at the concentration of 1.5 lit/ha and two times of spraying. Therefore, the application of silica with the concentration of 1.2 lit/ha in the two stages of spraying was the best treatment and was able to increase the number of flowers per plant, fresh weight of corms and dry weight of stigma 26.5, 106 and 21.2 percent, respectively compared with the control treatment.
Agriculture
Elnaz Zamani; Hooman Salari; Mokhtar Ghobadi
Abstract
AbstractWe studied the effects of foliar application of iron chelate on relative leaf water content, electrolyte leakage, leaf chlorophyll content, carotenoids content, leaf soluble sugars content and proline for saffron in Kermanshah (Iran). A two-year trial (2013–2015) was conducted in the factorial ...
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AbstractWe studied the effects of foliar application of iron chelate on relative leaf water content, electrolyte leakage, leaf chlorophyll content, carotenoids content, leaf soluble sugars content and proline for saffron in Kermanshah (Iran). A two-year trial (2013–2015) was conducted in the factorial experiment based on complete randomized design (CRD) in triplicates at the research farm of Razi University; Iran. The traits were studied in the second year of experiment. The foliar iron chelated was applied at the three considered times namely early vegetative (November), mid-vegetative (January), and the end of vegetative growth (March). The seven concentrations of iron chelate were considered i.e. zero (control), 500, 1000, 1500, 2000, 2500 and 3000 ppm. The results showed that chlorophyll a, total chlorophyll and electrolyte leakage were not influenced by the time of foliar application. However, carotenoids have been affected significantly by the time (p≤0.05) and the other traits were affected very significantly (p≤0.01). The concentration of iron solution and the interaction between two factors affected all the traits highly significant (p≤0.01) apart from the electrolyte leakage which was significantly influenced (p≤0.05). The foliar application of iron chelate with the concentration of 2000 ppm leads to increase for chlorophyll a, total chlorophyll, and carotenoids in comparison with control for 45.4%, 42.4%, and 63.6% at the mid-vegetative, respectively. Soluble sugar content also has been raised for the foliar application at the end of vegetative growth for 2000 ppm for 63.5% compare with control. Also, generally can be claimed that the foliar application of iron chelate at the mid-vegetative was more effective than others.
Agriculture
Ali Zeinadini; Mir Naser Navidi; Mahnaz Eskandari; seyed alireza seyedjalali; Javad Seyed Mohammadi; Aboalhasan Moghimi; ءشاشئئشی ganjehie; alireza moghri; mohammadreza pahlavanrad
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of soil and land characteristics on saffron yield, their rating for preparation of a soil requirements table of this plant for land suitability studies by FAO method. First, 124 saffron farms in Khorasan Razavi, South Khorasan, Fars, Golestan, ...
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The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of soil and land characteristics on saffron yield, their rating for preparation of a soil requirements table of this plant for land suitability studies by FAO method. First, 124 saffron farms in Khorasan Razavi, South Khorasan, Fars, Golestan, Markazi and Kerman provinces were selected. In each field, suitable soil samples were taken and a land use questionnaire was completed during three years from 2017 to 2019. Soil samples were tested to determine their physicochemical properties. After preparing the data, they were statistically analyzed. Multivariate regression between yield as a dependent variable and salinity, percentage of exchangeable sodium, soil reaction, gypsum, lime, clay, sand, silt, gravel and available potassium and phosphorus of soil were studied as independent variables by stepwise method. By examining the relationships of simple regression between important and effective land characteristics and yield, land characteristics rating was performed. Then, the saffron soil requirements table prepared. The proposed table was verified with the data of 21 new farms. The results showed that available potassium, sand, soil salinity, percentage of exchangeable sodium and lime had the highest and the reaction of soil and organic carbon had the lowest range of changes. Regression results showed that the independent variables of soil salinity, ESP, lime, gypsum, gravel and available potassium and phosphorus, respectively, affect yield. Coefficient of determination of multivariate regression showed that the variables entered in the model were able to determine 95% of the variance related to the dependent variable. The largest contribution to the reduction of saffron yield is related to soil salinity, gravel, exchangeable sodium percentage and the amount of lime. Validation results showed that the yield correlation coefficient with the soil index of the proposed table for saffron is about 0.92, which indicates the acceptable accuracy of the proposed table.
Agriculture
Hamidreza sharifi; zohreh nabipour; Hamid Reza Tavakkoli Kakhki
Abstract
In order to investigate the effect of compensatory behavior of planting density, corm weight and planting depth on vegetative characteristics and yield of saffron stigma (Crocus. Sativus L.), a factorial split plot experiment with a randomized complete block design with three replications in the research ...
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In order to investigate the effect of compensatory behavior of planting density, corm weight and planting depth on vegetative characteristics and yield of saffron stigma (Crocus. Sativus L.), a factorial split plot experiment with a randomized complete block design with three replications in the research center and Agricultural education and natural resources of Khorasan Razavi (Gonabad Research Station) was conducted in the cropping years 2018-2020. In this study, planting density treatment (in four levels of 60, 90, 120 and 150 corms per square meter) in the main plot and factorial planting depth (in two levels of 15±2 and 25±2 cm from the soil surface) and corm weight (in two Levels 4± 1 and 8 ± 1 gr) were located in the subplot. The results showed that increasing the density from 60 to 150 corms per square meter caused a significant increase in flower number, flower fresh weight and stigma dry weight, number of plants, number of leaves per plant, average length of a leaf and total leaf length per square meter. Accordingly, increasing the weight of coriander from 4 to 8 gr significantly increases flower number, flower fresh weight, stigma dry weight, number of plants, number of leaves per plant, average length of a leaf, total leaf length per square meter and total Leaf length per plant in the first and second years and reduced flower number, flower fresh weight and stigma dry weight in the third year. The results also showed that increasing the planting depth from 15 to 25 cm caused a significant decrease in all studied traits of saffron. The effect of dual and triple interactions on the studied traits was mainly significant. Overall, the results showed that the use of larger mother corms has a relative priority only in the early years and the importance of its effect decreases with increasing farm age. Based on this, it seems that it is possible to have a different strateg and with a combination of less depth and especially more density to compensate for the effect of corm weight and achieved more overall performance.
Agriculture
Surur Khorramdel; Mehdi Nassiri Mahallati; Abdollah Soltan Ahmadi; Mina Hooshmand; Mohammad Javad Mostafavi
Abstract
Carbon footprint (CF) is the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions per unit of farmlands. Since the used inputs have an important role in greenhouse gas emissions, CF as an ecological indicator have been extensively applied for assessing the environmental externalities in agroecosystems. This study ...
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Carbon footprint (CF) is the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions per unit of farmlands. Since the used inputs have an important role in greenhouse gas emissions, CF as an ecological indicator have been extensively applied for assessing the environmental externalities in agroecosystems. This study was conducted to estimate the CF and carbon efficiency (CE) of saffron production systems in North Khorasan, Razavi Khorasan and South Khorasan provinces. Also, life cycle assessment analysis is calculated for quantifying the impact of saffron farming activity on the environment. Studied indices were global warming potential (GWP), acidification potential )AP) and eutrophication potential in terrestrial (UPT) and aquatic (UPA) sub-categories, N2Odirect, N2Oindirect, N2O emissions affected as volatilization and leaching, carbon inputs (Ci), carbon outputs (Co), CF and CE. The results revealed that the lowest GWP for saffron production systems was related to south Khorasan with 339.43 kg CO2 equiv./ one kg flower yield. The minimum environmental index (EcoX) was recorded for south Khorasan (0.039 EcoX/ one kg flower yield). N2O emissions in South Khorasan, Razavi Khorasan and North Khorasan provinces were estimated with 95974.51, 199674.4 and 344723 kg N2O per one ha, respectively. The largest N2O emissions affected as leaching and volatilization were calculated for North Khorasan province (with 1.21 and 24.23 kg N2O per one ha, respectively). The maximum Ci and Co were related to North Khorasan province with 117986.52 and 15135.56 kg C per one ha, respectively. The largest CF and CE were computed for North Khorasan and south Khorasan provinces with 7.8 and 0.18, respectively. It concluded that adoption on conservation and reduced tillages, N2- fixing pulses, cover crops and green manures in rotations with saffron and increased nitrogen use efficiency as ecological approaches can optimize the system performance while reducing environmental externalities and the carbon footprint of the crop cultivation. So, with relevant agro-environmental policies in saffron production systems along with the adoption of improved agronomical practices increasing flower yield with no cost the environment can be achieved effectively, efficiently and economically.
Agriculture
Mozhgan Esmaeelian; Javad Feizy; Moslem Jahani; Soodabeh Einafshar
Abstract
In the present study, the conventional solvent extraction (CSE) was compared with ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and subcritical water extraction (SWE) methods for the extraction of bioactive constituents from Crocus sativus corms. The response surface methodology (RSM) based on a central composite ...
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In the present study, the conventional solvent extraction (CSE) was compared with ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and subcritical water extraction (SWE) methods for the extraction of bioactive constituents from Crocus sativus corms. The response surface methodology (RSM) based on a central composite face-centred design (CCD) was used to optimize the extraction parameters. The optimum conditions of extraction were estimated to be ethanol 80%, 48˚C and 60 min in CSE, ethanol 80%, 37˚C, 45 min, and 37 kHz in the UAE, and 180˚C and 22 min in SWE. The subcritical water extraction showed the maximum extraction yield, and the highest value of total phenolic compounds (807.6 mg gallic acid equivalent in 100 g saffron corm) and total flavonoid (12.2 mg Quercetin equivalent in 100 g saffron corm) were determined in the SWE extract. The phenolic and flavonoid content of the SWE extract is 8 and 12 times higher than the other two methods, respectively. Also, CSE and SWE extracts showed the least and the most antioxidant activities, respectively. The antibacterial activity of the optimized extracts was evaluated by the microdilution method. The results showed the minimum bactericidal concentrations of 300 and 600 mg mL-1 against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria, respectively.
Agriculture
Fatemeh Tashakkori; Ali Mohammadi Torkashvand; Abbas Ahmadi; Mehrdad Esfandiari
Abstract
Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is one of the most expensive crop which is grown in restricted areas of the world. Due to its economic values, some farmers, based on similarities of climatic conditions have cultivated it in some regions of country regardless of land capability and suitability, which sometimes ...
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Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is one of the most expensive crop which is grown in restricted areas of the world. Due to its economic values, some farmers, based on similarities of climatic conditions have cultivated it in some regions of country regardless of land capability and suitability, which sometimes the result was not satisfactory. Saffron yield prediction based on soil properties enables us to assess the land suitably for cultivation of this valuable plant. For this purpose, 100 soil samples were collected from Vamenan Saffron fields in Golestan province and the soil chemical and physical properties including the percentage of constituents of the mineral part of soil texture (Sand, Silt, Clay), Phosphorus, potassium, Nitrogen, pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Organic matter and Calcium Carbonate Equivalent were measured. In addition, the weight of Saffron wet flower (kg.Ha-1) was measured. In the present study, various combinations of soil properties as input were applied and nine models were developed using artificial neural networks and multiple linear regression models for predicting the saffron yield. Performance of the models was validated using Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Correlation Coefficient (R) and Geometric Mean of Error Ratio (GMER) methods. The results of the correlation analyses showed phosphorus and organic matter are most effective factors in the production of Saffron. Results showed that performance of the models is much different where R2 value varies from 0.45 to 0.89. Comparing the performance of Saffron yield estimation models indicated the optimal model was obtained from the combination of phosphorous, organic matter, potassium and calcium carbonate equivalent as input and values of R2 and RMSE equal to 0.874 and 0.996 kg.ha-1, respectively.Evaluation of model results indicated that the coefficient varied was obtained from 0.45 to 0.89. The best model in saffron yield estimation was obtained when phosphorous, organic matter, potassium and electrical conductivity were as the input, so that values of R2 and root mean square error (RMSE) were obtained 0.891 and 0.89 kg.ha-1, respectively.
Agriculture
Surur Khorramdel; Fatemeh Moallem Banhangi; Javad Shabahang
Abstract
Optimization is one management approach to improve yield and resource efficiencies and decrease environmental pollutions in saffron agroecosystems. Response- surface methodology (RSM) is defined as a set of statistical techniques that are used to optimize a product. In this work, optimization of cow ...
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Optimization is one management approach to improve yield and resource efficiencies and decrease environmental pollutions in saffron agroecosystems. Response- surface methodology (RSM) is defined as a set of statistical techniques that are used to optimize a product. In this work, optimization of cow manure and leaf spraying with Dalfard on saffron using RSM was done. An experiment was conducted using central composite design with 13 treatments and two replications at the Agricultural Research Field of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad during two growing seasons of 2015-2016 and 2016-2017. The treatments were allocated based on low and high levels of cow manure (0 and 100 t.ha-1, respectively) and leaf spraying concentration with Dalfard ® (0 and 10 ppm, respectively). Flower yield, daughter corm yield and quality criteria were calculated as dependent variables and changes of these variables were evaluated by a regression model. Lack-of-fit test was used to evaluate the quality of the fitted model. The adequacy of the model was tested by analysis of variance. The quality of the fitted models was judged using the determination coefficient (R2). Finally, the optimum levels of cow manure and leaf spraying concentration were calculated based on economic scenario. The results showed that effect of linear component was significant on quality characteristics of stigma. Effect of square component was significant on dried weight of stigma, mean diameter of daughter corm, number of daughter corms per m2, mean weight of daughter corm and crocin content. Interaction effect of full quadratic component was significant on flower yield criteria. Lack of fit test had no significant effect on the studied traits that represent the full square model was satisfactorily explained. The maximum observed value for number of daughter corms was recorded for 50 t cow manure per ha+ no leaf spraying (with 41.38 corms.m-2). The highest observed value for dried stigma yield was related to 100 t cow manure per ha+ no leaf spraying (with 156.33 mg.m-2). The maximum observed amounts for quality criteria such as picrocrocin, crocin and safranal were calculated for 100 t cow manure per ha+ 10 ppm leaf spraying (with 89.91 E1%257, 180.98 E1%440 and 40.15 E1%330, respectively). Dried weight of stigma, number of daughter corms and crocin content were considered in economic scenario, so the estimated levels for cow manure and Dalfard concentration were 92.67 t/ha and 1.2 ppm, respectively. In general, it seems that resource use optimization based on Response- surface methodology may be suitable cropping approach for sustainable production and improvement of yield flower, corm yield and quality characteristics in saffron.
Agriculture
Hamid-reza Fallahi; Mohammad. Ali Behdani; Parviz Rezvani Moghaddam; Majid Jami Al-Ahmadi
Abstract
Many activities during production, processing, trade and consumption of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in Iran, are based on indigenous knowledge. Most share of saffron production in the country is obtained from small fields with family cooperation and using local environmental friendly inputs and technologies. ...
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Many activities during production, processing, trade and consumption of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in Iran, are based on indigenous knowledge. Most share of saffron production in the country is obtained from small fields with family cooperation and using local environmental friendly inputs and technologies. Accordingly, a cosidarable part of saffron produced in Iran is close to the principles of organic farming, but in terms of rules and standards related to this production system, it is considered only as a quasi-organic product. Organic farming is a comprehensive production system that focuses on the quantitative and qualitative aspects of agricultural product during the production cycle (from farm to fork), as well as issues such as justice, social relations, soil health and the rights of all macro and mico organisms. Based on this definition and considering the principles and methods which are used for saffron production in Iranian agroecosystems, it is possible to create a targeted procrdure for its organic production, by perparation a standard. The preparation of this standard, while increasing farmers' incomes, will lead to maintaining and increasing Iran's share of the global market of this valuable medicinal plant. In this article, for all stages of saffron production cycle, using the results of scientific researches on saffron, as well as international, regional and national standards related to organic production, a set of general principles, suggestions (recommendations), requirements and notes are provided. The recommendations are mainly suitable for increasing the quantitative yield, while higher quality of saffron can be achieved by observing the proposed requirements. The guidelines proposed in this paper, besides improving the quantity and quality of the product, will also ensure the other objectives and rules related to organic farming. In the current proposed program, issues related to agronomy (corm production and selection, land selection and preparation, planting, soil nutrition, irrigation, control of biotic stresses, etc.), breeding, harvesting and post-harvest (flowers carrying and storage; separation, drying, grading, packing, labeling and storage of stigma) as well as processing and legal issues have been considered.
Agriculture
Surur Khorramdel; F. Moallem Banhangi; S.J. Davarpanah
Abstract
Saffron field from the onset of dormancy to flowering phase is free of vegetation and increased soil temperature and reduced land use efficiency are the clearest problems of sole saffron cultivation. In order to study the effect of intercropping patterns of mallow (Malva sylvetris L.) as a perennial ...
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Saffron field from the onset of dormancy to flowering phase is free of vegetation and increased soil temperature and reduced land use efficiency are the clearest problems of sole saffron cultivation. In order to study the effect of intercropping patterns of mallow (Malva sylvetris L.) as a perennial medicinal plant with saffron (Crocus sativus L.) on replacement corm growth and flower yield affected as possible cooling of corms for climate change and global warming mitigation, an experiment was conducted at Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran during three growing seasons of 2015-2016, 2016-2017 and 2017-2018. Treatments were 15, 30, 45 and 60-cm row spacings for saffron from mallow planting rows and sole saffron and mallow cultivations. Based on results in the third year, the effect of intercropping patterns with mallow was significant on yield indicators of flower and corm of saffron. In comparison between sole cultivation and intercropped saffron revealed that the highest values for flower number, dried stigma yield and yield of replacement corms were recorded for sole saffron cultivation with 81 flowers.m-2, 0.2115 g.m-2 and 26.51 g.m-2, respectively. In comparisons amongst intercropping patterns, the highest values for these criteria were related to 30-cm row spacings from mallow with 46 flowers.m-2, 0.155 g.m-2 and 13.39 g.m-2, respectively. However, corcin, picrocrocin and safranal contents were not significantly affected by intercropping patterns with mallow. Effect of intercropped saffron was significant on fresh weight of flower, dried weight of flower and branches number per plant of mallow. The maximum value for dried flower weight was observed for 60-cm row spacing with 28.89 g.m-2. The range for LER calculated with 1.01-1.77 and the maximum value was for 15-cm row spacing.
Agriculture
Hassan Mosaferyzyaaldiny; Amin Alizadeh; Parviz Rezvani Moghaddam
Abstract
An experiment was conducted in a strip-plot layout based on a randomized complete block design with three replications in the 2016-2017 growing season at the Bakhrez county, Khorasan Razavi province, Iran in order to study quantitative performance and water use efficiency of a few saffron criteria in ...
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An experiment was conducted in a strip-plot layout based on a randomized complete block design with three replications in the 2016-2017 growing season at the Bakhrez county, Khorasan Razavi province, Iran in order to study quantitative performance and water use efficiency of a few saffron criteria in response to different irrigation volumes and intervals. Irrigation intervals was allocated as horizontal factor (factor A) in four levels (a1=15, a2 =30, a3 = 45, and a4 = 90 days) and irrigation water volume performed as vertical factor (factor B) in four volumes (b1 = 250, b2 = 500, b3 = 1000 and b4 = 1250 m3.ha-1). The results showed that the highest saffron flower and corm yields were obtained in the a2b3 treatment (total water volume of 6000 m3.ha-1). The highest reduction in corm yield is shown in the a4b1 treatment (total water volume 750 m3.ha-1) with a decrease of 72.1% compared to a1b2 (total water volume 5500 m3.ha-1). The lowest fresh flower yield was obtained in the a4b1 treatment (total water volume 750 m3.ha-1) with a decrease of 76.5% compared to a1b2 (total water volume 5500 m3.ha-1), and the lowest yield of corm yield was shown in treatment with a4b1 volume (total water volume 750 m3.ha-1) with a decrease of 70.6% compared to the a2b3 volume (The total volume of water was 6000 m3.ha-1). Also, the results showed that the highest decrease in corm water use efficiency was obtained in the a1b4 treatment (total water volume 13750 m3.ha-1) decreased by 85.4 percent compared to a3b1 (total volume of water 1000 m3.ha-1) and the greatest decrease in fresh flower water use efficiency was shown in the a1b4 treatment (total volume of water 13750 m3.ha-1) decreased by 82.4% compared to a2b1 (total volume of water 1500 m3.ha-1). According to the results, the use of 250 to 500 m3.ha-1 irrigation in 30-day intervals (1500 to 3000 m3.ha-1) is recommended for maximum water use efficiency in saffron cultivation.
Agriculture
Mohammadreza Maleki; Mohammadjavad Seghatoleslami; Gholamreza Mousavi; Hassan Feizi
Abstract
This experiment was carried out as a split plot based on randomized complete block design with three replications in 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 and the data related to 2017-2018 were analysed. The irrigation time for the main plot (A) consisted of 4 levels including I1: control (traditional irrigation) ...
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This experiment was carried out as a split plot based on randomized complete block design with three replications in 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 and the data related to 2017-2018 were analysed. The irrigation time for the main plot (A) consisted of 4 levels including I1: control (traditional irrigation) on October 12, I2: irrigation at 10 days after I1, I3: I1+ one additional irrigation after the last irrigation (April 30), I4: the first irrigation time was done 10 days later than the traditional irrigation+ one additional irrigation 10 days after the last irrigation. Sub plot (B) was the foliar application of various stimulators including of G1: control, G2: acid salicylic, G3: Complete micro fertilizer, G4: nano Tio2, G5: nano Sio2. In this experiment different traits of corm and flower and stigma quality were determined. The results indicated that foliar application of complete micro fertilizer and Sio2 nanoparticles had the highest number of daughter corms. Moreover,both of them caused 25 percent increase overthe control group. Irrigation times at I4 and I1 yielded the maximum and minimum contents of dry weight of style and stigma. Foliar application of complete micro fertilizer was the best treatment in terms of dry weight of style and stigma. The most contents of crocin among various fertilizers belonged to complete micro and Tio2 nanoparticles. The highest amount of picrocrocin belonged to complete micro fertilizer and salicylic acid. The salicylic acid foliar application was the best treatment in terms of chlorophyll content of saffron leaves. In conclusion the first irrigation on October 12 and using complete micro fertilizer are reconded.
Agriculture
moahammad Farhangi; ahmad ahmadian; Iman yousefi javan
Abstract
One of the most serious problems in saffron production is that it is impossible to plant saffron again in a given farm. Therefore, it is essential to identify the reasons for not being able to plant saffron again in a given farm. This research was carried out in order to investigate the effect of residual ...
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One of the most serious problems in saffron production is that it is impossible to plant saffron again in a given farm. Therefore, it is essential to identify the reasons for not being able to plant saffron again in a given farm. This research was carried out in order to investigate the effect of residual soil of saffron, different ages of saffron field, its corm and extract on quantitative production of saffron in factorial as completely randomized design with three replications during 2016-2018, in a personal farm under natural conditions in Torbate Heydarieh, Iran. The first factor was soil age at three levels (including field soil without background of saffron cultivation (control treatment), field soil from which corms had been taken out two years ago, and soil under cultivation of saffron in the fourth year) and the second factor was the application of corm and its extract in three levels (including non-consumption of corm as control, crushed saffron corm 14 tons per hectare and consumption of aqueous extract of saffron corm with a concentration of 50 percent). The results showed that most traits were affected by treatments and their interactions. The cultivation of saffron in the field caused a significant reduction in the amount of leaf and flower components and their yield (more than 17 and 27 %, respectively). Also, using aqueous extract and crushed saffron corm reduced more than 10% of flower and leaf components and their yield. The highest stigma and leaf yield were observed in the control treatment (9.88 and 240.97 kg.ha-1, respectively) and the least stigma and leaf yield were observed in field soil two years after the outcrop and using crushed corms (2.27 and 16.09 kg.ha-1, respectively). So, it can be stated that remnants of saffron corm in the field significantly reduce the growth, reproduction, leaf and flower yield and its components and it is recommended that the cultivated saffron residues of the previous year be taken out from the soil for re-cultivation of saffron so that its harmful effects do not reduce the growth and yield of new saffron.
Agriculture
Zahra Hosseini- Evari; Ebrahim Izadi Darbandi; Mohammad Kafi; Hassan Makarian
Abstract
A field study with 3 replications based on RCBD was conducted in order to improve the efficacy of some herbicides using adjuvants in the control of broadleaf weeds of saffron. Oxadiazone, oxyfluorfen, rimsulfuron and dicamba+ tritosulfuron herbicides at recommended rates of 500, 700, 10 and 150 a.i. ...
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A field study with 3 replications based on RCBD was conducted in order to improve the efficacy of some herbicides using adjuvants in the control of broadleaf weeds of saffron. Oxadiazone, oxyfluorfen, rimsulfuron and dicamba+ tritosulfuron herbicides at recommended rates of 500, 700, 10 and 150 a.i. ha-1, respectively without adjuvants and in reduced rates 375, 480, 8.75 and 112, respectively were used when they were tank-mixed with and without citogate (0.2% v.v-1) and humix 99 (0.25% v.v-1) as well as a control plot with no herbicide application and hand weeding. Weed species of Polygonum aviculare and Cardaria draba with relative density of 26% and 20.5%, respectively were the dominant weeds in the experimental field. The results showed that hand weeding significantly increased the yield of saffron flower and corm. Application of oxyflurfen and oxadiazone in reduced rates decreased saffron damage while addition of citogate to these herbicides increased the phytotoxicity damage in saffron. Addition of humix to these herbicides had no effect on phytotoxicity damage. Although application of rimsulfuron and dicamba+ tritosulfuron in reduced rates reduced phytotoxicity damage and increased yield of saffron, these herbicides have the potential to damage saffron even at reduced rates. Adding citogate to these herbicides can increase the efficacy of these herbicides in weeds control but considering the potential of these herbicides in damage to saffron, application of these herbicides in saffron fields is not recommended even at reduced doses. Application of oxyflurfen at 480 a.i. ha-1 without adjuvant and tank-mixed with humix were best treatments for use in saffron fields. However, it is also possible to use oxadiazone at 375 a.i. ha-1 to control saffron broadleaf weeds.
Agriculture
Ehsan Taghizadeh Tousi
Abstract
In this research, concentrations of vanadium, chromium, manganese, cobalt, zinc, and arsenic were measured in saffron and saffron farm soil in two counties of Torbat Heydariyeh and Zaveh as two main centers of saffron production in the world using the neutron activation analysis method. The soil chromium ...
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In this research, concentrations of vanadium, chromium, manganese, cobalt, zinc, and arsenic were measured in saffron and saffron farm soil in two counties of Torbat Heydariyeh and Zaveh as two main centers of saffron production in the world using the neutron activation analysis method. The soil chromium and cobalt concentrations of all farms were found to be much higher than the WHO level and the values of vanadium, manganese, zinc, and arsenic were lower than the admissible level. The deficiency of essential elements for plant growth in the soil was not found. Two statistical analyses were used to evaluate the results of neutron activation analysis. The results of the paired t-test showed that the concentrations of vanadium, manganese, chromium, and cobalt were similar in different soil depths, which indicated distribution of these elements in the soil to be uniform. Also, only the zinc concentrations in the corm and its surrounding soil were statistically significant, which could indicate a strong movement of this element from soil to saffron. This test also showed that the distribution of the elements was uniform in the shoots. The correlation coefficients show that the uptake of cobalt and manganese by the saffron may decrease by increasing concentration of zinc in the soil. In addition, based on the contamination index and geo-accumulation, all soils in Torbat Heydarieh and Zaveh are extremely contaminated by chromium. In the adjacent areas in these two counties (south of Torbat Heydarieh and the west of Zaveh), and the central zone of Zaveh, the contamination levels of arsenic in the soil were found to be moderate and very high, respectively. Saffron crops were estimated uncontaminated in all farms, except in eastern Zaveh and south of Torbat Heydarieh that were contaminated by chrome. According to both indices of load and degree of contamination, the soil of all saffron farms were found to be highly contaminated. Soil contamination was evaluated to be extreme by the using both pollution load Index (PLI) and contamination degree (CD). In addition, saffron threads were found to be totally uncontaminated (except in the south of Torbat Heydarieh, where the crop was moderately polluted), according to PLI and CD.
Agriculture
Amin Ramezani; Hossein Aroiee; Majid Azizi; Ahmad Ahmadian
Abstract
In order to find and recommend a method for improving vegetative and reproductive traits and economic yield of saffron using organic compounds of soil amendment, a split plot experiment including three irrigation intervals of 30, 50 and 70 days as main plots and three factors of vermicompost, Terracottem ...
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In order to find and recommend a method for improving vegetative and reproductive traits and economic yield of saffron using organic compounds of soil amendment, a split plot experiment including three irrigation intervals of 30, 50 and 70 days as main plots and three factors of vermicompost, Terracottem and Bolourab A, as well as control, as sub plots was carried out for three years (2014-2017) at Saffron Research Institute, Torbat-e-Heydarieh University. The results showed that the effects of treatments on all quantitative and qualitative traits, were significant (p
Agriculture
Rooholla Moradi; Nsibeh Pourghasemian
Abstract
In order to study effect of various additive intercropping series of saffron and cumin on their yields, and yield components, an experiment was conducted as split-plot arrangement based on randomized complete block design with three replications in a two years saffron research farm in agricultural faculty ...
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In order to study effect of various additive intercropping series of saffron and cumin on their yields, and yield components, an experiment was conducted as split-plot arrangement based on randomized complete block design with three replications in a two years saffron research farm in agricultural faculty of Bardsir at 2016-2017. The experimental treatments were planting dates (November 11, December 11, March 6 and April 4) assigned to main plot, and additive intercropping series (25, 50, 75 and 100% of optimum density of cumin (120 plant m-2), sole saffron (50 plant m-2), sole cumin) as subplot. The studied traits were including number of umbrella per plant, essential oil percentage, seed, biological and essential oil yield, and also saffron flower number, flower yield, stigma yield, number of replacement corm, corm weight and number of infected corm. The results showed that delaying in cumin planting date led to a notable decrease in cumin yield and yield components, in all the planting patterns. The reduction values of cumin seed yield in March and April planting dates compared to November were 39% and 64%, respectively. Cumin essential oil at November (2.79%), December (2.78%) and April (2.83%) planting dates were higher than March (2.42%). The experimental treatments had no significant effect on corm number, but cumin planting at spring contained greater infected corms than fall planting. The corm weight was declined as affected by delay in planting date and increase in cumin density. The saffron flower and stigma yield in fall intercropping was significantly higher than spring intercropping. Intercropping had negative impacts on saffron productivity, and the highest stigma yield (2.97 kg ha-1) was assigned to sole cropping. In general, the maximum (1.51) LER was related to fall intercropping of cumin and saffron.
Agriculture
Mahdi Ebrahimi; Mohsen Pouyan; Mohammad Mahdi Nezhad
Abstract
This study was conducted to investigate the effect of different organic amendments (cow manure, humic acid (Humax® 95–WSG), an organic-mineral-based emulsion (Omic®) and unfertilized control) and mother-corm weight (0 to 4 g, 4.1 to 8 g and 8.1 to 12 g) on flower and corm yield of saffron. ...
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This study was conducted to investigate the effect of different organic amendments (cow manure, humic acid (Humax® 95–WSG), an organic-mineral-based emulsion (Omic®) and unfertilized control) and mother-corm weight (0 to 4 g, 4.1 to 8 g and 8.1 to 12 g) on flower and corm yield of saffron. The experiment was conducted as factorial experiment in randomized complete block design with three replications in the Research Complex of Medicinal Plants, ACECR of Southern Khorasan Province, Iran in 2017-18. According the results, evaluating the main effect of nutrition factor revealed no significant impact on most studied traits in the first year. However, in the second year and during the 21-day period of saffron flowering, cow manure treatment increased stigma dry weight by 77.3, 71.7 and 58.9% compared with control, Humax and Omic treatments, respectively. By fitting the regression line between the cumulative dry weight of the stigma and days after flowering, it was found that stigma dry weight increased 19.1, 11.43, 10.92 and 10.65 mg.day-1 in cow manure, Omic, Humax and control treatments, respectively. In addition, the highest flower dry weight with 2858 mg.m-2 was recorded in cow manure treatment. The highest and lowest amount of the studeid tratis in both years belonged to big and small corm treatments, respectively. In the first year, stigma dry weight in big corm treatment with 22.28 mg.m-2 was about 190 times higher than that of small one. However the difference in the second year fell to less than 3 times. In addition, the highest number (466.36 m-2) and weight (936.559 g. m-2) of daughter corms were obtained in big mother corms treatment. In the second year however by the reduction of the differences between mother corm weight treatments, stigma dry weight, flower dry weight and number of flowers in big and medium corm treatments were not statistically significant. Overall, the results of this study showed that the advantages of using manure in saffron cultivation due to its unique characteristics, such as improving the physical conditions of the soil is not compensable by other organic amendments. Moreover, the avoidence of planting mother corms less than 4g because of their adverse effects on saffron yeild is of main importance in saffron cultivation and must be considered by farmers.
Agriculture
Seid Mohammad Alavi Siney; Ahmad Ahmadpour Jolgeh; Mohammad Behroozeh; Majid Soltani
Abstract
In order to investigate planting date and corm weight Effects on flower characters and saffron(Crocus sativus L.) yield, an experiment as a factorial was carried out based on randomized complete blocks design with three replications in research station of South Kerman Agricultural and Natural Resources ...
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In order to investigate planting date and corm weight Effects on flower characters and saffron(Crocus sativus L.) yield, an experiment as a factorial was carried out based on randomized complete blocks design with three replications in research station of South Kerman Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center at Sfadagheh during 2017-2018 growing season Two factors, planting date (Jun, August and September) and corm size (6-8, 8-10, 10-12 and >12g) were evaluated in this experiment. Related traits with flower and Stigma and cormwere measured during growing season. Results showed that planting date have significant effect on all of traits except of dry weight of stigma. Also, the effects of corm weight and interaction of planting date×corm weight were significant on all of traits. So, the highest number of flower and the stigma yield were observed in the planting date of June and the corm weight more than 12 g. Therefore, for achieving high saffron yield, it is recommended planting date of June and the use of corms with more than12 g. Investigating the characteristics of the doughtercorms in the first year of the experiment showed that all studied traits were influenced by the planting date and the effect of the corm weight was not significant on the characteristics of the number of doughter corm over 6 g, the average weight of the doughter corm more and less than 6 g. According to the results of the traits related to the doughter corm, it can be anticipated that in the following year there is no difference in yield and its components among the different levels of maternal corm. Results in the second year showed that yield and yield components were only affected by the planting date and the corm weight had the same effect on them. The planting date of June 5th was the highest in the second year. According to the results and low price of saffron in June, in Southern Kerman foothill areas, cultivation of saffron should be done on June 5th. Since in the first year of the experiment, the yield don't achieved even from great mothernal corm, and given the fact that the mother corms of different weights in the second year have the same role in determining the stigma yield, in order to reduce the production costs, the 6 -8 g recommended for cultivation.
Agriculture
Sakineh Khandan Deh Arbab; Mohammad Hossein Aminifard; Hamid Reza Fallahi; Hamed Kaveh
Abstract
In order to investigate the impact bio fertilizer novafol and mother corm weight on leaves growth, chlorophyll content and flower and stigma yields of saffron (Crocus sativus L.), an experiment was done as randomized complete block design with three replications in the Agricultural Research Station, ...
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In order to investigate the impact bio fertilizer novafol and mother corm weight on leaves growth, chlorophyll content and flower and stigma yields of saffron (Crocus sativus L.), an experiment was done as randomized complete block design with three replications in the Agricultural Research Station, University of Birjand, during the growth season of 2016-17. Experimental factors were amino acid application (Novafol, containing 28% amino-acid. Applied as corm soaking + fertigation in three levels: 0, 2 and 4 L.ha-1) and mother corm weight (0.1-4, 4.1-8 and 8.1-12 g). The effect of bio-fertilizer novafol was significant on the flower number, flower yield, dry stigma yield and chlorophyll a content. The highest flower number (16.5 per m-2), flower yield (5.63 g m-2), dry stigma yield (0.108 g m-2) and chlorophyll a content (1.09 mg. g-1 FW) were obtained from 4 L.ha-1, while, the lowest flower number (14.22 per m-2), flower yield (4.55 g m-2), stigma yield (0.085 g. m-2) and chlorophyll a (0.97 mg. g-1 FW) were gained in control treatment, but, there was no significant difference between two levels (2 and 4 L.ha-1) novafol bio fertilizer. Corm weights aslo significantly affected all studied traits. The highest stigma length (25.1 mm), flower yield (10.4 g m2), leaf length (31.42 cm) and fresh and dry weight of leaves (0.29 and 0.083 g per plant, respectively) were obtained from big corms, but the lowest of them were obtained from small ones. Interaction effect of corm weight and novafol bio fertilizer was significant on chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll contents and number of leaves per plant. The highest chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll (1.77 and 2.95 mg. g-1 FW, respectively) and number of leaves (7.58 per plant) were obtained from 4 L.ha-1 of novafol bio fertilizer and big corm. Overall, application of novafol bio fertilizer (4 L.ha-1) improved the vegetative and reproductive growth parameters. Big corms planting also had an important role in increasing the growth and yield of saffron.
Agriculture
Mohammad Seyyedi; Parviz Rezvani Moghaddam
Abstract
Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is a sterile triploid geophyte plant that is propagated by corms. Considering the crucial role of the mother corms quality in saffron production, a program for "STANDARDIZATION OF SAFFRON CORMS" should be developed in Iran, a measure that has not been taken up yet. There are ...
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Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is a sterile triploid geophyte plant that is propagated by corms. Considering the crucial role of the mother corms quality in saffron production, a program for "STANDARDIZATION OF SAFFRON CORMS" should be developed in Iran, a measure that has not been taken up yet. There are several obstacles that stop us from having this comprehensive program, for example the lack of standard fields to produce high quality corms, the lack of a clear and precise criteria for sorting produced mother corms, the lack of supervision or poor supervision provided by authorized organizations on production and presentation of high quality corms and unbalanced supply and demand ratio in saffron corms markets, are considered as the most important reasons. Moreover, mixing the healthy and infected corms as well as the storage of corms, regardless of optimal temperature conditions or environmental hygiene, are considered as other challenges in the production and processing cycle of saffron. In this review, some obstacles and prerequisites for implementation of a comprehensive program for STANDARDIZATION OF SAFFRON CORMS are discussed. Further, useful approches and techniques for producing standard corms such as the establishment of managed fields, quality criteria for sorting harvested corms, and the principle storage of corms are outlined. In addition, some effective strategies for the implementation of this program, including the provision of training courses, comperhensive monitoring on the services and functioning in the supply and demand market of saffron corms, helping to meet the needs and demands of consumers, editing incentive plans and supportive programs to saffron producers are specifically provided.
