Effect of packing, storage temperature and period on mechanical and physical properties and saffron (Crocus sativus L.) corms waste

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is one of the plants propagating by corm. After flowering period, saffron corms should be harvested and replanted in the new field. Determining the suitable conditions for corms packing and storage could prevent the reduction of seed viability and maintain the bulb quality. In this research, the effects of packing type, storage temperature and storage period were investigated on waste and physical and mechanical properties of saffron corms. The study was conducted in a randomized complete block design. The results showed that the packing type, storage temperature and storage period had significant effects on the waste and weight loss of saffron corms. The percentage of waste and weight loss due to the loss of moisture increased by increasing of storage period from 1 to 3 month. The lowest and highest waste corms were related to grid pack and nylon pack, respectively. The storage of saffron corms in grid pack and at 10˚C caused to decreased waste and maintained the moisture content of corms.