Study of morphophysiological attributes of two saffron ecotypes treated with ‎Bacillus subtilis under Zanjan climatic conditions

Effect of Bacillus subtilis (0, 102, 105, 106, 108 cfu/ml) was studied on saffron (Crocus sativus L.) ecotypes Natanz and Zanjan during 2017-2019 via a factorial experiment based on randomized complete blocks design in three replicates. Number of leaves per corm, average length of leaves, flowers, petals and sepals, stigma fresh and dry weights, fresh and dry flower yield, number of flowers per plot, total phenol and anthocyanin in petals and the amount of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were measured. All morphophysiological were significantly affected due to B. subtilis treatment. The highest and the lowest fresh and dry weight of stigma was observed in 108 cfu/ml (41.44 mg and 7.13 mg) and no treated samples (32.91 mg and 6.14 mg), respectively. The maximum stigma fresh and dry weight was observed in Natanz ecotype. The highest amount of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium was recorded in 108 cfu / ml (5.55 %, 2061ppm 66.75 and 7540.8 ppm, respectively) and the lowest in control (3.25 %, 1314.42 ppm and 4339.8 ppm, respectively). The highest amount of nitrogen and phosphorus was observed in Zanjan ecotype. According to the results, utilizing the B. bacteria in a proper concentration as a bio fertilizer can be considered beneficial towards optimal growth indices in saffron.