ISHS Acta Horticulturae 344: International Symposium on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants
RELATION BETWEEN CORM SIZE AND SAFFRON (CROCUS SATIVUS L.) FLOWERING |
| Authors: | G. De Mastro, C. Ruta |
| Abstract:
Saffron (Crocus Sativus L.) is a cormose triploid geophyte, unknown in the wild state. It has been cultivated since ancient times for the numerous properties attributed to its stigmatic lobes. Reproduction is only possible through corm propagation, seeds being unknown. The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential saffron flowering in relation to the corm size. The research was carried out in metallic tanks filled with expanded clay and clay soil. Corms coming from Abruzzo and Sardinia were splitted in weight and size classes and tested. At flowering time, plants were harvested and the corm weight and size, flower number per corm, stigma weight were determined. Results confirm a positive correlation between the numbers of flowers per corm and the corm size. The choice of corme size at planting time and the corm enlargement technique are recommended accordingly. | |
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