Investigation of habitat characteristics and indigenous knowledge of farmers about Narcissus flower (Narcissus tazetta) in Khosf County of South Khorasan Province

Narcissus (Narcissus tazetta) cultivation is very prosperous in Khosf county and is a strategic crop of this region. In this research habitat characteristics (climatic conditions, soil characteristics, phenology and morphology of narcissus) were investigated. Also, another aim of this study is to evaluate the indigenous knowledge of farmers in the region on various issues of narcissus production, their strengths and weaknesses point investigated. In order to be able to take effective steps to increase the yield and quality of this flower through the transfers of this research finding to researchers, trustees and farmers. To investigate the indigenous knowledge of narcissism production, qualitative research methods such as direct observation, free interviews, in-depth individual and group interviews and regular participation in Narcissus planter's activities, photography and filming were used. Investigation of habitat characteristics showed that narcissus grow in sandy loamy soil with alkaline pH that has moderate amounts of nutrients. Due to the onset of rainfall, vegetative growth started from January and flowering from February and entered the dormancy at the end of May. Also the results from investigation of indigenous knowledge showed that farmers have used daughter bulbs to increase Narcissus and from irrigation to forcing and regulate flowering. The useful life of narcissus farm is 15 to 20 years. Production of perfume, introduction of new cultivars, forcing, nutritional needs, irrigation and propagation are the most important issues in Narcissus cultivation in Khosf county that should be researched