ISHS Acta Horticulturae 718: III International Symposium on Models for Plant Growth, Environmental Control and Farm Management in Protected Cultivation (HortiModel 2006)
SOILLESS CULTIVATION OF SAFFRON IN MEDITERRANEAN ENVIRONMENT |
| Authors: | A. Maggio, G. Raimondi, A. Martino, S. De Pascale |
| Keywords: | Crocus sativus L., substrate, cold glasshouse, climatic chamber |
| Abstract:
In this study we evaluated the adaptability of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) to soilless cultivation. Two experiments were performed at the University of Naples to test the effects of different substrates and environmental conditions on saffron yield. The first experiment was done in a cold glasshouse between August 2004 and June 2005. Two substrates, perlite and a 1:1 (v/v) mix of peat and perlite, were compared. In both substrates, flowering started 111 days after transplanting. Flower yield was higher in perlite compared to the peat/perlite mix (260 vs. 190 flowers m-2). The second experiment was carried out in the following year during the same period. In this case, two substrates were compared (perlite and vermiculite) in two different environments, a cold glasshouse and a climatic chamber, in which optimal conditions for saffron production were maintained for the entire duration of the experiment. Corms in both environments were incubated in the dark for 80 days. During this time, growth chamber temperature and RH were kept at 25°C and 85%, respectively. Subsequently, these plants were exposed to 8 hours light, 17°C and 60% RH. Flowering occurred 103 and 93 days after transplanting in the glasshouse and growth chamber, respectively. The yields obtained in glasshouse and growth chambers were doubled compared to traditional field cultivation. These results confirmed that soilless systems can be efficiently utilized for saffron production. In addition, the choice of suitable substrates and optimal environmental control can increase flower production and anticipate flower onset. | |
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