Effects of planting density and depth on different traits of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in Mahidasht region of Kermanshah

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) as a valuable crop is cultivated in arid and semi-arid regions of Iran. It is used in food for color and flavor and also in medicine. Optimum mother corm density and depth is one the most crucial factors determining daughter corm generation and flower yield. For this purpose, this research was aimed to study the effects of planting density and depth of corm on stigma yield and daughter corms production traits during 2012-2014 in Mahidasht, Kermanshah province. The study was conducted in a factorial experiment based on randomized complete blocks design with four different planting densities (3, 6, 9, 12 cm) and three planting depths of corm (10, 15, 20 cm) in three replications. Traits including flower number, flower fresh weight, fresh and dry weight of stigma and style, stigma and style length, leaf weight, the number and average weight of daughter corm were measured. Analysis of variance showed that the effect of planting density and depth of mother corm was significant on total traits. The interaction effect between planting density and planting depth on some traits (average weight of daughter corm and stigma and style length) was significant. The highest flower number, fresh flower weight, total fresh and dry weight of stigma and style (2.09 and 0.5 gr/m2, respectively), leaf weight, and daughter corm number were obtained in planting density of 6 cm and planting depth of 15 cm. The highest length of stigma and style of saffron was achieved in planting density of 9 cm and planting depth of 15 cm, and the average weight of daughter corm was obtained in planting density of 12 cm and planting depth of 15 cm. Therefore, the planting density of 6 cm and planting depth of 15 cm, having the highest effect on fresh and dry weight of stigma, are recommended.