Saffron cultivation performed under controlled conditions in plastic tunnels and hydroponic beds can be a convenient approach because plant growth and application of nutrition medium are both controlled, and it is possible to achieve a higher yield and a better quality. Few studies that include new growing techniques have been conducted. A team of scientists from Saudi Arabia and Egypt have completed a study that investigated the optimal conditions for hydroponic saffron production.
This study investigated the effects of the growing substrate, mode of nutrient supply, and corm size on flowering, growth, photosynthesis, and cormlet production of saffron in a hydroponic system under a controlled environment.
Flowering, growth and cormlets production of saffron [size 4 (3.2-3.5 cm diameter)] in the hydroponic culture system: (A) corm peeling and disinfection, (B, C) sprouted corms and root emergence after 2 weeks of incubation at 14 °C for 1 week followed by 12 °C for a subsequent week in controlled growth chamber and dark conditions, (D, E) first flower emergence in the hydroponic system incubated at 8 ± 1 °C air temperature after 29 d of corm transplanting, (F, G) harvesting of flowers and stigmas, (H) plant growth after 20 weeks of transplanting in the hydroponics at 8 ± 1 °C air temperature and 80 μmol·m−2·s−1 photosynthetic photon flux density, (I) contractile roots of saffron plants grown in perlite based ebb-and-flow system, (J) fibrous roots of saffron grown in volcanic rock-based aerated continuous immersion system, and (K) cormlets produced after 24 weeks of growth in the hydroponics system; (1.8 × °C) + 32 = °F, 1 cm = 0.3937 inch.
In this study, saffron corms were sprouted using a gradual decrease in air temperature, and they were cultivated hydroponically in either perlite or volcanic rock for 24 weeks and were supplied a nutrient solution via either an ebb-and-flow system or continuous immersion. Flowering was not influenced either by the growing substrate or the mode of nutrient supply; however, it was significantly influenced by corm size. The highest stigma yield, stigma length, stigma fresh and dry weight, and cormlet yield, average corm diameter, and fresh weight was obtained by using large mother corms grown hydroponically in the volcanic rock-based continuous immersion system.
The full study results can be found on the ASHS HortTechnology electronic journal website at: https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH04980-21
Established in 1903, the American Society for Horticultural Science is recognized around the world as one of the most respected and influential professional societies for horticultural scientists. ASHS is committed to promoting and encouraging national and international interest in scientific research and education in all branches of horticulture.
Comprised of thousands of members worldwide, ASHS represents a broad cross-section of the horticultural community - scientists, educators, students, landscape and turf managers, government, extension agents and industry professionals. ASHS members focus on practices and problems in horticulture: breeding, propagation, production and management, harvesting, handling and storage, processing, marketing and use of horticultural plants and products. To learn more, visit ashs.org.
