Integrated capsule for enhancing saffron productivity (original) (raw)

Cost-effective saffron production system module for corm weight and planting density

Journal of innovative agriculture, 2023

Production of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is expanding in both the traditional and non-native areas of Jammu and Kashmir, India. A study was carried out to develop a cost-effective production system module at ARSSSS, SKUAST-Kashmir, Pampore to determine suitable corm weight and planting density for saffron. The treatments in the current study includes 3 levels of corm weight (W1= < 8g, W2= 8-12g and W3 = >12g) and 5 levels of corm densities viz., 15 lakh corm density/ha, 12 lakh corm density/ha, 10 lakh corm density/ha, 05 lakh corm density/ha and 03 lakh density/ha (farmers practice). Economically, saffron corms were sown in ditches plant geometry to accommodate 04 saffron corms, irrespective of densities. The observations were recorded on percentage of plant emergence, number of flowers per unit area, rod length, stigma length, fresh weight and dry weight of flower, stigma fresh and dry weight, total stigma yield, corm multiplication ratio, the onset of the flowering and flowering period. The results showed that all the factors mentioned above other than rod length and stigma quality were significantly affected by corm weight and planting density. Corms with higher weight started flowering earlier and their flowering time was longer than other treatments. Four years of evaluation of the experiment confirms marked superiority in yield by planting corms weighing >7g with a plant population of 12 lakh corms/ha on a raised bed for a duration of 4 years.

Economics of saffron cultivation in Kashmir

Acta Horticulturae, 2018

The study revealed that the saffron crop is highly remunerative and offers ample scope for employment generation. The economic analysis in terms of costs and returns, net present value, benefit cost ratio, payback period, internal rate of return and the farm profit measures indicated that the crop is economically viable. Marketing results of the study indicated that the marketing margins exceeded the marketing cost in each channel. Saffron, being a high value and low volume product, the marketing costs remained comparatively low. The maximum marketing margins were received by the brokers followed by retailers.

Production technology of saffron for enhancing productivity

2018

Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world. Saffron is a perennial herbaceous plant attaining a height of 25 to 40 cm. The saffron known the world over as the ‘Golden Condiment’ because of its extreme high cash value and low volume. Saffron is widely used in food preparations especially Kashmiri ‘Kehwa’, fabric dying, medicinal drug, perfume and cosmetic industries. Saffron have medium feed value for ruminants and its value is less than alfalfa and more than cereal straw (Valizadeh, 1988). Saffron essentially contains three active ingredients such as crocin, picrocrocin and safranal which determines the intensity of colour, power of the flavour and strength of the aroma respectively. J&K is only state in the country which has the capability of producing this golden spice of the world. The total area recorded under saffron production was 5.707 thousand hectares with an annual production of 15.95 tonne and productivity of 2.8 kg/ha in 1997 which has reduced to 3.674 thousand hec...

Yield and yield components of saffron under different cropping systems

Industrial Crops and …, 2009

This study was conducted to evaluate yield and yield components of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in response to (i) production system (PS) (irrigated vs. non-irrigated); (ii) corm size (CS) (medium −2.25 to 3 cm diameter vs. small corms <2.25 cm diameter); (iii) planting depth (PD) (10 cm vs. 20 cm); and iv) planting density (PDEN) (51 corms m −2 vs. 69 corms m −2). This fully replicated multifactorial design was started in August 2000, and carried through November 2003, when the fourth saffron harvest took place. The total and average fresh weight of stigmas, and the number of flowers were measured at each harvest. Results indicate that three of the four factors tested (PS, CS and PD) had a significant effect on the quantitative yield during the two most productive flowering years (2001 and 2002) and on the total flowering. Irrigated cultivation, medium size corms and 10 cm planting depth had the greatest effect in increasing the quantitative production of saffron. Yield was also affected by planting density in contrasting ways. Whereas at high PDEN yield increased per unit of surface, at low PDEN, yield increased with respect to the initial number of corms planted. The fresh weight of stigmas per flower yield component, an important aspect that determines the quality of the spice, was enhanced when corms were planted at 20 cm depth and when irrigation was applied to the crop.

Effect of planting density on productivity of saffron corms

Acta Horticulturae, 2017

Saffron is a perennial crop. The vegetative multiplication by corms is the only mode of propagation. The number and the size of corms decide on the flowering ability and stigmas yield. However, several factors affect these parameters including age of saffron cultivation and plant density. The aim is to conclude on the best to optimize harvest period related to quality of corms as a propagated materials. To bring out the optimum of production and time of corms, a multi-year study of corms multiplication rate, planted at different densities: 100, 50 and 35 corms m-2 , has been compared to traditional planting during 3 seasons in Taliouine region. In the third year of the saffron culture, the results showed that planting densities: 100, 50 and 35 corms m-2 generated an evolution of the number of multiplied corms, of 220, 320 and 443%, respectively. The number of corms has increased three to four times for the case of low densities less than 50 corms m-2. As to the size, in the case of low densities, we observed that 68 and 75% of corms had a diameter greater than 2 cm; it is a corm's class that meets the quality standards of corms as propagated materials and ensures satisfactory production of flowers the following year. In the case of traditional planting and 100 corms m-2 densities, respectively 67 and 63% of corms had a diameter less than 2 cm. High densities allow producing more corms per unit area but as the age of the saffron cultivation increases, they generate a smaller caliber because of the competition. The choice of saffron corms planting density is important to ensure good growth and performance of this culture during a specified period operating plot.

Production and Productivity of Saffron in Jammu and Kashmir

Saffron cultivation confined to a limited geographical area in the State of Jammu and Kashmir is under stress reportedly due to cement dust pollution and land use changes. Besides, having tremendous medicinal values, Saffron has traditionally been associated with the famous Kashmiri cuisine and undoubtedly represents the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir. However, Saffron production is currently suffering on several counts; falling productivity and unscientific post-harvest management are the major concerns. Some other factors that are responsible for the decline of saffron industry in Kashmir are, lack of availability of good-quality corms as seed material, poor soil fertility, lack of assured irrigation, infestation by rodents and diseases, poor post-harvest management, improper marketing facilities and increased urbanization on saffron lands. This legendary crop is under threat of extinction and warrants collective attention of researchers, farmers and policy makers. As far as th...

Effect of Corm Weight on Saffron Production in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is one of the highest consuming countries for saffron spice. In year 2009; the price for one kg of saffron spice in the local market reached 18,000 SR (˜US$ 5,000). We report, for the first time, the cultivation of saffron in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), in particular at Alkharj Governorate. The effect of corm weight on saffron production was investigated under Alkharj governorate cultivation conditions. Corms of Crocus sativus L. (Iridaceae) of Spanish origin (accession #: BCU001584 from Minaya, Albacete, Spain) were provided by Professor J.A. Fernández (Albacete, Spain). Three different corm weights (fresh weight) as CW1: >10g, CW2: ≥5g-≤10g and CW3: <5g were studied. The higher weight of saffron corms increased the number of leaves per corm. The maximum mean values of leaf length were obtained as a result of lesser weight of saffron corms weighing <5g. The highest number of sprouts was observed with the use of saffron corms weighing >10g. None of the three corm weights produced saffron flowers, which might be due to the late planting in December, while the flowering period is mainly in November. Daughter corms have been produced by the three different corm weights. The higher weight of saffron mother corms increased the number of daughter corms, up to three daughter corms per mother corm were produced by the end of May.

Production systems and methods affect the quality and the quantity of saffron (Crocus sativus L.)

Spanish Journal of Agricultural Research

Aim of study: Comparison of saffron flowering between open field and controlled environment. Possibility of saffron transplanting.Area of study: University of Birjand (Iran)Material and methods: In a first experiment, saffron yield and quality produced by traditional production system (TPS) and by soilless one (SPS) were compared. In a second experiment, the effects of the production method, by direct planting (DP) or by transplanting plant (TP) in open field were studied.Main results: Percentage of flowering corms grown by SPS was 39% and 65%, while by TPS was 6% and 56% in 2018 and 2019, respectively. Flower and stigma yields were significantly higher by SPS than by TPS. Stigma obtained from SPS had higher L (lightness) and crocin. Safranal content was higher in stigma produced by TPS. Leaf and root numbers and corm weight were higher for SPS, but after transplanting there was better status for DP than for TP. At the end of the first growing season (2018-19), mean replacement corm...