The effects of high corm density and manure on agronomic characteristics and corms behavior of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in the second year

In order to investigate the effects of high corm planting density and applied manure on flower characteristics and corms behavior of Saffron in the second year (Crocus sativus L.)، a field experiment was conducted at Faculty of Agriculture، Ferdowsi University of Mashhad، Iran during the years of 2010-2011 and 2011- 2012. A complete randomized block design based on factorial arrangement with three replications and 20 treatments was used. The experimental treatments were all combination of different levels of high corm planting density (100، 200، 300 and 400 corms. m-2) and different levels of manure (0، 40، 60، 80 and 100 t. ha-1). Based on analysis of variance، high corm planting density and manure had significant effects on flower characteristics of saffron (flower number، fresh and dried flower and stigma+ style yields). In addition، these characteristics were significantly affected by interaction effects of high corm planting density × manure. In all levels of manure (0 to 100 t. ha-1)، the highest flower number and fresh and dried flower yields of saffron were observed with planting density of 400 corms. m-2. In addition، in 100 corms density per m2، total replacement corms increased more than twice، by applied 100 t. ha-1 manure، as compared to no manure. Based on these results، the highest effects on increasing number and yield of saffron corms were observed by planting density of 300 corms. m-2.