Sahel Mohammadi : Iran University of Science and Technology

Mohammad Moghaddam : University of Tabriz

S. Alavi-Kia, S.A. Mohammadi, S. Aharizad & M. Moghaddam

To cite this article: S.S. Alavi-Kia, S.A. Mohammadi, S. Aharizad & M. Moghaddam (2008)

Analysis of Genetic Diversity and Phylogenetic Relationships in CrocusGenus of Iran Using Inter-

Retrotransposon Amplified Polymorphism, Biotechnology & Biotechnological Equipment, 22:3,

795-800, DOI: 10.1080/13102818.2008.10817555

Abstract

Seven long terminal repeat (LTR)-retrotransposon primers derived from barley were employed for analysis of genetic diversity and phylogeny relationships in Iranian species of genus Crocus. Fifteen out of 28 possible LTR primer combinations successfully amplified fragments from Crocus genome. In average, 65.9 fragments were amplified per individual in different populations indicating a moderate homology between Crocus and barley genome in the long terminal repeat regions. Our data confirmed the inter-generic transferability of retrotransposon markers. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated significant heterogeneity within and between populations except within the C. sativus (saffron) species. Principle coordinate analysis (PCoA) using an individual-by-individual genetic distance matrix separated the populations based on species type as well as geographical regions. The analysis revealed a close relationship between saffron and three wild species; C. almehensis, C. michelosnii, and C. cancellatus. Phylogenetic tree based on Neighbor-Joining algorithm and Jukes and Cantor evolutionary distances separated all species except C. caspius and C. gilanicus. The result of this study documented C. almehensis, C. michelosnii as the closest relatives of saffron and probably the possible wild ancestors of this cultivated species.

Keywords: 

AMOVA, Crocus, IRAP, PCoA, Phylogeny, Saffron

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1080/13102818.2008.10817555

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13102818.2008.10817555

http://www.diagnosisnet.com/bbeq/system/files/bbeq/i_22_2008_3/795-800.pdf

  By Nouf Ahmad Fakieh Alsayied Alsayied

Abstract

Crocus sativus L., saffron Crocus, is a sterile triploid (2n=3x=24) species of unknown relationship to other diploid and polyploid species in the genus Crocus (Iridaceae). The species have large genomes (typically 3000Mbp 1C), much repetitive DNA, and show high morphological diversity within and between species, with no clear phylogenetic patterns below the level of section Crocus, series Crocus. I aimed to examine molecular diversity in C. sativus and related species by analysis of sequences and IRAPs (Inter Retroelement Amplified Polymorphisms). Repetitive DNA sequences and genomic DNA from various species were used for in situ hybridization, with chromosome morphology, to infer relationships and ancestry of saffron. The IRAP analysis, involving 63 primer combinations and 4745 polymorphic bands, revealed no polymorphism within 17 saffron accessions obtained from across the world from Kashmir through Iran to Spain. In contrast, high levels of polymorphism were identified between accessions of six wild Crocus series Crocus species, with further variation between the species. Analysis of 123 sequences of the ATP-synthase gene and 107 TC25 gene-SSR sequences from seven saffron accessions and eight wild species showed that the saffron accessions often carried three alleles, a result also found with clustering of published EST sequences. The analysis showed many alleles were shared by Crocus species and did enable a well-resolved phylogeny. Chromosome analysis grouped saffron chromosomes into 8 groups of 3, but one chromosome differed from the other two. It was concluded 1) Saffron crocus has minimal genotypic variation and the triploid hybrid species is most likely to have arisen only once; 2) Saffron is a allotriploid species, with the most likely ancestors being C. cartwrightianus and C. pallasii subsp. pallasii (or close relatives). The results may facilitate resynthesizing saffron with improved characteristics and show the need for conservation and collection of wild Crocus.

Publisher: University of Leicester

Year: 2015

OAI identifier: oai:lra.le.ac.uk:2381/32189

Provided by: Leicester Research Archive

Downloaded from https://lra.le.ac.uk/bitstream/2381/32189/1/2015AlsayiedNPhD.pdf

https://core.ac.uk/display/42017433/tab/similar-list

https://lra.le.ac.uk/handle/2381/32189?mode=full

Aysun Gedik, ATES Duygu, Semih Erdogmus, Gonul Comertpay, Muhammed Bahattin Tanyolac, Hakan Ozkan

Turkish Journal Of Field Crops

Aysun GEDIK1*, Duygu ATES2*, Semih ERDOGMUS2, Gonul COMERTPAY3, Muhammed Bahattin

TANYOLAC2** Hakan OZKAN1,4**

1-Cukurova University, Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Natural and Applied Sciences, Adana,

TURKEY

2-Ege University, Department of Bioengineering, Izmir, TURKEY

3-Eastern Mediterranean Agricultural Research Institute, Adana, TURKEY

4-Cukurova University, Faculty of Agriculture Department of Field Crops, Adana, TURKEY

*: These authors contributed equally to this article

**Corresponding authors: bahattin.tanyolac@gmail.com, hozkan@cu.edu.tr

Abstract

Saffron (Crocus L.) is a member of Crocoideae, the biggest of four subfamilies in the Iridaceae family. It has 2n= 3x= 24 chromosomes and is triploid; thus, it is sterile. In previous research, different molecular DNA markers were used but molecular characterization and genetic diversity of this complex genus have not yet been clarified. Therefore, current study aimed to determine the molecular characterization of saffron and its close relative species using inter-primer binding site (iPBS)-retrotransposon markers. Eighty-three iPBS-retrotransposon primers were used in 28 C. sativus genotypes and 17 close relative species of saffron to identify their genetic diversity. Sixteen polymorphic iPBS-retrotransposon primers generated a total of 401 polymorphic scorable bands. The mean PIC value, Nei’s genetic diversity and Shannon’s information index (I) were calculated as 0.85, 0.16 and 0.29, respectively. The results of the Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic mean UPGMA dendrogram and Principal Coordinates Analysis PCoA analysis indicated a spatial representation of the relative genetic distances among 28 saffron samples and the 17 close relative species were categorized under two distinct groups. Saffron genotypes showed very limited genetic variation and according to the iPBS-retrotransposon data, its close relatives were C. cartwrightianus and C. pallasii subsp. pallasii.

Keywords:

Crocus sativus, genetic diversity, inter-primer binding site retrotransposons, saffron

DOI: 10.17557/tjfc.357426

http://dergipark.gov.tr/download/article-file/370016

https://scholar.google.si/citations?user=CPPBXg4AAAAJ&hl=sl

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/321834148_Genetic_diversity_of_crocus_sativus_and_its_close_relative_species_analyzed_by_iPBS-retrotransposons

Zahra Nemati ^2,3, Mehrshad Zeinalabedini² , Mohsen Mardi ^2,4, Seyed H. Marashi ³, Seyed M. Khayam Nekoui²

^† Freely available online through the AJB open access option.

^‡ This study was supported by the Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran (ABRII).

 2-Department of Genomics, Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran (ABRII), Seed and Plant Improvement Institutes Campus, Mahdasht Road, P.O. Box 31535-1897, Karaj, Iran; and                                     3-Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, University of Ferdowsi, P.O. Box 91755-1163, Mashhad, Iran

Abstract

Premise of the study:Twelve novel polymorphic microsatellite loci were developed and characterized from a repeat‐enriched genomic library of Crocus sativus to study population and conservation genetics of this economically and medically important species.

Methods and Results:The microsatellite loci were isolated using a modified Fast Isolation by AFLP of Sequences COntaining repeats (FIASCO) method. The average number of alleles per locus was 2.6. The observed and expected heterozygosities varied from 0.07 to 0.92 and 0.1 to 0.58, respectively. Polymorphic information content value ranged from 0.09 to 0.55 with an average of 0.34. Four out of twelve loci showed significant departures from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium.

Conclusions:The microsatellite markers reported here will be useful for evaluating genetic diversity and will likely serve as an ideal resource for use in marker‐assisted breeding programs, germplasm analysis, and varietal identification.

Saffron (Crocus sativus L., Iridaceae) is commonly used as a therapeutic remedy. This species is a triploid (3x = 24) plant that is propagated vegetatively by corms (6). Many studies have demonstrated that the genotypic diversity of C. sativus is extremely low (1; 7). This limited genetic diversity in saffron is attributed to its asexual propagation, followed by successive selection during breeding efforts (1). Microsatellite markers have many advantages over other markers for genetic studies because of their codominance, locus specificity, and high polymorphism suitable to study diversity and intraspecific relationships. While 7 reported 58 microsatellite markers for saffron (C. sativus), none were polymorphic in the populations they studied. There is, therefore, an urgent need to discover and develop polymorphic simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers for efficient management of the germplasms of this valuable plant. The goals of this paper were to report the development of the first set of polymorphic microsatellites in saffron and to test their suitability for cultivar identification and genetic similarity studies.

Key words:

Crocus sativus; Iridaceae; microsatellite markers; saffron

DOI: doi:10.3732/ajb.1100531

https://bsapubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.3732/ajb.1100531

 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22935359

Hamid-Reza Fallahi, Mahsa Aghhavani-Shajari, Hossein Sahabi and Hassan FeiziJournal 2017: Medicinal and Spice Plants

 Abstract

Abstract Low yield of saffron in the first growing season is a main problem which is closely linked to poor soil physical properties and application of non-standard mother corms for planting. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of mother corm weight (<4 g or small sized, 4–8 g or medium-sized and 8–12 g or large-sized) and soil amendment [heavy (HSA) and light (LSA) amendments using cow manure (CM), sand (S) and super-absorbent polymer (SAP)] on saffron flowering and its initial vegetative growth parameters. The amounts of CM, S and SAP, in LSA and HSA were, 4.5 vs 9 kg m2, 30 vs 60 kg m-2 and 30 vs 60 kg ha-1, respectively. Planting of large mother corms resulted in more replacement corms initiation as well as more root and replacement corm weight. The highest biomass production was obtained at large corms and HAS treatment, while its lowest was gained at small corm and LSA (2.49 vs 0.69 g per plant). Similar results were obtained about leaf number and dry weight. Combined treatment of large corm and HSA produced the highest amounts of number of flower (43.1 flower per m-2), flowering rate (12.27 day-1), flower yield (144.2 kg.ha-1) and pistil yield (2.16 kg.ha-1), while there was no flowering in both combinations of small corms. Overall, it was concluded that planting of large corms in light soils is an appropriate strategy for reduction of gap yield of saffron at the first flowering period.

Keywords: 

Cow manure, Flowering rate, Corm initiation, Soil texture, Stigma, Super absorbent polymer.

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=NDtTuo8AAAAJ&hl=en

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/324647834_Mother_corm_weight_and_soil_amendment_improves_the_vegetative_and_reproductive_growth_of_saffron_Crocus_sativus_L

pdf : https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Hossein_Sahabi/publication/324647834_Mother_corm_weight_and_soil_amendment_improves_the_vegetative_and_reproductive_growth_of_saffron_Crocus_sativus_L/links/5ad9b963aca272fdaf8252cc/Mother-corm-weight-and-soil-amendment-improves-the-vegetative-and-reproductive-growth-of-saffron-Crocus-sativus-L.pdf#page=16

https://www.academia.edu/35501877/Mother_corm_weight_and_soil_amendment_improves_the_vegetative_and_reproductive_growth_of_saffron_Crocus_sativus_L._

Mahdi Bayat¹, Mehdi Rahimi³, Mehdi Ramezani²

1- Islamic Azad University, Young Researchers and Elite Club, Mashhad Branch, Mashhad, Iran

2- Islamic Azad University, Young Researchers and Elite Club, Ahvaz Branch, Ahvaz, Iran

3- Graduate University of Advanced Technology, Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Science and High Technology and Environm

 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.

Keywords

Cluster analysis,Genetic advance,Heritability,Phenotypic and genotypic path analysis

DOI :10.1007/s12298-016-0347-1

https://www.infona.pl/resource/bwmeta1.element.springer-doi-10_1007-S12298-016-0347-1

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27186029

Ali Oftadeh Fadafen , Mohammad Hossein Aminifard * , Mohammad Ali Behdani , Farid Moradinezhad
Paper language: Persian

Abstract

Nutrient management and mother corm weight are the most important factors in relation to quantitative and qualitative characteristics of saffron (Crocus sativus L.). In order to investigate the effects of municipal waste compost levels and maternal corm weights on yield and vegetative characteristics of saffron, an experiment was conducted as factorial based on a randomized complete block design with three replications at the Agricultural Research Station, University of Birjand during growing season of 2015. Treatments were 4 levels of municipal waste compost (0, 5, 10 and 20 t.ha-1) and three levels of maternal corm weight (0.1-4, 4.1-8 and 8.1-12 g). Traits including flower numbers, flower yield and flower dry weight, flower number, leaf length and leaf dry weight and photosynthetic pigments, chlorophyll fluorescence. Flower fresh weight and stigma dry weight was influenced by municipal waste compost. The highest stigma dry weight was obtained in plants treated with 20 t.ha-1 municipal waste compost, but there was not significant difference with 10 t.ha-1 and the lowest observed in treatment control. Results showed that municipal waste compost improved the leaf growth indices (length, fresh weight and dry weight of leaf) and photosynthetic pigments (chl a, chl b, total chl and Carotenoid). The highest length, fresh weight and dry weight of leaf andphotosynthetic pigments (chl a, chl b, total chl and carotenoid) were obtained in plants treated with 5 and 10 t.ha-1 municipal waste compost respectively. So, corm weight had a significant effect on the leaf growth indices (number and photosynthetic pigments leaf) and yield of flower. Interaction effects of municipal waste compost and corm weight have a significant effect on the weight of fresh flower, chlorophyll (a, b and total) and carotenoid. Thus, results showed that municipal waste compost (10 t.ha-1) and corm weight (8.1-12 g) have strong impact on quantitative and photosynthetic pigments characteristics of saffron under field conditions.
The nutrient managment and mother corm size are the most important factors in relation of saffron (Crocus sativus L.). In order to investigate the effects of different levels of municipal waste compost and different maternal corm weight on yield and vegetative characteristics of saffron, an experiment was conducted as factorial based on a complete randomized block design with three replications and 12 treatments at the Agricultural Research Station, University of Birjand during growing season of 2015. Treatments were 4 levels of municipal waste compost (0, 5, 10 and 20 t.ha-1) and 3 levels of maternal corm weight (0.1- 4, 4.1- 8 and 8.1- 12 g). Flower fresh weight was influenced by municipal waste compost treatments. Results showed that municipal waste compost improved the leaf growth indices (lenght, fresh weight and dry weight of leaf) and photosynthetic pigments (chl a, chl b, total chl and cartenoid). The highest lenght, fresh weight and dry weight of leaf and and photosynthetic pigments (chl a, chl b, total chl and cartenoid) were obtained in plants treated with 5 and 10 t. ha-1 municipal waste compost respectivitly. So, corm weight had a significant effect on the leaf growth indices (number and photosynthetic pigments leaf ) and yield of flower. Interactive effects of municipal waste compost and corm weight have a significant effect on the weight of fresh flower, chlorophyll (a, b and total) and cartenoid. Thus, results showed that compost and corm weight have strong impact on saffron.

Keywords

Carotenoid; chlorophyll; Fluorescence; Fresh weight of flower; Organic matter

DOI: 10.22077/JSR.2018.165.1008

http://jsr.birjand.ac.ir/article_708.html

http://jsr.birjand.ac.ir/article_708_76eb4ba1b289c1f358ddeb02eefeb2c4.pdf

http://www.magiran.com/view.asp?Type=pdf&ID=1806615&l=en

Author(s): REZVANI MOGHADDAM PARVIZ, KHORRAMDEL SURUR*, AMIN GHAFORI AFSANEH, SHABAHANG JAVAD

* PLANT BREEDING DEPARTMENT, COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, FERDOWSI UNIVERSITY OF MASHHAD

Abstract

Use of organic inputs and suitable density of corm are two agronomic important factors to achieve the maximum yield in saffron (Crocus sativus L.). In order to study the effects of spent mushroom compost (SMC) levels and corm densities on agronomic characteristics, flower and stigma yields of saffron, a greenhouse experiment was conducted as factorial layout based on a randomized completed block design with three replications at the Campus of Agricultural Research Greenhouse, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad during two years of 2009 and 2010. Factors were three levels of SMC (0, 60 and 120 t.ha^-1) and three corm densities (50, 100 and 150 corm.m^-2). Leaf and tunic dry weights, leaf length, number and weight of corms in three groups (2-4, 4-8 and 8-16 g), corm diameter, flower number, flower fresh weight and stigma yield of saffron were measured. Results indicated that the simple effects of SMC levels and corm densities on leaf and tunic dry weights, leaf length, corm diameter, number and weight of corms in different groups, flower number, flower fresh weight and economical yield of saffron were significant (p£0.05). By increasing in corm density, growth, flower production and yield of saffron were enhanced. By increasing in corm density from 50 to 150 corms.m^-2, flower and stigma yield were decreased up to 12%. Application of 60 t.ha-1 SMC enhanced growth characteristics and economical yield of saffron and these traits were declined afterwards. The maximum and the minimum flower fresh weight and stigma yield of saffron were observed in 60 t.ha^-1 SMC (55.05 and 0.51 kg.ha^-1) and control (46.22 and 0.43 kg.ha^-1), respectively. Therefore, it seems that the application of appropriate levels of organic inputs and corm density must be considered for this cash crop.

Keywords

CASH CROP, DAUGHTER CORM, ORGANIC MANURE, SOIL FERTILITY, STIGMA YIELD

https://www.sid.ir/En/Journal/ViewPaper.aspx?ID=339988

Author(s) : Ghobadi, F. ;  Javid, M. G. ;  Sorooshzadeh, A.

Author Affiliation : College of Abouraihan, University of Tehran, Pakdasht, Iran.

Author Email : mjavid@ut.ac.ir

Journal article : Iranian Journal of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants 2016 Vol.32 No.5 pp.Pe857-Pe866, En867 ref.18

Abstract

This research was aimed to evaluate the flower and stigma yield as well as growth traits of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) under effect of planting dates and corm size. The experiment was factorial in a complete randomized design with three replicates, conducted at the research farm of College of Aburaihan, University of Tehran during 2013-2014. The treatments consisted of four planting dates (June 10th, September 7th and 27th, and October 12th) and two corm weights (5-9 g and 10-14 g). Our results showed that the flower and stigma yield of large corms, planted on June 10th, was 50% higher as compared with other planting dates, and on September 27th, the yield was 25% higher. However, this difference was not significant in comparison with September 7th. The lowest flower and stigma yield was recorded for the planting date of October 12th in comparison with other planting dates, and these traits were higher in large corms as compared with small ones in all planting dates. The flower length and number of buds on June 10th were higher than that of others. In addition, the highest leaf dry weight and length in primary and secondary buds were recorded for the planting dates of June 10th and September 6th, which could be effective in production of daughter corms in the next year. The results showed that all growth characteristics in large corms were higher than that of small ones. Overall, these results indicate that the planting of 10-14-gram large corms on June 10th can improve the yield and growth characteristics of saffron in Varamin plain.

ISSN : 1735-0905

URL : http://ijmapr.areeo.ac.ir/article_108…

Record Number : 20173197353

Publisher : Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands

Location of publication : Tehran

Country of publication : Iran

Language of text : Persian

Language of summary : English

Indexing terms for this abstract:

Organism descriptor(s) : Crocus sativus

Descriptor(s) : buds, corms, crop yield, flowers, growth, leaves, planting date, stigma

Geographical Location(s) : Iran

Broader term(s) : Crocus, Iridaceae, Asparagales, monocotyledons, angiosperms, Spermatophyta, plants, eukaryotes, Developing Countries, Middle East, Threshold Countries, West Asia, Asia

https://www.cabdirect.org/cabdirect/abstract/20173197353

Author(s): BAYAT MAHDI*, AMIRNIA REZA, TAJBAKHSH MAHDI, RAMEZANI MEHDI

 DEPARTMENT OF AGRONOMY, FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE, URMIA UNIVERSITY, URMIA, IRAN

Abstract

Several saffron ecotypes (Mashhad, Torbat-Jam, Torbat-Haydarieh, Gonabad, Birjand, Ghaen) were evaluated in Urmia for stigma yield and yield components using different maternal corm weights (6, 8, 10, 12 g) in 2013 cropping year. The experiment was arranged as factorial based on randomized complete block design. Analysis of variance showed that there were significant differences among saffron ecotypes and maternal corm weights with respect to all studied agronomical traits. However, there was no interaction between ecotypes and corm weights for the majority of these characters. Torbat-Haydarieh and Mashhad ecotypes, and Gonabad and Ghaen ecotypes had the highest and lowest saffron yield in the Urmia condition, respectively. The yield and yield components of saffron improved when the greater maternal corm weight was used. There were positive relationships between saffron yield and all its components. Based on the stepwise regression analysis, dried stigma weight, stigma length, fresh flower weight, dry leaf weight and leaf length were the main components of saffron yield. We can conclude that maternal corm weight has a very important role in saffron performance. Furthermore, in order to establish a new saffron cultivation, it seems essential to take into account the climate condition of areas from which the corms were selected.

Keyword :

 CLIMATE CONDITION, CORRELATION, ECOTYPE, MATERNAL CORM WEIGHT, REGRESSION, SAFFRON

https://www.sid.ir/En/Journal/ViewPaper.aspx?ID=567154

Keyhani J¹, Keyhani E, Kamali J.

1- Laboratory for Life Sciences, Saadat Abade, Tehran, Iran. keyhanie@ibb.ut.ac.ir

Abstract

Catalase activity was detected in crude extract prepared from dormant saffron (Crocus sativus L.) corms. The activity was independent of pH in the range 6.0-11.0. Thermostability studies suggested the presence of three isoenzymes with transition temperatures of 30 degrees C, 45 degrees C and 60 degrees C, respectively, as given by Arrhenius plots. When stained for catalase activity gel electropherograms of extract revealed 3 distinct bands with apparent molecular weight of 323,000, 295,000 and 268,000, respectively. Thus it appeared that at least three isoenzymes of catalase were present in dormant saffron corms.

Keywords :

Molecular Weight ,Thermal Stability, Transition Temperature, Catalase, Crude Extract

DOI: 10.1023/A:1020301107228

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1023/A:1020301107228

https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Thermal-Stability-of-Catalases-Active-in-Dormant-Keyhani-Keyhani/0a82b482cdd72536fa3602be65d1d7bcf8bd9f0f

Ghamsari, E. Keyhani

Abstract

The presence of ascorbate peroxidase activity was investigated in an extract prepared from dormant Crocus sativus L. corm. The enzymatic activity was measured by following spectrophotometrically the oxidation of sodium ascorbate at 290 nm, in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, in citrate-phosphate buffer, upon addition of the extract. After correction for ascorbate auto-oxidation, the extract exhibited ascorbate peroxidase activity with an optimum pH of 8.0. At that pH, K_m was 0.15 ± 0.02 mM for ascorbate, and 0.05 ± 0.005 mM (three times less) for hydrogen peroxide. Apparent Vmax, calculated per mg protein in the extract, was 54 ± 6 μM.min^-1 for ascorbate and 205 ± 15 μM.min^-1 (four times more) for hydrogen peroxide. The catalytic efficiency (per mg protein in the extract) was 0.36 ± 0.08 min^-1 for ascorbate and 4.1 ± 0.6 min^-1 for hydrogen peroxide, thus eleven times that for ascorbate. The pseudo-first order rate constant for ascorbate as the varying substrate was 0.0089 ± 0.0006 min^-1 and it was 0.5 ± 0.06 min^-1 (fifty five times higher) for hydrogen peroxide as the varying substrate. Thus, ascorbate peroxidase activity was detected in dormant C. sativus L. corm extract. The enzyme obeyed simple Michaelis-Menten kinetics with either hydrogen peroxide or ascorbate. But, surprisingly, in contrast to other ascorbate peroxidases as well as to other hemoproteins, it was insensitive to up to 100 mM cyanide, 100 mM azide or 100 mM aminotriazole. This may correspond to a specific requirement of metabolic control activity of this enzyme in dormant corm.

Keywords

aminotriazole, ascorbate, azide, cyanide, inhibition, kinetics, oxidative stress

DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2004.650.12

https://www.actahort.org/books/650/650_12.htm

http://safranerio.fr/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/650_12.pdf

Araştırma Makalesi / Research Article Iğdır Üni. Fen Bilimleri Enst. Der. / Iğdır Univ. J. Inst. Sci. & Tech. 7(1): 17-22, 2017

 Abstract

Plant growth regulators have important roles in plant growth and development. The externally applicable chemicals belong to different action classes and each one has a crucial and effective role at different plant growing stages. Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is one of the most important and valuable medicinal and aromatic plant, belongs to Iridaceae family. Because of impossibility of generative propagation in nature, growing can be maintened asexually with daughter corms occured each year. In this experiment, the effects of exogenously applied paclobutrazol, indole-3-butyric acid, zeatin and picloram on saffron developmental stages were studied. Data were focused on aerial part and corm related characters which is important in developmental findings in this plant. In the treatments, paclobutrazol (10 or 20 mg L-1), indole-3-butyric acid (1 or 3 mg L-1), zeatin (1 or 3 mg L-1) and picloram (5 or 10 mg L-1) were applied alone besides control to saffron 45 days after planting to the soil under greenhouse condition. According to the data picloram concentrations have a retardant role in nodium activation, leaf number and corm developmental characters (number, weight, diameter and yield of daughter corm) but cause the highest plant height (60.98 cm in 10 mg L-1 and 57.37 cm in 5 mg L-1). In 10 mg L-1 paclobutrazol treatments resulted as the best corm production (469 kg da-1) than the other treatments and control. Zeatin at 3 mg L-1 concentration was found effective on the best nodium activation (2.81 active nodes/corm). In conclusion, saffron development is affected significantly by externally applied plant growth regulators under soil condition and the application methods can be progressed in studies on aimed parts of the plant.

• Safran (Crocus sativus )’da Bitki Gelişimi Üzerine Dışarıdan Uygulanan Bitki Gelişim Düzenleyicilerinin Etkisi

ÖZET: Dışsal uygulanabilen kimyasallar olan ve farklı etki sınıfları içinde bulunan bitki gelişim düzenleyicilerinin her biri bitki büyüme ve gelişiminin farklı aşamaları üzerinde hayati ve önemli işlevlere sahiptir. Tıbbi ve aromatik bitkiler içinde en önemli ve değerli bitkilerden biri olan safran (Crocus sativus L.) Iridaceae familyasına ait olup, doğal olarak generatif yolla üretilmesi mümkün olmadığından bitki gelişimi aseksüel olarak her yıl meydana gelen yavru kormlardan sağlanmaktadır. Bu araştırmada dışsal olarak uygulanan paclobutrazol, indole-3-butyric acid, zeatin and picloram maddelerinin safran gelişimi üzerine etkileri çalışılmıştır. Bitki gelişimi için önemli parametreler olan korm ve toprak üstü aksamı ile ilişkili karakterlerle ilgili veriler toplanmıştır. Çalışmada kontrol parsellerinin yanında paclobutrazol, indole-3-butyric acid, zeatin ve picloram bitki dikiminden 45 gün sonra cam serada toprağa uygulanmıştır. Elde edilen verilere göre picloram konsantrasyonları nodyum aktivasyonu, yaprak sayısı ve korm gelişim özellikleri (korm sayısı, ağırlığı, çapı ve yavru korm verimi) için geciktirici bir rol oynarken, en yüksek bitki boyu (10 mg L-1 de 60.98 cm ve 5 mg L-1 de 57.37 cm) elde edilmiştir. 10 mg L-1 paclobutrazol uygulamalarında, diğer uygulamalara ve kontrole nazaran en iyi korm verimine (469 kg da-1) ulaşılmıştır. Zeatin 3 mg L-1 konsantrasyonda en iyi nodyum aktivasyonu göstermiştir (2.81 aktif nodyum/korm). Sonuç olarak safran gelişimi önemli derecede dışarıdan toprağa uygulanan bitki gelişim düzenleyicilerinden etkilenmekte olup uygulama metodu gelişimi hedeflenen bitki kısmı göz önüne alınarak geliştirilebilir.

Anahtar kelimeler: Crocus sativus, indole-3-butyric acid, paclobutrazol, picloram, zeatin

1Kocaeli Üniversitesi, Arslanbey Meslek Yüksekokulu, Gıda İşleme Bölümü, Kocaeli, Türkiye Sorumlu yazar/Corresponding Author: Aysun ÇAVUŞOĞLU, cavusoglu@kocaeli.edu.tr

Keywords:

Crocus sativus, indole-3-butyric acid, paclobutrazol, picloram, zeatin

http://dergipark.gov.tr/download/article-file/417424

Authors: Fariba Zarghani¹; Alireza Karimi¹; Reza Khorasani²; Amir Lakzian¹

Source: Būm/shināsī-i kishāvarzī, Volume 8, Number 1, 2016, pp. 120-133(14)

Publisher: Directory of Open Access Journals

DOI: https://doi.org/10.22067/jag.v8i1.48511

Abstract

Introduction Saffron is one of the most economically important plants across Iran and all over the world. The most important cultivated areas of saffron are in Khorasan-e Razavi and Southern Khorasan provinces (Jihad Keshavarzi Khorasan Razavi, 2013). The corm is the reservoir of photosynthetic materials and plays an important role in the saffron life cycle. Corm size and physicochemical characteristics of soil determine the growth and yield of saffron (Aytekin et al., 2008). It has been advised to use corms with diameter more than 2.5 cm (Kafi et al., 2002). Despite the importance of this plant, few studies have been conducted on the effects of soil characteristics on the growth of the plant in natural field conditions. Therefore, the objective which we will try to achieve is: to evaluate the effect of soil physical and chemical characteristics of the growth of saffron corm and determine the most important effect characteristics. Materials and methods In September 2012, 30 samples of 3 to 5 years old saffron corms were taken from the fields with similar management in Torbat Heydariyeh. The surrounding soil corms (depth of 0 to 30 cm) were sampled, too. Dry weight of corms was measured in the laboratory. Air dried soil samples were passed through a 2 mm sieve and used for physical-chemical analyses. Soil texture was determined by using pipet method. Total nitrogen, available phosphorous, available potassium, soil organic carbon and calcium carbonate equivalent were measured in bulk soil samples. Calcium, magnesium, sodium, EC and pH were measured in the saturated soil paste. Fe, Cu and Zn were extracted by DTPA and measured by atomic adsorption spectroscopy. Correlation, regression and neural network technique were used to analyze the data and to identify the most important soil characteristics on the corms characteristics. Results and discussion Diameter and dry weight of corms with mean values of 34.04 mm and 3.72 g, ranged from 22.8 to 51.7 mm and 1.5 to 6.98 g, respectively. Wet weight of the corms with an average of 11.4 g varied between 5.4 to 19.86 g that categorized in medium to very coarse classes. Soil characteristics showed wide range variability; therefore, the studied soils indicated suitable range of characteristic variables in this study. Calcium carbonate equivalent of soils was less than 17% with mean values of 12.75%. Mean values of EC and pH were 2.6 dS m-1 7.75, respectively. The average of soil organic carbon was 0.59% which reached up to 1.91% due to the application of manure. Silt with mean value of 43.55% was the dominant fraction of the soils, while the highest content of clay and sand were 27.65 and 47.6%. The Average concentration of Fe, Cu and Zn were 4.3, 1.56 and 0.42 mg.kg-1 respectively. Weak correlation of soil characteristics with corms diameter and weight and the result of ANOVA regression models indicated that there is a non-linear relationship between growth characteristics of corm and soil characteristics. In such cases, regression analyses cannot explain the relationship between growth parameters and soil characteristics. Artificial Neural Network (ANN) has the ability to model the non-linear relationships. Therefore, the relationship between soil parameters and saffron corm were determined by ANN to find the relationship between soil characteristics and corm growth. Perceptron Multi-Layers Neural Network with arrangement of 1-21-18, explained the relationship of between corm diameter (R2=0.94, ME=0.01 and RMSE=0.028) and dry weight of saffron corm (R2=0.92, ME=0.008 and RMSE=0.047) with soil properties. The proposed neural network explained 94% relationship of the saffron corm diameter and 92% relationship of the dry weight of saffron corm with soil characteristics. Sensitivity analysis indicated that electrical conductivity, Zn, N, pH, P, K and gravel percentage are the most effective characteristics on dry weight and sand, Cu, silt, clay, electrical conductivity, SAR, Zn and P, are the most important effective characteristics on the diameter of saffron corm. Conclusion The results of this study revealed that there is no significant correlation between diameter and weight of saffron corm and soil characteristics. Therefore, the ANN technique was used to determine the effective soil characteristics of corm growth parameters. Electrical conductivity, Cu, Zn, N, pH, P, K, SAR, gravel, sand, silt and clay are the most effective characteristics on corm growth. More researches should be conducted to understand, comprehensive relationship between soil characteristics and corm growth.

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.22067/jag.v8i1.48511

https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/doaj/20087713/2016/00000008/00000001/art00010

Document Type: Research Article

Affiliations: 1: Ferdowsi University of Mashhad 2: Ferdowsi university of Mashhad

Publication date: January 1, 2016

https://www.cabdirect.org/cabdirect/abstract/20173271907

Indexing terms for this abstract:

Organism descriptor(s) : Crocus sativus

Descriptor(s) : clay, copper, corms, correlation analysis, gravel, growth, neural networks, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, saffron, sand, silt, soil chemical properties, soil pH, soil physical properties, zinc

Identifier(s) : chemical properties of soil, physical properties of soil

Geographical Location(s) : Iran

Maria Grilli Caiola¹ , Donatella Leonardi¹ , Antonella Canini¹

1- Dipartimento di Biologia, University of Roma , “Tor Vergata”RomeItaly

Abstract

Crocus sativus L. (Iridaceae) is a sterile triploid geophyte widely cultivated for the production of the spice saffron and only reproduced by means of corms. Extensive research has identified Crocus cartwrightianus Herb. as being a probable progenitor of C. sativus. However, other diploid Crocus species of the same C. sativus group, such as C. thomasii Ten. and C. hadriaticus Herb., have been considered as possible progenitors of saffron. Of the characteristics for distinguishing critical genera, species and intraspecific taxa of angiosperms, the most widely adopted have been seed organisation and patterns of spermoderma microstructure detected at SEM. The aim of this study is to use SEM to analyse the seeds of C. sativus ×, a cross obtained by C. sativus with pollen of C. cartwrightianus Herb. and the seeds of allopollinated C. cartwrightianus, C. thomasii Ten., and C. hadriaticus Herb. Results indicate that the seed surface microstructure of C. sativus × is very similar to that of C. cartwrightianus while being different from those of C. thomasii and C. hadriaticus.

Keywords:

Seed structure, Crocus sativus, C. cartwrightianus , C. thomasii , C. hadriaticus , C. sativus progenitors , Crocus seeds at SEM 

DOI: 10.1007/s00606-009-0261-x

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00606-009-0261-x

https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Seed-structure-in-Crocus-sativus-L.-%C3%97%2C-C.-Herb.%2C-C.-Caiola-Leonardi/150a30f1bbf4e717229c6296e872b3c264e68e63

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/225715927_Seed_structure_in_Crocus_sativus_L_C_cartwrightianus_Herb_C_thomasii_Ten_and_C_hadriaticus_Herb_at_SEM

Maria Grilli Caiola^* Antonella Canini

Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via della Ricerca Scientifica, 1 – 00133 Rome, Italy

^{Corresponding author: * grilli@uniroma2.it}

Abstract

The authors analyze the archeological, historical, botanical, cytological, geographic, molecular and reproductive biology of saffron and allied species in order to establish its site and parent origin. The authors have studied saffron, Crocus sativus and the diploid species C. cartwrightianus, C. thomasii, C. hadriaticus and compared them with what was previously known from the literature. When saffron originated is still open to dispute. It has been widely known since the pre-Hellenic and Hellenic periods, but it is impossible to detect if was C. sativus or other Crocus species such as C. cartwrightianus. Concerning the site origin the research indicates two possible sites: one in Greece in the Mediterranean area, the other at East in Turkey-Iran-India. In both areas, records and place names connected with various species of Crocus constitute an important information source for the presence of saffron. Cytological, DNA, and reproductive studies on the allied species of C. sativus such as C. cartwrightianus, C. thomasii, C. hadriaticus, indicate a more likely parent of saffron may be C. cartwrightianus or C. thomasii. Both these species are diploid with a karyotype similar to saffron. In addition, their pollen can fertilize the egg cell of saffron, giving rise to seeds which are viable, germinate and form new corms. Thus, saffron can originate through fertilization of a normal reduced egg cell with an unreduced male gamete of the same Crocus species or by crossing between an egg cell and the male unreduced gamete of another species. The origin of Saffron by allopolyploidy seems more probable considering the recent data on its karyotype and molecular biology.

Keywords:

Crocus cartwrightianus, C. thomasii, C. hadriaticus, progenitor/s of saffron

https://www.doc-developpement-durable.org/file/Culture-epices/safran/Looking%20for%20Saffron-s%20parents.pdf

Nemati Z¹, Blattner FR¹, Kerndorff H², Erol O³, Harpke D⁴.

1-Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Gatersleben, Germany.

2-Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Gatersleben, Germany; São Romão, São Brás de Alportel, Portugal.

3-Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey

4- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Gatersleben, Germany. Electronic address: harpke@ipk-gatersleben.de.

Abstract

Phylogenetic relationships among the taxa of Crocus series Crocus are still unclear, preventing the understanding of species diversity and the evolution of the important spice saffron (Crocus sativus). Therefore, we analyzed sequences of two chloroplast (trnL-trnF, matK-trnK) and three nuclear (TOPO6, ribosomal DNA ETS and ITS) marker regions to infer phylogenetic relationships among all species belonging to series Crocus. Our phylogenetic analyses resolved the relationships among all taxa of the series. Crocus hadriaticus and the former C. pallasii subspecies appeared polyphyletic. The latter deserve elevating the subspecies to species rank, while for C. hadriaticus a detailed study of species boundaries is necessary. Multi-locus and also genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism data obtained through genotyping-by-sequencing placed C. sativus within C. cartwrightianus with no indication that other Crocus species contributed to the evolution of the triploid. Our analyses thus made an autotriploid origin of C. sativus from C. cartwrightianus very likely.

Keywords:

Crocus series Crocus; Evolution; GBS; Multi-locus analysis; Phylogeny; Saffron

DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2018.06.036

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29936028

Yusif M. Agayev

Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz

Abstract

Karyotype analyses of saffron, Crocus sativus L., was made using improved routine and C-banding techniques on metaphase plates in root tip cells of 2 accessions from Republic of Azerbaijan and Iran. In the routine technique fixative of Lewitsky and aceto-iron-hematoxylin stain were used. It was established that metaphase chromosomes can be arranged according to their size and morphological features in 8 triplets ranging in size from 11.58±0.13 μm (triplet 1) to 4.57±0.05 μm (triplet 8). Triplets 1 and 2 include subacrocentric, triplets 3, 4 and 8 metacentric and triplets 6 and 7 submetacentric chromosomes. Three chromosomes in each triplet, as a rule, are similar although in some triplets one of them is infrequently distinguishable from the 2 others. Triplet 5 shows an extreme difference so that it always contains 2 kinds of chromosomes: chromosome 5(1) and chromosomes 5(2, 3). Chromosome 5(1) is metacentric (r=1.40) and 6.04±0.13 μm in length, but chromosomes 5(2, 3) are subacrocentric (r=3.49) and noticeably smaller (5.41±0.09 μm). Application of the C-banding technique revealed heterochromatin segments: the sharpest, sharp and week. The sharpest heterochromatin was on telomere of the short arm of chromosome type (triplet) 3 and on proximal part of the long arm of chromosome type 1; a sharp heterochromatin on telomere of the short arms of chromosome types 1, 4 and on the satellites, and a weak heterochromatin on a centromeric region all of 24 chromosomes. Chromosome type 5(1) had a heterochromatin that was a little stronger on the centromeric and, considerably weaker on telomeric regions comparing to those of chromosome type 4. Accessions of saffron from Republic of Azerbaijan and Iran were not significantly distinguishable in karyotype structure. The species C. sativus in its places of cultivation is obviously a clone of one triploid plant originated spontaneously in the nature through crossing between 2 closely related species with participation of n and 2n gametes. Results from statistic analysis and appropriate photographic evidences are provided.

Keywords:

Crocus sativus L., Origin, Karyotype, C-banding technique, Heterochromatin

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1508/cytologia.67.245

https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/cytologia/67/3/67_3_245/_article

 pdf : https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/cytologia/67/3/67_3_245/_pdf/-char/en

Yusif Musa-oghlu Agayev^1,2 , Jose-Antonio Fernandez ³ , Eissa Zarifi ^4,5

1.Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran (ABRII)KarajIran

2.Genetic Resources InstituteAzerbaijan National Academy of SciencesBakuAzerbaijan Republic

3.Laboratorio de Biotecnología, Instituto de Desarrollo RegionalUniversidad de Castilla-La ManchaAlbaceteSpain

4.Genetics and Genetic Resources Research DepartmentSeed and Plant Improvement InstituteKarajIran

5.Department of Agronomy, Faculty of AgricultureAnkara UniversityDiskapi, AnkaraTurkey

Abstract

We report here the results of a unique, large-scale research project that focused on the problem of clonal selection of saffron (Crocus sativus L.). Samples of saffron populations from the five most ancient cultivation regions in Iran were obtained for the study, with ≥20,000 corms comprising the sampled populations from each region. The corms were divided onto weight groups (for example, 3.0–3.9, 4.0–4.9 g, up to the largest) and then planted in rows separately in the field with one corm per hole (pit). This strict separation of the corms and the strict planting procedure was maintained for four growing seasons, enabling a comparison of the pits with grown plants and a study of the differences between clones. A comparison of many hundreds and thousands of clones, each grown from one corm of the same weight, resulted in the identification of “superior” clones in terms of exceptionally large numbers of flowers and large (≥10 g) corms. Based on the number of flowers and number of large corms, which are the two most economically important attributes of saffron, the clones were classified as extraordinary, superior, ordinary, inferior and declining clones. The first two classifications of clones, which had the highest numbers of flowers and largest corms, have been chosen for use in a saffron breeding program aimed at developing new high-yielding cultivars of saffron. Those clones would also be very suitable for facilitating the mechanization of saffron agriculture in terms of the lifting, sorting and planting of corms, weeding, softening ground and harvesting flowers.

Keywords:

Big corm index , Creating new cultivars  , Extraordinary clones Heterogeneity of saffron populations , Multiflorous clones , Saffron clonal  , selection Superior clones 

DOI: 10.1007/s10681-009-9946-z

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10681-009-9946-z

https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Clonal-selection-of-saffron-(Crocus-sativus-L.)%3A-Agayev-Fern%C3%A1ndez/3c59c8b7e110345c333aff6df6fe9855b5f3d4ff

Author(s) :Gowhar Ali ;  Iqbal, A. M. ;  Nehvi, F. A. ;  Samad, S. S. ;  Shaheena Nagoo ;  Sabeena Naseer ;  Dar, N. A.

Author Affiliation : Saffron Research Station, Pampore Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar 191 121, Jammu & Kashmir, India.

Author Email : asifquresh@gmail.com

Journal article : African Journal of Agricultural Research 2013 Vol.8 No.5 pp.460-467 ref.28

Abstract

Saffron a member of Iridaceae family is a perennial spice species. It is derived from the stigma of the flower of the saffron crocus (Crocus sativus L.), which is collected and dried to produce the spice. The main compounds that accumulated throughout stigma development in C. sativus L. were crocetin, its glucoside derivatives and picrocrocin, all of which increased as stigmas reached a fully developed stage. The volatile composition of C. sativus stigmas changed notably as stigmas developed with each developmental stage being characterized by a different volatile combination. In red stigmas, b-cyclocitral, the 7,8 cleavage product of b-carotene, was highly produced, suggesting the implication of both b-carotene and zeaxanthin in crocetin formation breeding of saffron (C. sativus L.), its position, urgency and topicality of the problem are considered in the present review. Clonal selection is proposed for genetic improvement of saffron in order to increase yield production and quality.

ISSN : 1991-637X

URL : http://www.academicjournals.org/ajar/…

Record Number : 20133110784

Publisher : Academic Journals

Location of publication : Nairobi

Country of publication : Kenya

Language of text : English

Language of summary : English

Indexing terms for this abstract:

Organism descriptor(s) : Crocus, Crocus sativus, Iridaceae

Descriptor(s) : clones, derivatives, genetic improvement, glucosides, plant breeding, productivity, saffron, zeaxanthin

Broader term(s) : Iridaceae, Asparagales, monocotyledons, angiosperms, Spermatophyta, plants, eukaryotes, Crocus

https://www.cabdirect.org/cabdirect/abstract/20133110784

 pdf : https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJAR/article-full-text-pdf/0E769A433803

M. Agayev, A.M. Shakib, S. Soheilivand, M. Fathi

Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran (ABRII) Mahdasht Road

Abstract

Breeding of saffron (Crocus sativus L.), its position, urgency and topicality of the problem are considered in the present review. New unusual strategies are proposed for genetic improvement of saffron in order to increase yield production both in quality and quantity. Complexity and extraordinary feature of the problem is drawn. The ways of breeding are analyzed and recommended in close acquaintance with exceptionally specific biological peculiarities of this triploid plant. The application of contemporary biotechnological methods makes solving this problem more feasible. The present report is a reflection of a large research project related to the problem of saffron breeding, started in ABRII 2003. Underlying reason of the mentioned project is our firm conviction based on many years of studying the biology, systematics, cytogenetics and embryology of saffron that in spite of intricacy of the subject, not only breeding (especially clonal selection) of this plant is possible, but also is necessary and this problem for today stands rather burning. It promises to give annual large profit, where the plant is cultivated in a vast expanse.

Keywords:

clonal selection, chromosome doubling, hybridization, unusual methods, wild relatives

DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2007.739.25

https://www.actahort.org/books/739/739_25.htm

https://www.ishs.org/ishs-article/739_25

http://confnews.um.ac.ir/images/41/conferences/saffron/pdf/p25.pdf

Fabio Gresta : Mediterranean University of Reggio Calabria

Laura Siracusa  & Giuseppe Ruberto : Italian National Research Council

Abstract

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is an autumnal flowering geophite whose dried stigmas, well known for their aromatic and colouring power, have been used since immemorial time as a spice in human nutrition, for medicinal purposes and as a dye. Many doubts remain on its origin; it was probably selected and domesticated in Crete during the Late Bronze Age. Saffron is an autotriploid geophyte species, self- and out-sterile and mostly male-sterile and therefore unable to produce seed, that reproduces by means of corms. Furthermore, it has a reverse biological cycle compared with the majority of cultivated and spontaneous plants: flowering first in October-November, then vegetative development until May, which means that the vegetative development is not directly important for production of stigmas, but for the production of new corms. Due to its unique biological, physiological and agronomic traits, saffron is able to exploit marginal land and to be included in low-input cropping systems, representing an alternative viable crop for sustainable agriculture. Notwithstanding this great potential and the considerable increase in new generation consumer demand for saffron, the future of the plant is still uncertain. Indeed, the main obstacles to saffron production are: (1) the limited areas of cultivation in countries where it is traditionally grown, (2) the great amount of sophisticated spice, (3) management techniques executed by hand, and (4) the very high price of the spice. Here we review the main biological, genetic and ecological traits associated with agronomic management techniques of saffron in relation to environmental conditions. Colour, taste and aroma are the essential features on which the quality of saffron stigmas is founded. In turn, these aspects are strictly connected with the biomolecular composition of the stigmas, namely, the carotenoids and their derivatives. With this in mind, the biosynthetic pathway that leads to the formation of saffron secondary metabolites and their abundance in the spice is presented, together with the biomedical properties commonly associated with saffron. Furthermore, a detailed overview of the more recent instrumental methods to assess the quality of saffron, strictly from a chemical point of view, will be discussed.

Keywords:

  Crocus sativus / saffron / carotenoids / yields / quality / sustainability

DOI: 10.1051/agro:2007030

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/41714542_Saffron_An_Alternative_Crop_for_Sustainable_Agricultural_Systems_A_Review

 pdf : https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00886393/document

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1051/agro:2007030

  Abel Piqueras^a, Bong Hee Han^b, Julio Escribano^c, Concepción Rubio^a, Eladio Hellín^c and José Antonio Fernández<sup>c 

a</sup>  Dept. Nutrición y Fisiología Vegetal, C.E.B.A.S. (C.S.I.C.), 30080 Murcia, Spain
^b  Dept. Horticulture, Horticulture Research Institute, 475, Imok-Dong, Jangan-Gu, Suwon, Kyunggi, Republic of Korea
^c  Area de Genética, Dept. Ciencia y Tecnología Agroforestal, E.T.S.I.A. Universidad de Castilla- La Mancha, Campus Universitario s/n, 02071 Albacete, Spain

Abstract

In order to develop a continuous system for saffron micropropagation by the induction of nodular cormogenic callus in vitro, different plant growth regulators as well as organic supplements have been evaluated in relation to their capacity to regulate morphogenesis and plant regeneration in cultures of meristematic tissues from saffron corms. Microsurgery of the apical meristematic bud in corms prior to culture increased the induction of cormogenic nodules. High concentrations of BA (2 mg·L^-1) and low of 2,4-D (0.1 mg·L ^-1) were found to be essential for development and proliferation of cormogenic nodules. The application of pachlobutrazol and imazalil increased the induction rate of adventitious shoots in the nodular cormogenic calli and the growth of microcorms. The corms with adventitious shoots were rooted in medium without growth regulators and were able to generate dormant microcorms in vitro. This technique could be of interest for the multiplication as well as the genetic improvement of saffron crop. (© 1999 Inra/Éditions scientifiques et médicales Elsevier SAS.)

Résumé – Développement de nodules bulbeux et de microbulbes par culture de tissus, un nouvel outil pour la multiplication et l’amélioration génétique du safran. Afin de développer un système pour la micropropagation en continu du safran par l’induction de cals bulbeux nodulaires in vitro, différents régulateurs de croissance et des suppléments organiques ont été évalués en relation avec leur capacité de réguler la morphogenèse et la regénération des plantes dans des cultures de méristèmes provenant de bulbes de safran. La microchirurgie appliquée sur le bourgeon du méristème apical du bulbe avant sa mise en culture a vu augmenter l’induction des nodules bulbeux. Des concentrations élevées de AB et faibles, de 2,4 D se sont avérées essentielles pour le développement et la prolifération des nodules bulbeux. L’application de pachlobutrazol et d’imazalil a augmenté la taux d’induction des pousses adventices dans les cals nodulaires de même que la croissance des microbulbes. Les bulbes munis de pousses adventices qui avaient été enracinés en milieu sans régulateurs de croissance ont été capables de générer des microbulbes dormants in vitro. Cette technique pourrait être d’intérêt pour la multiplication ainsi que pour l’amélioration génétique de safran. (© 1999 Inra/Éditions scientifiques et médicales Elsevier SAS.)

Key words:

 Crocus sativus / imazalil / micropropagation / saffron corm / paclobutrazol 

Mots clés : Crocus sativus / imazalil / micropropagation / bulbe de safran / paclobutrazol 

DoI :  10.1051/agro:19990704

https://www.agronomy-journal.org/articles/agro/abs/1999/07/Agronomie_0249-5627_1999_19_7_ART0004/Agronomie_0249-5627_1999_19_7_ART0004.html

pdf : https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00885955/document

http://agris.fao.org/agris-search/search.do;jsessionid=F805F562C2A339C6239E5A8382A89621?request_locale=es&recordID=FR2000000536&sourceQuery=&query=&sortField=&sortOrder=&agrovocString=&advQuery=¢erString=&enableField=

Nikhil K. Chrungoo, Sikander Farooq

Chrungoo, N.K. Farooq, S. (Kashmir University, Srinagar (India). Dept. of Botany)

Abstract

Application of giberellic acid (GA(3)) and naphtaleneacetic acid (NAA) to corms of saffron crocus (Crocus sativus L.) markedly influenced degradation of reserve carbohydrates in the corm tissues. GA(3) stimulated the breakdown of starch and promoted the accumulation of soluble sugars, especially sucrose. Although NAA treatment stimulated starch breakdown for the first 14 days after treatment, the effect was less pronounced as compared to that of GA(3). NAA treatment promoted the accumulation of reducing sugars but suppressed accumulation of non reducing sugars in the corm tissues. Corms treated with GA(3) showed an increased accumulation of total pentoses and total ketoses. In NAA treated corms, accumulation of total pentoses was stimulated but that of total ketoses was suppressed. The effects of GA(3) and NAA on carbohydrate changes in the corm tissues are discussed in the light of their effects on bud development

Keywords:

GA3; NAA; carbohydrates; Crocus; corm development

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5586/asbp.1989.019

https://pbsociety.org.pl/journals/index.php/asbp/article/view/asbp.1989.019

http://agris.fao.org/agris-search/search.do?recordID=PL9000936

pdf : https://pbsociety.org.pl/journals/index.php/asbp/article/view/asbp.1989.019/1243

I. Mir, N. Ahmed, Wajida Shafi, Rizwan Rashid, Mudasir Hafiz Khan*, M. A. Sheikh, Uzma Noor Shah, Shafiya Zaffar and Irfan Rather

Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture, ICAR, Rangreth, Srinagar-190 007, Jammu & Kashmir, India.

Abstract

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) being triploid in nature is propagated by vegetative means through corms. The natural propagation rate of such plant species is relatively low; therefore an in vitro multiplication technique like micropropagation has been used as an alternative method of propagation for saffron. In  the present investigation, apical bud explants were cultured on different nutrient media supplemented  with various concentrations of plant growth regulators. Micro-corm formation was observed on all the   media combinations. Maximum number (10) and weight (1.54 g) of microcorms developed were observed on MS media supplemented with 6-benzyl amino purine (BAP) (2 mg/L) + naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) (0.5 mg/L) + paclobutrazol (1.5 mg/L). Cultural conditions under light or in dark did not affect the corm formation and growth. Shoot and root regeneration was observed in the microcorms developed under in-vitro conditions. Maximum number of shoot (11.6) and length of shoots (11.4 cm) was also observed on MS media supplemented with NAA (21.6 µM) + BAP (22.2 µM). Maximum number of roots (11) and length of roots (11.4 cm) were obtained on G-5 media containing NAA (21.6 µM) + BAP  (22.2 µM). The above observations will be useful as the base to make a possible road way for production of quality planting material in saffron.

Keyword :

Saffron, growth regulators, micropropagation, apical bud.

DOI: 10.5897/AJB2013.12831

Vol. 13(26), pp. 2637-2640, 25 June, 2014

DOI: 10.5897/AJB2013.12831

Article Number: C95E74645608

ISSN 1684-5315

Copyright © 2014

Author(s) retain the copyright of this article

http://www.academicjournals.org/AJB

https://eurekamag.com/research/002/636/002636560.php

https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ajb/article/download/121059/110481

Authors : Amjad Masood Husaini^1*, Azra N Kamili ², M .H Wani³, Jaime A .Teixeira da Silva ⁴, G.N Bhat⁵

Publication date 2010 , Journal : Functional Plant Science and Biotechnology

1 Division of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Srinagar- 191121, Jammu and Kashmir, India

2 Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory, Centre of Research for Development, University of Kashmir, Srinagar-190006, Jammu and Kashmir, India

3 Division of Economics, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Srinagar- 191121, Jammu and Kashmir, India

4 Department of Horticultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Kagawa University, Ikenobe, 761-0795, Kagawa, Japan

5 Division of Pathology, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Srinagar- 191121, Jammu and Kashmir, India

Corresponding author: * dr.amjadhusaini@hotmail.com or amjadhusaini@yahoo.com

Abstract

Description

The Kashmir valley is well known for quality saffron but since the last decade production and productivity of this crop has shown a declining trend in Kashmir. This paper emphasizes ample scope for maximizing profitability of this crop for Kashmir saffron growers, provided that sincere efforts are made. Initiatives are needed for reversing this declining trend by adopting strict quality control measures, preventing adulteration, mechanizing production and introducing marketing interventions. Adoption of novel scientific technologies, including biotechnology, can go a long way to reduce the costs of saffron production in the future.

Keywords :

adulteration, biotechnology, government, mechanization, quality, tissue culture

http://www.globalsciencebooks.info/Online/GSBOnline/OnlineFPSB_4_SI2.html

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=ybdcBh8AAAAJ&hl=en#d=gs_md_cita-d&u=%2Fcitations%3Fview_op%3Dview_citation%26hl%3Den%26user%3DybdcBh8AAAAJ%26citation_for_view%3DybdcBh8AAAAJ%3ALkGwnXOMwfcC%26tzom%3D-270

pdf : http://www.globalsciencebooks.info/Online/GSBOnline/images/2010/FPSB_4(SI2)/FPSB_4(SI2)128-131o.pdf http://www.globalsciencebooks.info/Online/GSBOnline/images/2010/FPSB_4(SI2)/FPSB_4(SI2)116-127o.pdf

R Kumar & OC Sharma Author’s Affiliated institute: ICAR.Central Institute for Arid Horticulture

 ,ICAR.Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture

Journal of Agriculture and Ecology

Abstract

The present investigation was carried out to study effect of organic manures on growth, yield and corm production of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) under Karewa condition of Kashmir Himalaya. The different organic manures and their combinations significantly affected vegetative, floral and yield attributes of saffron. Floral attributes of saffron were also significantly affected by different organic manure treatments and recorded maximum value for pistil length (4.19 and 4.13 cm), pistil fresh weight (40.21 and 42.00 mg) and pistil dry weight (8.01 and 8.05 mg) in T13 (33.33% FYM+ 33.33% vermicompost+ 33.33% poultry manure) during both years. Flowers number/m2 (48.27 and 55.21) and saffron yield (3.84 and 4.44 kg/ha) was observed highest in treatment T13 (33.33% FYM+ 33.33% vermicompost+ 33.33% poultry manure) followed by T11 (25% FYM+ 25% vermicompost + 50% poultry manure) with flowers number/m2 (45.27 and 50.55) and saffron yield (3.60 and 4.09 kg/ha) as against lowest in T14 control. Highest total saffron yield and corm yield (8.28 kg/ha and 10.05 t/ha) was found in T13 (33.33% FYM+ 33.33% vermicompost+ 33.33% poultry manure) which was statistically at par (7.69 kg/ha and 9.64 t/ha) with T11 (25% FYM+ 25% vermicompost + 50% poultry manure) and lowest was recorded (2.92 kg/ha 7.12 t/ha) in T14 control, respectively. Treatment T13 (33.33% FYM+ 33.33% vermicompost+ 33.33% poultry manure) produced highest B:C ratio 4.24 followed by 3.98 in T11 (25% FYM+ 25% vermicompost + 50% poultry manure) and lowest 2.63 in T14 control.

Keywords :

Crocus sativus, organic saffron, pistil, corm yield

https://krishi.icar.gov.in/jspui/handle/123456789/6202

http://journals.saaer.org.in/index.php/jae/article/view/47

http://journals.saaer.org.in/index.php/jae/article/download/47/31/

  Amjad M. Husaini^1*, Shafiq A. Wani¹, Parvez Sofi ¹,Abdul G. Rather ¹et al.

Javid I. Mir ²

 Source: Communications in Biometry & Crop Science . 2009, Vol. 4 Issue 1, p3-8. 6p. 1 Chart.

1-Division of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and
Technology of Kashmir, Jammu & Kashmir, India, 191121.
2- Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture, Rangreth, Old Airport, Jammu & Kashmir, India, 190007.

* Corresponding author: Amjad M. Husaini, E-mail: amjadhusaini@yahoo.com

Abstract

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is a sterile triploid plant and belongs to the Iridaceae (Liliales, Monocots). Its genome is of relatively large size and is poorly characterized. Bioinformatics can play an enormous technical role in the sequence-level structural characterization of saffron genomic DNA. Bioinformatics tools can also help in appreciating the extent of diversity of various geographic or genetic groups of cultivated saffron to infer relationships between groups and accessions. The characterization of the transcriptome of saffron stigmas is the most vital for throwing light on the molecular basis of flavor, color biogenesis, genomic organization and biology of gynoecium of saffron. The information derived can be utilized for constructing biological pathways involved in the biosynthesis of principal components of saffron i.e., crocin, crocetin, safranal, picrocrocin and safchiA.

Keywords:

bioinformatics; saffron; genomics; transcriptomics; proteomics; metabolomics; in silico

http://agris.fao.org/agris-search/search.do?recordID=DJ2012082585

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/26586058_Bioinformatics_for_saffron_Crocus_sativus_L_improvement

http://agrobiol.sggw.waw.pl/~cbcs/articles/CBCS_4_1_2.pdf

Xue Liu ¹ ; Zhigang Guo¹ ; Ruizhi Liu¹

1 – Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China

Abstract

There are many factors influencing the growth and secondary metabolites of callus and saffron callus. In this paper, the effects of culture conditions, including culture temperatures, light levels, the carbon source and its concentration, and the preserve of regulators (mainly hormones), are studied for callus cultures. All the experiments used Murashige and Skoog (MS) solid medium as the basic medium with 10g/L agar, pH 5.7–5.8. Saffron callus was cultured at 20°C in the dark, with a sucrose concentration of 45g/L (or starchy hydrolysate concentration of 40g/L), but 30g/L sucrose was best for the synthesis of crocin (for starchy hydrolysate the concentration can range from 20 to 40g/L). To promote callus growth, the best auxin was α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and the optimum ratio of NAA (mg/L) to benzylaminopurine (BA) (mg/L) was 2 : 0.25. Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) (4 mg/L), gibberellin (GA3) (2 mg/L), and uniconazole (S-07) (1.25 mg/L) increased the crocin content remarkably as analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). NAA (2 mg/L) promoted the growth of saffron callus but had no benefit and may inhibit crocin synthesis while S-07 (1.25 mg/L) had the opposite effect. GA3 promoted both growth and synthesis.

 Keywords:

Sugar,Carbon,Barium,Regulators,Biochemistry , Biomass ,Temperature measurement

https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/6079139/authors#authors

https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=6079139

I. Mir , N. Ahmed , D. B. Singh , M. H. Khan , S. Zaffer  , W. Shafi
Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture, Old Air Field, Rangreth, Srinagar, J & K -190007, India.

Corresponding Author Email: me_drkhan@rediffmail.com

Abstract

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) being triploid in nature is propagated by vegetative means through corms. The natural propagation rate of such plant species is relatively low, therefore some breeding and biotechnological technique like introduction, clonal selection, mutagenesis, micro-propagation and molecular markers have been used earlier as an alternative method of propagation for saffron. The creation of a germplasm bank consisting of superior elite clonal selections can be considered as a great achievement and in addition, the identification of selections as sources of variation can play an important role in improvement of this crop. The use of mutagenesis could increase the natural variability for important characters and may help in overcoming sterility barrier in autotriploid saffron by colchinization. Genetic improvement through mutation is one more important research area in saffron crop improvement and efforts made by different scientists have already given a base line idea for the improvement of this crop. Molecular markers have very good potential for study of species/clone level variation within saffron species. Use of molecular markers in saffron crop improvement will help in identifying the accessions and species which will be used for commercial exploitation and making of hybrids. At present we are having very few SSR markers in saffron, therefore both genomic and genic SSR markers need to be developed so that variation at genomic and expression level can be exploited.

Keywords:

Saffron, hybridization, clonal selection, introduction, mutagenesis, in-vitro regeneration, molecular

DOI:   https://doi.org/10.5897/AJAR2013.8098

https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJAR/article-abstract/834770C51050

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/283871123_Breeding_and_biotechnological_opportunities_in_saffron_crop_improvement

José-Antonio Fernández ¹ , Omar Santana² , Pat Heslop-Harrison³,

1-Laboratorio De Biotecnología-IDRUniversidad de Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM)AlbaceteSpain

2-Junta de Comunidades de Castilla La-Mancha (JCCM)Centro de Investigación Agraria de AlbaladejitoCuencaSpain

3-Department of BiologyUniversity of Leicester (ULEIC)LeicesterUK

Abstract

Since 2007, the European Commission AGRI GEN RES 018 “CROCUSBANK” action has permitted the creation of the alleged World Saffron and Crocus Collection (WSCC), a unique collection which contains a representation of the genetic variability present in saffron crop and wild relatives at global scale. At present the germplasm collection, housed at the Bank of Plant Germplasm of Cuenca (BGV-CU, Spain), consists of 572 preserved accessions representing 47 different Crocus species (including saffron Crocus) and is expected to increase up to more than 600 accessions by the end of CROCUSBANK action (May 2011). The preserved biodiversity of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) covers a wide range of the genetic variability of the crop and currently consists of 220 accessions from 15 countries: 169 of these come from European cultivation countries, 18 from commercial areas in non EU countries, 26 from regions of minimal or relict production and/or from abandoned fields and 7 from commercial nurseries. The non-saffron Crocus collection currently comprises 352 accessions: 179 collected from the wild in 12 countries of natural distribution, 24 from donations of public and private institutions, 91 from commercial nurseries and 58 acquired from BGV-CU collection management. Here we provide a record of collections, activities concerns and current strategies for documentation, conservation, characterisation, and management of the collection as important tools for researchers with interest in these valuable genetic resources.

Keywords

Genetic resources, Database, Crop diversity ,Ex situ conservation

DOI: 10.1007/s10722-010-9601-5

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10722-010-9601-5

https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007%2Fs10722-010-9601-5.pdf

https://www.cabdirect.org/cabdirect/abstract/20113117555

Authors : M. De-Los-Mozos-Pascual, J.-A. Fernández, M. Roldán

III International Symposium on Saffron: Forthcoming Challenges in Cultivation, Research and Economics

Abstract

The loss of land surface dedicated to saffron cultivation in some areas of the world, particularly in the Mediterranean Basin countries (North and South banks), has resulted in a corresponding genetic erosion of this crop. Since saffron multiplies exclusively in a vegetative way, the preservation of the presumably scarce genetic diversity is highly valuable to carry out in any breeding programme. In 2005, the European Commission launched a programme for the conservation, characterisation, collection and utilisation of genetic resources in agriculture, AGRI GEN RES. A consortium of 14 groups of 9 countries, lead by the University of Castilla-La Mancha (Spain), presented the four-years project “Genetic Resources of Saffron and Allies (Crocus spp.): CROCUSBANK. The objective of this action is to create, characterise and exploit a worldwide germplasm collection in saffron and relatives. The mother-plant collection is located in the Bank of Plant Germplasm of Cuenca (CIA Albadalejito, Spain), where 384 accessions of saffron and wild crocuses are preserved, multiplied and partially characterised at the moment. In this paper, the curator of the collection, the manager and the coordinator of the CROCUSBANK Project, present the results in this field, after two years of activity.

Key words:

 crocus, genetic resources, saffron

DoI :  https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2010.850.1

https://www.actahort.org/books/850/850_1.htm

Alsayied NF¹, Fernández JA², Schwarzacher T¹, Heslop-Harrison JS³.

1-Department of Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK and.

2-Laboratorio de Biotecnología, Instituto de Desarrollo Regional, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Universitario s/n, 02071 Albacete, Spain.

3-Department of Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK and phh4@le.ac.uk.

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIMS:

Saffron (Crocus sativus) is a sterile triploid (2n = 3x = 24) cultivated species, of unknown origin from other diploid and polyploid species in the genus Crocus (Iridaceae). Species in the genus have high morphological diversity, with no clear phylogenetic patterns below the level of section Crocus series Crocus. Using DNA markers, this study aimed to examine the diversity and relationships within and between species of Crocus series Crocus.

METHODS:

Eleven inter-retroelement amplified polymorphism (IRAP) primers were used in 63 different combinations with 35 single-plant accessions of C. sativus and related Crocus species in order to determine genetic variability and to conduct phylogenetic analysis.

KEY RESULTS:

A total of 4521 distinct polymorphic bands from 100 bp to approx. 4 kb were amplified; no fragment specific to all accessions of a single species was amplified. The polymorphic information content (PIC) values varied from approx. 0·37 to approx. 0·05 (mean 0·17 ± 0·1) and the major allele frequency had a mean of 0·87. High levels of polymorphism were identified between accessions of the six species of Crocus series Crocus related to C. sativus, with further variation between the species. In contrast, no polymorphisms were seen among 17 C. sativus accessions obtained in the region from Kashmir through Iran to Spain.

CONCLUSIONS:

In contrast to the intraspecific variability seen in other Crocus species, C. sativus has minimal genetic variation, and it is concluded that the triploid hybrid species has most probably arisen only once. The data show that saffron is an allotriploid species, with the IRAP analysis indicating that the most likely ancestors are C. cartwrightianus and C. pallasii subsp. pallasii (or close relatives). The results may facilitate resynthesizing saffron with improved characteristics, and show the need for conservation and collection of wild Crocus.

Keywords :

Crocus sativus; IRAP; crops; inter-retroelement amplified polymorphism; markers; polyploidy; retrotransposons; saffron

DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcv103

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26138822

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4549961/pdf/mcv103.pdf

Hasan Vurdu : Kastamonu Üniversitesi

Abstract

… Fernandez (2004) reported that, in 1971, Spain and Iran had 6000 and 3000 ha under saffron cultivation, respectively , whereas nowadays Spain has only 200 ha under saffron cultivation. This sharp reduction in the amount of land used for sowing saffron in many countries of the world is primarily associated to increased urbanization and increased mechanization in agriculture (Vurdu 2004). These factors play a considerable role in saffron cultivation: it has a rather low productivity and requires a large input of manual work in its manufacture. …

Vurdu, H.

Acta Horticulturae (650): 285-290

2004

This paper summarizes the proceedings of the room table discussion focusing primarily of saffron (Crocus sativus) reproduction and the different approaches for its vegetative propagation and in vitro culture.

DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2004.650.33

https://www.actahort.org/books/650/650_33.htm

https://eurekamag.com/research/004/307/004307638.php

Husaini AM

 Centre for Plant Biotechnology; Division of Biotechnology; Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir; Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India.

Abstract

Kashmir Valley is a major saffron (Crocus sativus Kashmirianus) growing area of the world, second only to Iran in terms of production. In Kashmir, saffron is grown on uplands (termed in the local language as “Karewas”), which are lacustrine deposits located at an altitude of 1585 to 1677 m above mean sea level (amsl), under temperate climatic conditions. Kashmir, despite being one of the oldest historical saffron-producing areas, faces a rapid decline of saffron industry. Among many other factors responsible for decline of saffron industry the preponderance of erratic rainfalls and drought-like situation have become major challenges imposed by climate change. Saffron has a limited coverage area as it is grown as a ‘niche crop’ and is a recognized “geographical indication,” growing under a narrow microclimatic condition. As such it has become a victim of climate change effects, which has the potential of jeopardizing the livelihood of thousands of farmers and traders associated with it. The paper discusses the potential and actual impact of climate change process on saffron cultivation in Kashmir; and the biotechnological measures to address these issues.

Keywords:

Crocus sativus; Kashmir; Saffron; climate change; stress

DOI: 10.4161/gmcr.29436

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25072266

http://europepmc.org/articles/PMC5033185/

pdf: http://europepmc.org/backend/ptpmcrender.fcgi?accid=PMC5033185&blobtype=pdf

Parray JA¹, Kamili AN, Hamid R, Husaini AM.

1 – Department of Environmental Science, Centre of Research for Development, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India.

Abstract

A complete protocol for the saffron cormlet production under in vitro conditions and subsequent flowering under greenhouse conditions is described. Highest number of cormlets (70.0 ± 0.30) per corm slice (explant) could be regenerated on Murashige and Skoog (MS) half strength medium supplemented with thidiazuron (TDZ) (20 µM), Indole acetic acid (IAA) (10 µM), and sucrose (40 g/l). Maximum germination (90%) of these cormlets could be achieved on MS medium containing 6-benzyl amino purine (BAP) (20 µM) and α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) (15 µM). In order to increase the size of the in vitro raised cormlets, these were cultured on MS medium containing TDZ (15 µM) and IAA in the range of 1.5-30 µM. Maximum increase in cormlet size could be attained on TDZ (15 µM) + IAA (12.5 µM) + sucrose (30 g/l), and the average size of cormlets was 2.5g. In another experiment, apical vegetative buds of actively growing corms were cultured for cormlet development, and corms of size 2.5g could be developed on MS medium with NAA (15 µM), BAP (20 µM), and sucrose (30 g/l). The in vitro developed cormlets were dried under shade at 25 ± 2°C for 7 d. These were then planted in small cups containing clay loam soil and kept in green house at 20 ± 2°C. In vitro developed cormlets with mean weight 2.5 g showed maximum flowering (25%) as well as vegetative growth (55%), while only 19% cormlets of 2.0 g flowered. To our knowledge this is the first report on successful flowering from in vitro raised cormlets under greenhouse.

DOI: 10.4161/gmcr.21365

http://europepmc.org/abstract/MED/22892688?fromSearch=singleResult&fromQuery=In+vitro+cormlet+production+of+saffron+%28Crocus+sativus+L.+Kashmirianus%29+and+their+flowering+response+under+greenhouse

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.4161/gmcr.21365?needAccess=true&

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22892688

Author(s) : Moghadam, G. D. ;  Sadeghi, S. M. ;  Droodian, H.

Author Affiliation : Department of Agronomy, Lahijan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Lahijan, Iran

Abstract

Saffron, Crocus sativus, is a subtropical plant which grows well in regions with mild winters and warm and dry summers. This plant needs little water and grows in light soils composed of clay and sand. Saffron is triploid and barren. Vegetative organs diversify from May to September but corms are seemingly asleep. Saffron flowers during October and November. Planting depth of saffron ranges from 8 to 20 cm (centimeter) indifferent climates. Methods of cultivating this plant include mass, rill, stack, and basin. The three last methods are more preferable to the first one. Saffron cultivation begins in early June and continues to mid-September. Bulbs cultivation should be avoided in the hot months of the year (July and August). To increase the efficiency of farm, large bulbs are better to be used for cultivation. Since saffron is considered one of the important export items of Iran, observance of crops improvement principles, weeding, disinfection of seeds, timely irrigation, and fight against pets and diseases are unavoidable.

Keywords:

Organism descriptor(s) : Crocus sativus, plants

Descriptor(s) : cultivation, cultural control, irrigation, pest control, pests, plant disease control, plant diseases, plant pests, saffron, weed control, weeding, weeds

Identifier(s) : watering

Geographical Location(s) : Iran

Broader term(s) : Crocus, Iridaceae, Asparagales, monocotyledons, angiosperms, Spermatophyta, plants, eukaryotes, Developing Countries, Middle East, Threshold Countries, West Asia, Asia

https://www.cabdirect.org/cabdirect/abstract/20143294350

Maria Grilli Caiola* Antonella Canini

Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via della Ricerca Scientifica, 1 – 00133 Rome, Italy

Abstract

The authors analyze the archeological, historical, botanical, cytological, geographic, molecular and reproductive biology of saffron and allied species in order to establish its site and parent origin. The authors have studied saffron, Crocus sativus and the diploid species C. cartwrightianus, C. thomasii, C. hadriaticus and compared them with what was previously known from the literature. When saffron originated is still open to dispute. It has been widely known since the pre-Hellenic and Hellenic periods, but it is impossible to detect if was C. sativus or other Crocus species such as C. cartwrightianus. Concerning the site origin the research indicates two possible sites: one in Greece in the Mediterranean area, the other at East in Turkey-Iran-India. In both areas, records and place names connected with various species of Crocus constitute an important information source for the presence of saffron. Cytological, DNA, and reproductive studies on the allied species of C. sativus such as C. cartwrightianus, C. thomasii, C. hadriaticus, indicate a more likely parent of saffron may be C. cartwrightianus or C. thomasii. Both these species are diploid with a karyotype similar to saffron. In addition, their pollen can fertilize the egg cell of saffron, giving rise to seeds which are viable, germinate and form new corms. Thus, saffron can originate through fertilization of a normal reduced egg cell with an unreduced male gamete of the same Crocus species or by crossing between an egg cell and the male unreduced gamete of another species. The origin of Saffron by allopolyploidy seems more probable considering the recent data on its karyotype and molecular biology.

Keywords

Crocus cartwrightianus, C. thomasii, C. hadriaticus, progenitor/s of saffron

https://www.doc-developpement-durable.org/file/Culture-epices/safran/Looking%20for%20Saffron-s%20parents.pdf

Husaini AM

Centre for Plant Biotechnology; Division of Biotechnology; Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir; Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India.

Abstract

Kashmir Valley is a major saffron (Crocus sativus Kashmirianus) growing area of the world, second only to Iran in terms of production. In Kashmir, saffron is grown on uplands (termed in the local language as “Karewas”), which are lacustrine deposits located at an altitude of 1585 to 1677 m above mean sea level (amsl), under temperate climatic conditions. Kashmir, despite being one of the oldest historical saffron-producing areas, faces a rapid decline of saffron industry. Among many other factors responsible for decline of saffron industry the preponderance of erratic rainfalls and drought-like situation have become major challenges imposed by climate change. Saffron has a limited coverage area as it is grown as a ‘niche crop’ and is a recognized “geographical indication,” growing under a narrow microclimatic condition. As such it has become a victim of climate change effects, which has the potential of jeopardizing the livelihood of thousands of farmers and traders associated with it. The paper discusses the potential and actual impact of climate change process on saffron cultivation in Kashmir; and the biotechnological measures to address these issues.

Keywords

Crocus sativus; Kashmir; Saffron; climate change; stress

DOI: 10.4161/gmcr.29436

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5033185/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25072266

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5033185/pdf/kgmc-05-02-10929436.pdf

Christine A. Brighton : Jodrell LaboratoryRoyal Botanic GardensKew, Richmond, SurreyEngland.    

Abstract

Populations ofC. cartwrightianus, C. hadriaticus andC. thomasii from the Balkans have 2n = 16 as has the Middle EasternC. pallasii subsp.haussknechtii. C. dispathaceus andC. pallasii subsp.pallasii have 2n = 14 whileC. pallasii subsp.turcicus has 2n = 12.C. niveus has 2n = 28 andC. sativus is an autotriploid with 2n = 24. Karyotype variation was found between populations ofC. pallasii subsp.pallasii in Central Turkey and also inC. pallasii subsp.turcicus.

Keywords

Iridaceae/ Crocus sativus /C. niveus/ C. cartwrightianus /C. hadriaticus/ C. thomasii/ C. dispathaceus/   C. pallasii subsp.pallasii /C. pallasii subsp.haussknechtii /C. pallasii subsp.turcicus /Chromosome numbers/ karyotype analysis /Variation / Geographical distribution 

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF00984551

Dr. R. B. Saxena : Drug Standardisation Research Section, Central Research Institute – Ayurveda, Aamkho, Gwalior – 474009. (India).

Abstract

Saffron is produced from the dried styles of Crocus sativus L. (Iridaceae) which is unknown as wild plant, representing a sterile triploid. These belong to subgenus Crocus series Crocus sativus – series are closely related species; and are difficult to be separated taxonomically and have a complex cytology. Botany of C. sativus – series, taxonomy of their species and their infraspecific taxa are presented, and their distribution, ecology and phenology; full description and chromosome counts are provided with key to their identification.

Introduction

The genus Crocus (family Iridaceae) comprises some 85–100 species having an old world distribution, primarily in the Mediterranean – Europe and Western Asia. The limits of the entire genus lie within the longitude 10°W to 80°E and latitude 30°N to 50°N. Phytogeographically, the majority of species occur within the Mediterranean floristic region, extending eastward into the Irano-Turanian region; both of these areas are characterized by cool to cold winters with autumn–winter–spring precipitation and warm summers with very little rainfall; the genus Crocus is well adapted to such conditions, with the plants actively growing from autumn to late spring and surviving the summer drought below ground by means of a compact corm. Many species have their above ground growth at the onset of autumn rains and flower almost immediately; some of these produce their leaves and flowers concurrently, or nearly so, while others bloom without leaves and delay their leaf production until the onset of warmer weather, usually in spring.[1]

Keywords

Chromosome, classification, Crocus, cytology, geographic area, sativus series

DOI: 10.4103/0974-8520.77153

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3221075/

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/51844165_Botany_Taxonomy_and_Cytology_of_Crocus_sativus_series

http://www.wjpmr.com/download/article/14042016/1462009256.pdf

Christine A. Brighton : Jodrell LaboratoryRoyal Botanic GardensKew, Richmond, SurreyEngland

Abstract

Populations ofC. cartwrightianus, C. hadriaticus andC. thomasii from the Balkans have 2n = 16 as has the Middle EasternC. pallasii subsp.haussknechtii. C. dispathaceus andC. pallasii subsp.pallasii have 2n = 14 whileC. pallasii subsp.turcicus has 2n = 12.C. niveus has 2n = 28 andC. sativus is an autotriploid with 2n = 24. Karyotype variation was found between populations ofC. pallasii subsp.pallasii in Central Turkey and also inC. pallasii subsp.turcicus.

Keywords

Iridaceae /Crocus sativus /C. niveus /C. cartwrightianus/ C. hadriaticus /C. thomasii /C. dispathaceus/C. pallasii subsp.pallasii /C. pallasii subsp.haussknechtii /C. pallasii subsp.turcicus /Chromosome numbers /karyotype analysis/ Variation /Geographical distribution

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF00984551

https://www.jstor.org/stable/23642215?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents

Shoib Ahmad Baba†, Tabasum Mohiuddin†, Swaraj Basu†, Mohit Kumar Swarnkar†, Aubid Hussain Malik, Zahoor Ahmed Wani, Nazia Abbas,

Abstract

Crocus sativus stigmas form rich source of apocarotenoids like crocin, picrocrocin and saffranal which besides imparting color, flavour and aroma to saffron spice also have tremendous pharmacological properties. Inspite of their importance, the biosynthetic pathway of Crocus apocarotenoids is not fully elucidated. Moreover, the mechanism of their stigma specific accumulation remains unknown. Therefore, deep transcriptome sequencing of Crocus stigma and rest of the flower tissue was done to identify the genes and transcriptional regulators involved in the biosynthesis of these compounds. Transcriptome of stigma and rest of the flower tissue was sequenced using Illumina Genome Analyzer IIx platform which generated 64,604,402 flower and 51,350,714 stigma reads. Sequences were assembled de novo using trinity resulting in 64,438 transcripts which were classified into 32,204 unigenes comprising of 9853 clusters and 22,351 singletons. A comprehensive functional annotation and gene ontology (GO) analysis was carried out. 58.5 % of the transcripts showed similarity to sequences present in public databases while rest could be specific to Crocus. 5789 transcripts showed similarity to transcription factors representing 76 families out of which Myb family was most abundant. Many genes involved in carotenoid/apocarotenoid pathway were identified for the first time in this study which includes zeta-carotene isomerase and desaturase, carotenoid isomerase and lycopene epsilon-cyclase. GO analysis showed that the predominant classes in biological process category include metabolic process followed by cellular process and primary metabolic process. KEGG mapping analysis indicated that pathways involved in ribosome, carbon and starch and sucrose metabolism were highly represented. Differential expression analysis indicated that key carotenoid/apocarotenoid pathway genes including phytoene synthase, phytoene desaturase and carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase 2 are enriched in stigma thereby providing molecular proof for stigma to be the site of apocarotenoid biosynthesis. This data would provide a rich source for understanding the carotenoid/apocarotenoid metabolism in Crocus. The database would also help in investigating many questions related to saffron biology including flower development

Keywords

Crocus / Saffron / Apocarotenoids/ Illumina / De novo assembly

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12864-015-1894-5

https://bmcgenomics.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12864-015-1894-5

https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Comprehensive-transcriptome-analysis-of-Crocus-for-Baba-Mohiuddin/0e211f824bff5b89ae77f33560376f71d38f9381

 Kumar, Rakesh Singh, Virendra Devi, Kiran Sharma, Madhu et al.

Abstract

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is the most expensive spice of the world, and it is one of the 85 members of the genus Crocus. It is native of Asia Minor, and it is cultivated in Mediterranean countries. Saffron predominantly contains certain chemical constituents that are responsible for imparting colour, flavour, and aroma. Some of its components have cytotoxic, anti-carcinogenic and anti-tumor properties. Since, saffron is a triploid (2n = 3x = 24) plant and fails to produce seed upon selfing or crossing, so it is propagated through corms. The growing area for saffron is not extensive, although its demand in the international market is increasing. Research activities have been initiated to develop new production technologies of this spice in many countries. Saffron grows best in friable, loose, low-density, well-watered, and well-drained clay calcareous soils. Besides, climate and soil, planting time, seed/corm rate, planting depth, corm size/weight, crop density, nutrient management, weed management, growth regulators, harvest, and post-harvest management also influence saffron quality and quantity. In this paper, an attempt has been made to compile the recent agronomic research on saffron for commercial flower and corm production.

Keywords

Saffron,  Crocus sativus , uses, cultivation,  in vitro studies

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1080/87559120802458503

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/87559120802458503?src=recsys&journalCode=lfri20

http://agris.fao.org/agris-search/search.do?recordID=US201301623403

Angelo Gismondi ¹, Federica Fanali¹ , Juan Manuel Martínez Labarga² , Maria Grilli Caiola¹ , Antonella Canini¹

Department of BiologyUniversity of Rome “Tor Vergata”RomeItaly

Departamento de Producción Vegetal: Botánica y Protección Vegetal, Escuela de Ingeniería Forestal y del Medio Natural (EIFORNAT)Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM)MadridSpain

Abstract

Crocus sativus L. is a sterile species (3n) whose origin has not been yet clarified. A lot of morphological studies supported the theory that it would have been originated from the evolution, or the hybridization, of other Crocus exemplars, especially C. thomasii, C. hadriaticus and C. cartwrightianus. Crocus sativus stigmas are saffron raw source but, because of their high economic value, sometimes this spice is adulterated. By the application of the DNA barcode technique, we analyzed different Crocus species genomes and we partially clarified some aspects of the phylogeny of this genus: in particular, C. sativus possible genetic derivation was elucidated. Our results also showed that different C. sativus species might have evolved by independent events, probably due to several geographical pressures. We demonstrated that barcoding method, usually adopted for interspecific taxonomic identification, could be also applied to intraspecific and population studies. Finally, we proposed this molecular approach as scientific tool able to discriminate and certificate saffron

Keywords

Adulteration  /Crocus sativus L./ DNA barcode /Phylogeny /Saffron 

DOI.. 10.1007/s00606-013-0841-7

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00606-013-0841-7

https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Crocus-sativus-L.-genomics-and-different-DNA-Gismondi-Fanali/4f563432a6ad8a0b1e0f216c47c83c574a1ae119

http://tarjomefa.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/8714-English-TarjomeFa.pdf

Hassan-Beygy, S. R., University of Tehran (Iran) Ghanbarian, D. Kianmehr, M. H.

Abstract

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is the most precious spice in the world. This plant is sterile and the saffron propagation is possible only via the cultivation of corms. The physical properties of saffron corms are prerequisite to designing and developing harvesting, handling, sizing and sowing equipments of corms. Therefore, some physical properties of the saffron corm were determined in this study. The experiments were conducted on three sets of saffron crocus corms from main producer areas of Khorasan province, located in Eastern Iran, namely Torbat-e-Heydaryeh, Kashmar, and Gonabad. Our results have shown that there were no significant differences among most of the physical properties in the three different cultivation regions. The mean values of mass, height, major diameter, minor diameter, geometric mean diameter, arithmetic mean diameter, volume, corm density, bulk density and sphericity for the three regions were 4.44 g, 18.80 mm, 21.86 mm, 18.85 mm, 19.73 mm, 19.84 mm, 3.76 cm3, 0.642 gcm-3, 1.11 gcm-3 and 90.04%, respectively. We have determined the average values of the coefficient of friction for the three corm regions on steel, galvanized steel, plywood, rubber and polyethylene sheets: 0.517, 0.404, 0.462, 0.584 and 0.402, respectively. The natural repose angles of saffron corm for Torbat-e-Heydaryeh, Gonabad and Kashmar regions were also determined: 32.62, 30.56 and 30.31 degree, respectively.

Keywords

corm, crocus sativus, physical properties, saffron

http://agris.fao.org/agris-search/search.do?recordID=MD2010100037

www.uaiasi.ro/CERCET_AGROMOLD/CA1-10-02.pdf

Author(s) : Moghadam, G. D. ;  Sadeghi, S. M. ;  Droodian, H.

Author Affiliation : Department of Agronomy, Lahijan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Lahijan, Iran.

Author Email : golnoosh.dehnadi@gmail.com

Abstract

Saffron, Crocus sativus, is a subtropical plant which grows well in regions with mild winters and warm and dry summers. This plant needs little water and grows in light soils composed of clay and sand. Saffron is triploid and barren. Vegetative organs diversify from May to September but corms are seemingly asleep. Saffron flowers during October and November. Planting depth of saffron ranges from 8 to 20 cm (centimeter) indifferent climates. Methods of cultivating this plant include mass, rill, stack, and basin. The three last methods are more preferable to the first one. Saffron cultivation begins in early June and continues to mid-September. Bulbs cultivation should be avoided in the hot months of the year (July and August). To increase the efficiency of farm, large bulbs are better to be used for cultivation. Since saffron is considered one of the important export items of Iran, observance of crops improvement principles, weeding, disinfection of seeds, timely irrigation, and fight against pets and diseases are unavoidable.

Keywords

Organism descriptor(s) : Crocus sativus, plants

Descriptor(s) : cultivation, cultural control, irrigation, pest control, pests, plant disease control, plant diseases, plant pests, saffron, weed control, weeding, weeds

Broader term(s) : Crocus, Iridaceae, Asparagales, monocotyledons, angiosperms, Spermatophyta, plants, eukaryotes, Developing Countries, Middle East, Threshold Countries, West Asia, Asia

https://www.cabdirect.org/cabdirect/abstract/20143294350

Mushtaq Ahmad /Gul Zaffar / Mehfuza Habib / Ameeque Arshid / N. A. Dar / Z. A. Dar

Abstract

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is a sterile triploid plant belonging to the Iridaceae (Liliales, Monocots). Saffron is a spice derived from the flower and has for decades been the world’s most expensive spice. Saffron is propagated by corms as the flowers are sterile and fail to produce viable seeds. A corm survives for only one season, producing up to ten “cormlets” that eventually give rise to new plants. Therefore, reproduction is human dependent; the corms must be manually dug up, broken apart and replanted. The natural propagation rate of saffron is relatively low. Biotechnological approaches have increasingly become a valuable tool assisting breeders to release new species and cultivars into the market more rapidly. Biotechnological approaches offer the capability to produce large quantities of propagating material in short time as well as the production of commercially important chemical constituents like, crocin, picrocrocin, crocetin and safranal under in vitro conditions. However, the protocols available so far need further refinement for their commercial utilization. Here we review the progress made in genus Crocus, and highlight the potential for future expansion in this field through biotechnological interventions.

Keywords

Crocus sativus L, biotechnological approaches, sterile, corms.

DOI..  https://doi.org/10.5897/SRE2013.5773

https://academicjournals.org/journal/SRE/article-abstract/2F2817D42910

Bagri J¹ , Yadav A ¹ , Anwar K ¹ , Dkhar J ¹ , Singla-Pareek SL ²  , Pareek A ³ 

 1-Stress Physiology and Molecular Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India.

2- Plant Stress Biology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, India.

3 – Stress Physiology and Molecular Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India. ashwanip@mail.jnu.ac.in.

Abstract

Saffron is one of the most expensive spices of the world. Since this spice is triploid and meiosis is unusual, it cannot reproduce sexually like other plants; rather, it is propagated vegetatively via an underground corm, which can withstand a long dry dormant period before sprouting. Thus, corms are indispensable to saffron propagation. To identify and analyse signature metabolites associated with the ‘dormancy-sprouting’ process, non-targeted GC-MS was performed at different stages of corm development. Comparative metabolite profiling reflected dissimilar profiles among the stages as portrayed by differential cluster patterns of metabolites in the PCA and PLS-DA analysis. Correlation analysis revealed the interdependencies of individual metabolites and metabolic pathway. At the onset of stage 2, characterized by the initiation and differentiation of leaf primordia, a shift from dormancy to active metabolism occurred as derived from the increased abundance of sugars and other metabolites involved in the tricarboxylic acid cycle, glycolytic, amino acid and fatty acid pathways. These changes contribute to sprouting and vegetative growth of the corm. The present study provides new insights into saffron corm composition and metabolite changes associated with various stages of corm development and may pave the way for achieving agronomical improvements in this economically important spice.

DOI 10.1038/s41598-017-10528-2

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-10528-2

https://europepmc.org/abstract/MED/28928401

Aysun GEDIK1*, Duygu ATES2*, Semih ERDOGMUS2, Gonul COMERTPAY3, Muhammed Bahattin

TANYOLAC2** Hakan OZKAN1,4**

1-Cukurova University, Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Natural and Applied Sciences, Adana,

TURKEY

2-Ege University, Department of Bioengineering, Izmir, TURKEY

3-Eastern Mediterranean Agricultural Research Institute, Adana, TURKEY

4-Cukurova University, Faculty of Agriculture Department of Field Crops, Adana, TURKEY

*: These authors contributed equally to this article

**Corresponding authors: bahattin.tanyolac@gmail.com, hozkan@cu.edu.tr

Abstract

Saffron (Crocus L.) is a member of Crocoideae, the biggest of four subfamilies in the Iridaceae family. It has 2n = 3x = 24 chromosomes and is triploid; thus, it is sterile. In previous research, different molecular DNA markers were used but molecular characterization and genetic diversity of this complex genus have not yet been clarified. Therefore, current study aimed to determine the molecular characterization of saffron and its close relative species using inter-primer binding site (iPBS)-retrotransposon markers. Eighty-three iPBS-retrotransposon primers were used in 28 C. sativus genotypes and 17 close relative species of saffron to identify their genetic diversity. Sixteen polymorphic iPBS-retrotransposon primers generated a total of 401 polymorphic scorable bands. The mean PIC value, Nei’s genetic diversity and Shannon’s information index (I) were calculated as 0.85, 0.16 and 0.29, respectively. The results of the Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic mean UPGMA dendrogram and Principal Coordinates Analysis PCoA analysis indicated a spatial representation of the relative genetic distances among 28 saffron samples and the 17 close relative species were categorized under two distinct groups. Saffron genotypes showed very limited genetic variation and according to the iPBS-retrotransposon data, its close relatives were C. cartwrightianus and C. pallasii subsp. pallasii.

Keywords

Crocus sativus, genetic diversity, inter-primer binding site retrotransposons, saffron.

DOI  : 10.17557/tjfc.357426

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/321834148_Genetic_diversity_of_crocus_sativus_and_its_close_relative_species_analyzed_by_iPBS-retrotransposons

http://www.field-crops.org/assets/pdf/product5a17f9c66775d.pdf

Masi E¹, Taiti C², Heimler D³, Vignolini P⁴, Romani A⁵, Mancuso S⁶.

1-Dipartimento di Scienze delle Produzioni Agroalimentari e dell’Ambiente (DISPAA), Università di Firenze, P.le delle Cascine 18, 50144 Florence, Italy. Electronic address: elisa.masi@unfi.it.

2-Dipartimento di Scienze delle Produzioni Agroalimentari e dell’Ambiente (DISPAA), Università di Firenze, P.le delle Cascine 18, 50144 Florence, Italy. Electronic address: cosimo.taiti@unfi.it.

3-Dipartimento di Scienze delle Produzioni Agroalimentari e dell’Ambiente (DISPAA), Università di Firenze, P.le delle Cascine 18, 50144 Florence, Italy. Electronic address: daniela.heimler@unifi.it.

4-Dipartimento di Statistica, Informatica, Applicazioni “G. Parenti” (DISIA), University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 59, 50134 Florence, Italy. Electronic address: Pamela.vignolini@unifi.it.

5-Dipartimento di Statistica, Informatica, Applicazioni “G. Parenti” (DISIA), University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 59, 50134 Florence, Italy. Electronic address: annalisa.romani@unifi.it.

6-Dipartimento di Scienze delle Produzioni Agroalimentari e dell’Ambiente (DISPAA), Università di Firenze, P.le delle Cascine 18, 50144 Florence, Italy. Electronic address: stefano.mancuso@unifi.it.

Abstract

Saffron samples from Italy and Iran were analyzed for their content in aroma and bioactive compounds with different analytical techniques. HPLC was used for the identification and quantification of crocins, picrocrocin, safranal and flavonoids content, while the novel proton transfer reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometer was employed for the aroma compounds analysis. Italian saffron turned out to be richer in total crocins and safranal contents. Sample characterization was performed with an unsupervised statistical approach; tests involving different numbers of parameters deriving from the two analytical techniques were performed. The results achieved showed that the best samples classification was obtained by joining the information acquired from both techniques; following such an approach, a sharper separation between Iranian and Italian samples was achieved. Finally, among the variables that most contribute to the description of variability, isophorone, safranal and picrocrocin were identified to be the most significant..

Keywords

Crocus sativus / Saffron / Geographic discrimination/ High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)/ Proton transfer reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometer (PTR-TOF-MS) / Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

DOI 10.1016/j.foodchem.2015.06.090

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26304322

https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/PTR-TOF-MS-and-HPLC-analysis-in-the-of-saffron-L.)-Masi-Taiti/2e8ec09940697033d25a6b15b95e74f7763cb2bc

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308814615009826

RICCIU, ROBERTO /MANUELLO BERTETTO, ANDREA

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MECHANICS AND CONTROL

Abstract

In the Saffron spice production, actually hand made, the harvesting phase and stigma separation would greatly benefit from a mechanization. This paper is concerned with the design and characterization of a saffron flower harvesting and spice separation mechanized system, that system is a workable integrated system to obtain the spice for drying and packaging final phases of spice production. The main parts of the system are represented by a harvesting portable device and a double flow three way cyclone separator. The mechanical operating principle of the harvesting portable device and the working way of the double flow three way cyclone are described. Experimental characterisation illustrates in the paper the mechanical and fluid dynamics behaviour of harvesting and separating devices.

Keywords

Parole chiave: automated harvesting; portable robotic device; fluidic separation

http://www.jomac.it/Contents/contents_12a.htm

https://iris.unica.it/handle/11584/105646?mode=full.868#.XNWil8LVDIU

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/274637961_Mechanical_harvester_and_double_flow_ciclone_separator_Prototypes_to_improve_saffron_spice_productions

https://www.academia.edu/22858770/Mechanization_in_Harvesting_Saffron_An_Opportunity_for_Economic_Development_in_Sardinia

RICCIU, ROBERTO /MANUELLO BERTETTO, ANDREA

Advances in Business-Related Scientific Research Conference 2012

Abstract

In last decades it can be seen a strong growth of the biologic sector. In UE and USA in last years about 15-20 millions of Euro is the market value. The Sardinian Saffron spice DOP is certainty a biologic product. The saffron spice production is actually marginal because of high cost of the production phases, overall the harvesting phase of the flower on field, that is completely made by hand. The saffron harvesting mechanization is a winning chance also under a socio-economic point of view. A good answer to the too high harvesting and separating phases costs, is an integrated system to obtain the spice stigmas for successive drying and packaging phases of production. Main parts of the system are the harvesting device and the double cyclone separator plant. Two harvesting devices will be described, presenting the operating principle and describing the performances on field; in addition, the double flow cyclone separator will be described and the performances will be evaluated, presenting a statistical overview of the on field activity.

https://www.unica.it/unica/it/ateneo_s07_ss01_sss05.page?mu=/handle/11584/44289

http://hdl.handle.net/11584/44289

https://www.academia.edu/22858770/Mechanization_in_Harvesting_Saffron_An_Opportunity_for_Economic_Development_in_Sardinia

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/274637938_MECHANIZATION_IN_HARVESTING_SAFFRON_AN_OPPORTUNITY_FOR_ECONOMIC_DEVELOPMENT_IN_SARDINIA

 Andrea Manuello Bertetto¹, Roberto Ricciu², Maria Grazia Badas²

1-Dipartimento di Ingegneria Meccanica,Chimica e dei MaterialiUniversità degli Studi di CagliariCagliariItaly

2-Dipartimento di Ingegneria Civile, Ambientale e ArchitetturaUniversità degli Studi di CagliariCagliariItaly

Abstract

This work is concerned with a mechanical system designed to harvest Crocus sativus L. (saffron) flowers. The system is conceived as a shoulder portable device with two main parts: the former is specifically designed to detach the flower containing three stigmas, which are the costly final product, while the second one collects the detached flower through a vacuum collector. This paper describes the operating principle of the device that imitates one of the procedures followed by the pickers but with the peculiarity that it harvests the flower without separating it from its leaves, which is a significant advantage since it simplifies the mechanical detachment of the flower. Experimental laboratory tests were carried out on the gripper prototype in order to investigate the dynamic behaviour of the detaching and harvesting device. The experimental activity is described in the paper and the experimental results are discussed to know the gripper prototype performances and to define the future work.

Keywords

1-Mechanical harvesting  ,Image analysis , Experimental testing 

2-Mechanical harvesting, Image analysis, Experimental testing

Physics, Mechanics, Civil Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Mechanical Engineering

DOI  : https://doi.org/10.1007/s11012-014-0026-7

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11012-014-0026-7

https://www.academia.edu/22858762/A_mechanical_saffron_flower_harvesting_system

https://www.tib.eu/en/search/id/springer%3Adoi~10.1007%252Fs11012-014-0026-7/A-mechanical-saffron-flower-harvesting-system/

 J.A. Sofi, N.A. Kirmani, M.A. Bhat, M.I. Bhat

Abstract

Results revealed that with increase in the levels of the nitrogen fertilizer, the soil pH decreased significantly and minimum pH (6.12) was observed with nitrogen application of 90 kg ha^-1. The interaction with farm yard manure also showed significant effect on the soil reaction. The soil pH was found minimum (6.05) when FYM and nitrogen were applied at 60 t ha^-1 and 90 kg ha^-1, respectively. The decrease over the control (6.33) was found to be 4.4%. The effect of nitrogen and FYM significantly increased the soil organic carbon (SOC) and the maximum SOC of 14.70 and 15.34 g kg^-1 of soil were observed with highest application of Nitrogen and FYM. The maximum available nitrogen 315.6 and 348.8 kg ha^-1 was found with the application of nitrogen at 90 kg ha^-1 and FYM at 60 t ha^-1, respectively. The increase over their respective controls (255.7 and 226.1 kg ha^-1) was 23.4 and 53.3%. Similarly the phosphorus availability in the soil was also significantly improved by the application of nitrogen and FYM, the maximum available P of 54.5 and 74.9 kg ha^-1 was observed with the higher application of treatments. The maximum available potassium of 480.73 and 543.06 kg ha^-1 was observed with the application of nitrogen at 90 kg ha^-1 and FYM at 60 t ha^-1, respectively. The increase over their respective controls was 27.27 and 63.55%. The overall soil health was found sustained with the application of organics over inorganic application.

Keywords

nitrogen application, NPK availability, organic manures, organic carbon, pH, soil health, rainfed conditions

DOI  : https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2018.1200.13

https://www.ishs.org/ishs-article/1200_13

https://www.actahort.org/books/1200/1200_13.htm

Amoon S. Afsaneh, Ramah G. Hatima and RadmehrP. R Arsham

Department of Plant and Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, East Azarbaijan Province, Iran. Email: Amoon2020@gmail.com

Accepted 13 June, 2013

Abstract

Yield of saffron (Crocus sativus L.), is the most expensive medicinal and spicy plant, which significantly respond to degree of soil fertility. In comparison to chemical Nitrogen (N) fertilizer, application of cow manure (20 to 30 t ha^-1) combined with chemical-N (23 kg/ha) to the soil surface increased significantly soil fertility. Saffron plant was treated with N as urea (CO(NH₂) ₂, 46% N) at 50 to 100 kg ha^-1; and 20 to 30 t ha^-1; combination of urea (50 kg ha^-1) and cow manure (20 t ha^-1). Application of cow manure plus N fertilizers increased yield components of saffron. The highest yield (0.45 g m^-2) was obtained with the combination of cow manure and urea 50 kg ha^-1, and the lowest (0.24 g m^-2) with control. The maximum flower fresh weight (0.89 g), with the longest stigma (29 mm) were obtained in the combination of urea (50 kg ha^-1) + cow manure (20 t ha^-1) treatment, and the lowest (0.43 g) with control, respectively. The N application increased vegetative growth, but not significant on yield. Application of cow manure (20 to 30 t ha^-1) to the soil surface and mixed to 30 cm depth as soil amendments increased significantly (P = 0.05) soil organic matter (OM), soil electrical conductivity (EC), soil pH, and cation exchange capacity (CEC). There was a positive relationship between amounts of manure applied and soil in OM contents.

Keywords

Saffron, nitrogen source, nutrient management, organic farm.

http://internationalscholarsjournals.org/print.php?article=response-of-saffron

http://internationalscholarsjournals.org/download.php?id=223064508442181117.pdf&type=application/pdf&op=1

A. Kirmani, J.A. Sofi, M.A. Bhat, S. Ansar-ul-Haq

Abstract

Study confirmed significant effect of FYM in increasing corm production. The maximum corm production of 11.444 t ha^-1 was recorded with the highest organic application and the corresponding increase over its control (4.738 t ha^-1) was 141.53%. The phosphorus application recorded maximum corm production of 9.278 t ha^-1 when applied at 100 kg ha^-1 and the corresponding increase over its respective control (6.513 t ha^-1) was 42.45%. The application of phosphorus solubilizers (PSB) also increased the corm production significantly and the increase recorded was 15.80%. The effect of FYM, PSB and phosphorus increased the number of corms in all corm weight grades (i.e. >15 g, 8-15 g and <8 g), significantly over their respective controls. The maximum corm number (272,000, 334,000 and 238,000 ha^-1) in the biggest weight grade (>15 g) were recorded when phosphorus was applied at 100 kg ha^-1, FYM at 60 t ha^-1 and with PSB inoculation in the test crop. The increases over their corresponding controls were 67.90, 169.35 and 25.26%, respectively. Their interactions were also found statistically significant in increasing the corm number.

Keywords

corm production, FYM, integrated phosphorous management, PSB, saffron

DOI  : 10.17660/ActaHortic.2018.1200.12

https://www.actahort.org/books/1200/1200_12.htm

https://www.ishs.org/ishs-article/1200_12

https://pubag.nal.usda.gov/catalog/6067731

HOSSEINI MOHAMMAD, MOLAFILABI A.A., NASIRI MAHALATI MAHDI

Abstract

With respect to effect of climatic changes on crop yields, study of long term trend of yields is conducted on the basis of statistical procedures that will be a suitable way to determine contribution of climatic factors affecting yield changes. As this trend of yield changes has been studied at regional and national levels in many parts of the world, conducting these studies will be necessary for Iran. So, with respect to economical importance and social aspect of saffron for Khorasan province and Iran, evaluation of yield trend of saffron in recent years and study of relationship of its changes to climatic changes have been purpose of this research. Findings show that yield reduction of saffron in Khorasan has been affected by changes in climatic indices particularly temperature and precipitation during the past ten years, so that among main cities of saffron cultivation in Khorasan 31 to 66 percent of yield variation can be explained by these climatic variables. In this research, from meteorological parameters, effect of precipitation compared with monthly temperature has been less and results show that precipitation has been effective only in Torbat-e-heidarieh while minimum and maximum monthly temperatures are considered as the most important variables affecting saffron yield. It was also concluded that temperatures of spring season and almost the first month of summer have highest effects on saffron yield. Patterns of increasing minimum and maximum temperatures of these months during the past ten years are related to trend of yield reduction in saffron, and It seems that this decreasing trend will be continued.

Keyword

SAFFRON, YIELD VARIABILITY, CLIMATE VARIATION, CROCUS SATIVUS L.

https://www.sid.ir/en/journal/ViewPaper.aspx?id=143434

Journal:   IRANIAN JOURNAL OF FIELD CROPS RESEARCH   2008 , Volume 6 , Number 1; Page(s) 79 To 88.

https://profdoc.um.ac.ir/articles/a/1008715.pdf

https://www.sid.ir/fa/journal/ViewPaper.aspx?id=92367

Prathvi Raj*1, Shaukat Saeed Khan2, Madhuri Modak1, Zahoor Ahmad Lone2, Shabir A Rather3 and Mohammad Yaqoob4

1-Department of Botany Govt. Motilal Vigyan Mahavidyalaya, Bhopal (M.P) – 462001 INDIA

2-Department of Microbiology, Saifia Science College Bhopal (M.P) – 462001 INDIA

3-Microbial Biotechnology Division (IIIM) (J&K)-180001 INDIA

4-Department of Zoology, Dr. H. S. Gour University, Sagar (M.P.) INDIA

Abstract

Endophytes which reside in the plant tissues have potential in producing novel metabolites for exploitation in medicine. Crocus sativus was investigated for potential of endophytes. A total 47 endophytes were isolated from 220 segments of 40 saffron plants, Fungal endophytes were identified as Fusarium sp. Rhizoctonia sp. Trichoderma sp. Phytophthora sp. Penicillium sp. and Alternaria sp. Frequency of Rhizoctonia sp. was dominant followed by Fusarium sp. Phytophthora sp. Alternaria sp. and Trichoderma sp. Penicillium sp. Overall colonization frequency of endophytes in both corm and stem was found to be 21%. The stem showed low percentage frequency of colonization of endophytic fungi when compared to corm segments. The extract of all 47 endophytes were prepared from the fermented broth tested for antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC- 6538, Bacillus subtilis ATCC-2063, Pseudomonas aeruginosa MTCC 741, Escherichia coli ATCC 2065 Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger ATCC 1197. Antimicrobial screening

was carried out by using the agar diffusion method. The extract of two Penicillium sp. demonstrated strong antimicrobial activity against E. coli, S. aureus, B. subtilis and P. aeruginosa. The extract of Alternaria sp. Significantly inhibitory to Candida albicans and A. niger also to E. coli, S. aureus B. subtilis and P. aeruginosa. Least antimicrobial activity was showed by Fusarium sp. extract. The result of this study suggested biodiversity of endophytes in Crocus sativus and their metabolites could be a source of bioactive natural product against some microbial pathogens mentioned above.

Corresponding author:

Prathvi Raj (Research Scholor),

C/o Dr. Madhuri Modak, Department of Botany, Motilal Vigyan Mahvidyalaya , Bhopal (M.P.) – India. Mobile: 09425017476 / 08602742054, Email: prithviparihar85@gmail.com

https://www.ejmanager.com/mnstemps/36/36-1394529720.pdf