Assessment of Physiological, Biochemical Parameters, and Saffron Stigma-Related Traits in Different Ecotypes

Evaluating the response of various saffron ecotypes regarding physiological and biochemical traits, as well as stigma-related characteristics, is crucial for cultivation in specific regions. Therefore, a study was conducted to assess the physiological, biochemical, and stigma-related traits of five saffron ecotypes (Torqroud: EC1, Natanz: EC2, Kashan: EC3, Qaenat: EC4, and Badroud: EC5) in pots under open field conditions at the Islamic Azad University Research Farm in Ardestan in 2022, following a completely randomized design with three replications. Results indicated significant differences in yield, quality, physiological, and biochemical traits among the examined ecotypes. The EC2 ecotype was significantly superior in yield traits such as stigma diameter (2.09 mm), stigma length (2.43 cm), number of flowers (95.40 per m2), fresh flower yield (47.27 g m-2), and dry stigma yield (0.828 g m-2). The levels of safranal, picrocrocin, and crocin in the EC2, EC3, and EC4 ecotypes were significantly higher compared to other ecotypes, with the highest values of these traits observed in EC2 (53.02, 175.1, and 202.6 E_(1 cm)^(1%), respectively). The content of photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, b, and total) was highest in the EC2 ecotype compared to the others. In terms of antioxidant enzyme activity, EC1 and EC4 ecotypes exhibited the highest activity. Correlation results indicated a positive relationship between yield and quality traits. Overall, this study clearly demonstrates that environmental conditions can significantly impact the quality and yield of saffron, aiding in the selection of the best ecotypes for cultivation in different regions. The EC2 ecotype is recommended for cultivation in the studied area after field trials.