Investigation the effects of soil texture and density on corm characteristics and flower yield of saffron (Crocus sativus L.)

In order to investigate the effects of soil texture and density on corm and flower yield of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) an experiment was conducted as a factorial layout based on complete randomized block design with three replications at the Faculty of Agriculture، Ferdowsi University of Mashhad during two growing seasons of 2009-2010 and 2010-2011. Treatment included 6 soil textures (clay loam، silty loam، loam، sandy loam، loamy sand and silt) with 2 plant densities (100 and 150 corms. m-2). Results indicated that the corm number and dry weight were affected by soil texture، significantly (p≤0. 01). The highest number and dry weight of corms were observed in loamy sand texture. Loamy sand، sandy loam and silty texture had the maximum flower number. The highest stigma yield was obtained in silty texture (1. 22 g. m-2)، but with no significant difference with sandy loam. The lowest stigma yield was obtained in clay loam، loam and silty loam textures. A negative significant correlation was observed between clay percentage of soil and corm number and dry weight، flower number and flower and stigma yield. In two growing seasons، plant density didn’t have significant effect on flower number، flower and stigma dry weight.