Saffron Agronomy and Technology

Abstract Water deficit regimes and techniques using moisture-absorbing materials are key approaches to achieving sustainable agriculture goals and conserving water resources in arid and semi-arid regions. To evaluate the effect of superabsorbent polymers on water productivity and the quantitative and qualitative traits of saffron under deficit irrigation conditions, a field experiment was conducted over three growing seasons (2020-2021, 2021-2022, and 2022-2023) in agricultural lands of Ziar, a district of Isfahan, Iran. The experiment was designed as a split-plot within a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The main plots included three levels of irrigation (50%, 75%, and 100% of water requirement), while the subplots consisted of various levels of superabsorbent polymer application (0, 50, and 100 kg. ha-1). The results were analyzed at a 95% significance level. The findings revealed that the highest values for leaf number (25 and 34 leaves per plant), dry leaf yield (3845 and 4926 kg. ha-1), fresh flower yield (1559 and 1912 kg. ha-1), dry stigma yield (11.8 and 17.8 kg. ha-1), corm number (278 and 345 per m²), and corm yield (32.1 and 45.1 t. ha-1) were obtained in the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 growing seasons under 100% irrigation combined with 100 kg. ha-1 of superabsorbent polymer application. Notably, improvements in these crop parameters were significantly greater when superabsorbent polymers were used under water-deficit conditions compared to full irrigation conditions. Furthermore, the highest water productivity was achieved under the 50% irrigation treatment combined with 100 kg. ha-1 of superabsorbent polymer, yielding 0.005 and 0.007 kg. m-3 of water. Additionally, the 75% irrigation treatment along with 100 kg. ha-1 of superabsorbent polymer resulted in the highest concentrations of crocin (13.0% and 12.4%), picrocrocin (6.6% and 5.9%), and safranal (2.6% and 2.4%) during both experimental years. Overall, the results indicated that while the highest quantitative yield of saffron was achieved with full irrigation and the application of superabsorbent polymer, the best outcomes in terms of saffron quality were observed under the 75% irrigation treatment combined with the polymer application. Considering the limited water resources in the studied area and the importance of water productivity, this treatment is recommended as the optimal approach for sustainable saffron production in regions with conditions similar to the experimental site.

Abstract To evaluate the effect of bi-ofertilizers containing element-fixing bacteria on saffron production under drought stress conditions, an experiment was carried out in split plots and a basic RCBD design in two consecutive years (2020-2021 and 2021-2022) in ACECR's research complex for medicinal plants. Experimental treatments included two levels of drought stress (50 and 100% of saffron water requirement) and six levels of fertilizer (control, 100%NPK, 50%NPK, 50%NPK+three biofertilizers, 50%NPK+four biofertilizers, three biofertilizers). Based on the results, the dry weight of the flower, the dry weight of the corolla and stamen, the number of flowers, and the weight of the daughter corms decreased in both years with increasing drought intensity. Also, drought stress in the second year had a more significant effect on reducing these traits. In both years, the use of biofertilizers containing bacteria, along with half of the recommended amount of chemical fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash (50% NPK + three biofertilizers), led to the achievement of the highest dry weight of stigma, dry weight of flower, dry weight of corola + stamen and number of flowers per unit area. However, the complete removal of chemical fertilizers (three Biofertilizers without chemical fertilizers) had no significant effect on the improving saffron yield. The increase in drought stress severity did not significantly impact the number of corms or the average weight of each corm; however, it did lead to a notable reduction in corm weight. Treatment of simultaneous use of four biofertilizers along with half of the recommended amount of chemical fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash (50% NPK + four biofertilizers) resulted in the highest corm weight per unit area, achieving a value nearly three times greater than that of the control treatment. These findings suggest that the concurrent application of biological and chemical fertilizers is advisable for fulfilling the nutritional requirements of saffron plants, promoting corm production while minimizing the reliance on chemical fertilizers. In summary, the results of this study indicate that biological fertilizers can effectively substitute a portion of the chemical fertilizers traditionally used in saffron cultivation, regardless of the presence or absence of drought stress.

Abstract This study aimed to explore the agronomic and economic implications of intercropping cumin and saffron in the Ghohestan region of South Khorasan province at a private research farm, under the supervision of the faculty of agriculture, University of Birjand, during the 2022-2023 period. To assess saffron's performance when intercropped with cumin, an experiment was set up based on a randomized complete block design with three replications in a uniform three-year-old saffron field. The experimental treatments involved different densities of cumin cultivation in the saffron field, including 0, 30, 60, and 120 plants per square meter (0, 25, 50, and 100% of its optimal density, respectively). The findings revealed that the LER index exceeded one in all treatment groups. The highest saffron stigma yield, recorded at 0.41 kg/ha, was achieved with an intercropping density of 60 cumin plants per square meter. The highest LER values were 1.94 and 1.92, obtained in the treatments with 30 and 60 cumin plants per square meter, respectively. Additionally, the Relative Value Total (RVT) was above one across all intercropping ratios. The greatest Intercropping Advantage index (IA), recorded at 0.074, was also achieved with the 60 plants per square meter cumin treatment. Consequently, increasing the cumin planting density in saffron fields, particularly at 60 plants per square meter, did not significantly affect saffron yield, leading to a recommendation for farmers in this region to adopt this practice for improved land use and economic benefit.

Abstract As a strategic crop in Iran's economy, saffron is highly vulnerable to climate change. Analyses indicate that extreme events such as frost during flowering periods and prolonged droughts are key factors in reducing saffron yield. This study aims to analyze trends in extreme temperature and precipitation indices and model their impact on saffron yield using multivariate regression. Data on daily low and high temperatures, as well as rainfall from 1990 to 2020, were collected from weather stations in Torbat-e Heydariyeh and Kashmar to calculate extreme climate measures using the ETCCDI method, which was applied using RClimDex software. Saffron yield data was obtained from the Agricultural Jihad Organization. Trend analysis indicated that annual precipitation has had a significant decline. Extreme temperature indices (TNm, TMm, TXm, WSDI) and heavy precipitation indices (R99p at both stations and R95p in Torbat-e Heydariyeh) exhibited significant decreasing trends (p < 0.05). For Kashmar, the multivariate regression model incorporated four extreme indices (R² = 0.70, RMSE = 0.49, NRMSE = 16.4%). Key predictors included ID (β = -0.14, the strongest yield-reducing factor), extreme low temperatures or TNn (β = +0.10), tropical nights (TR20), and consecutive dry days (CDD) negatively impacted yield. For Torbat-e Heydariyeh, the model demonstrated higher accuracy (R² = 0.83, RMSE = 0.43, NRMSE = 15.9%). Significant predictors were TXn (β = +0.18) and frost days or ID (β = -0.12) as the most positive and negative drivers. Overall, temperature variables—particularly nighttime temperatures—dominated yield variability. These findings provide a foundation for climate-smart saffron cultivation planning in similar semi-arid regions. Mitigation strategies should prioritize thermal regulation (e.g., altitude selection, mulching) and water management to offset warming-induced stress.

Abstract The development of effective innovations in businesses is recognized as a fundamental challenge due to the high level of uncertainty and complexities involved. Rapid technological advancements and the necessity for innovation have led to widespread changes in businesses globally. Agricultural businesses, especially in production, processing, packaging, distribution, and marketing sectors, connect various components of the value chain. Within this context, the saffron industry, with its unique characteristics, plays a crucial role in this process. Several factors influence the success or failure of saffron industry businesses, and among these, innovation is seen as the main pillar of economic and strategic development for enhancing saffron industry businesses. This study examines the role of innovation in the development of saffron processing and transformation businesses in Khorasan Razavi province. The study's population consists of saffron processing companies in Khorasan Razavi, with a sample of 120 companies selected using stratified random sampling, analyzed in 2024. The results of structural equation modeling showed that technological innovation positively impacts product, process, and market innovation. Additionally, the positive effect of research and development innovation on product, process, organizational, and market innovation was confirmed. Ultimately, it was concluded that product and process innovation have a positive effect on the development of saffron processing and transformation businesses. Accordingly, it is suggested that companies produce innovative products with high added value by utilizing localized technologies such as solar dryers and developing research collaborations with regional universities. Also, strengthening smart packaging and digital marketing infrastructure can pave the way for sustainable and export-oriented development of these businesses.

Abstract Identifying the relative advantage of products is necessary for the implementation of spatial planning policies and achieving the optimal cropping pattern in different regions of the country. It is especially important to identify the capacity of different provinces in the production of saffron (as an export product) to increase the production and export of these products with the least possible cost. Therefore, the main goal of this research is to investigate the relative regional advantage of damask saffron production in Iran. In this study, in order to measure the regional relative advantage of Iran's provinces, spatial coefficient (LQ) and symmetrical spatial coefficient (SLQ) indexes have been calculated with the data of year 2016-2023 and for three different production baskets. The results showed that the provinces of South Khorasan, Razavi Khorasan, and North Khorasan have had a relative advantage in all years of the study (stable advantage). The provinces of Isfahan, Ilam, East Azerbaijan, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, Khuzestan, Semnan, Fars, Kerman, Kermanshah, Golestan, Lorestan, Hamedan, and Yazd have reached a relative advantage in some years of the study, and in some other years they have not had a relative advantage (fragile relative advantage). The results showed that the provinces of South Khorasan, Razavi Khorasan, and North Khorasan have had a relative advantage in all years of the study (stable advantage). The provinces of Isfahan, Ilam, East Azerbaijan, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, Khuzestan, Semnan, Fars, Kerman, Kermanshah, Golestan, Lorestan, Hamedan, and Yazd have reached a relative advantage in some years of the study, and in some other years they have not had a relative advantage (fragile relative advantage). According to the results, it is recommended that provinces whose comparative advantage has been proven in this study focus on saffron production and implement appropriate production, promotion, and educational programs to promote the production and cultivation of these products. Other provinces that do not have a comparative advantage should focus more on other products in which they have a comparative advantage in the short term.