Effect of corm weight and planting density on saffron (Crocus sativus L.) yield between apple trees in Firouzabad of Yasouj

Given that saffron is a plant that its growth and development are coincided by apple tree inactive phase and also flowering and development stages have little interference with the tree, on the other hand because of synchrony of rainy seasons with plant growth, it can be a good candidate for agro-forestry in apple gardens of semi-arid regions as Iran. So this experiment aimed to evaluate the effect of corm weight and plant density on saffron yield. The experiment carried out as factorial based on randomized complete block design with three replications in 2015-2016 growing seasons. First factor included of corm density in three levels (30.8, 40 and 57.1 corm.m-2) and second factor included of corm weight in four levels (≤6.0, 6.1-8.0, 8.1-10.0 and >10.0 gr). Rows spacing was 25 cm and corm spacing was set-out based on density levels. Results showed that maximum flower numbers, fresh and dry flower yield, fresh and dry stigma yield, corm yield, corm number and dry stigma yield in garden area were achieved from combination of 57.1 corm m-2 and 10< gr weight in two years. Maximum emergence percentage belonged to 10< gr corm in two years. Given that saffron yield consist of dry stigma yield and corm weight, it seems that sowing corm of 10< gr weight and 57.1 corm m-2 can produce proper yield, especially at first and second years, that apple trees canopy is not completed yet.