The effect of high density and depth of planting on agronomic characteristic of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and corms behavior

In order to investigate the effect of high density and depth of planting on agronomic characteristic of Saffron, a field experiment was conducted as a complete randomized block design with three replications in Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran during two growing seasons of 2008-2009 and 2009-2010. Treatments were six levels of high densities (8, 11, 13, 16, 19 and 21 ton corms per hectare) and three planting depths (5, 10 and 15 cm). Results indicated that the flowering rate increased in the second year and maximum and minimum of flower number, dry weight of flower and stigma were observed in 10 cm and 5 cm planting depth, respectively. With increasing corm density, flower number, dry weight of flower and stigma were increased significantly and maximum flower number, dry weight of flower and stigma were obtained in 19 and 21 tone corm per hectare. Result of this study showed that the maximum flower and stigma yield was obtained with 10cm planting depth and 19 t.ha-1. The highest and lowest number of corms observed in 21 and 8 t.ha-1 corms planting with 213.17 and 80.22 corms in m2, respectively; however, the maximum dry weight of corm was obtained in 11 tone corms per hectare. The maximum and the minimum of corm number was found in 5 cm and 15 cm planting depth but the highest and lowest dry weights of corm was obtained in 15 cm and 5cm planting depth, respectively