Determining the most effective traits to improve saffron (Crocus sativus L.) yield

Abstract

To determine the effective traits to improve saffron yield, a split plot design based on RBCD was done in Mashhad region in Iran for three years (2012-2014). The results showed that all traits except number of daughter corm, fresh weight of daughter corm and dry leaf weight had low general heritability. Results of genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation and genetic advance demonstrated that the majority of traits had a low diversity and the selection did not have any effect in improving the traits. As a result, the best way to increase saffron yield is improvement of farm management. It was also found that saffron yield had the highest phenotypic and genotypic correlations with fresh and dry weight of daughter corm and dry and fresh flower weight. Therefore, the efforts to improve these traits will increase saffron yield. According to the present study 5-Jun to 5-Jul was found to be the best sowing date for planting saffron. Also, the Mashhad and Torbat ecotypes were the best ecotypes in this study. Phenotypic and genotypic path analysis showed that in the first step three traits number of daughter corm, fresh flower weight and flower number and in the second step traits fresh weight of daughter corm, dry flower weight and dry leaf weight interred to the regression model and had the highest positive direct and indirect effects on saffron yield. Mainly, it can be derived that the implementation of correct farm management including appropriate sowing date, saffron ecotypes, proper density, bigger and higher quality saffron corm can play an important role in improving yield components and subsequently increasing saffron yield.

Effects of Growing Substrate, Mode of Nutrient Supply, and Saffron Corm Size on Flowering, Growth, Photosynthetic Competence, and Cormlet Formation in Hydroponics

“…Each corm can produce one to four apical shoots containing developing flower and leaf (Ali et al, 2018). Mother corm size and weight have a significant impact on flowering and the number of daughter corms produced (Ali et al, 2018;Bayat et al, 2016;Douglas et al, 2014). Small mother corms (<1 cm diameter and <6 g fresh weight) do not flower and produce nonflowering cormlets (Ali et al, 2018;Douglas et al, 2014).…”

Cultivation of Saffron (Crocus sativusL.) in cold climates

“…Some studies have demonstrated that the optimum period for planting saffron corms is between June 5 and July 5, i.e., immediately after corms enter dormancy (Bayat et al 2016). These periods are suitable for Note: F statistics and P values of two-way ANOVAs are presented for autumn and spring emergence, testing the effect of planting date, year of planting and their interaction.…”

Path analysis for seed yield in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) inoculated/non-inoculated with mycorrhizal fungi under drought stress

“…The former studies indicated that path analysis is more efficient than correlation coefficients determining the relationships among the features (BAHRAMINEJAD et al, 2011;DARVISHZADEH et al, 2011). Correlation coefficient and path analysis have been employed by many researchers (TALEBI et al, 2007;BEHRADFAR et al, 2009;BAYAT et al, 2016;JOCKOVIĆ et al, 2015) to distinguish relevance among the quantitative characters.…”