نشریه پژوهش های زعفران
سال هفتم شماره 2 (پاییز و زمستان 1398)

Saffron is considered to be one of the most expensive agricultural products in the world. Saffron specific compounds including crocin, picrocrocin and safranal. Different drying methods, not only differ in energy consumption but also, influence the chemical and sensory properties of saffron. Accordingly, the current study was aimed to investigate the effect of different drying techniques on quality of saffron. The experiment was laid out as a completely randomized design with four replications at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad Faculty of Agriculture, Mashhad Iran in 2015, 2016 and 2017. Four different drying techniques i.e. traditional technique (shade dried at laboratory temperature), oven (at 40, 60 and 80° C), microwave (at 200, 400 and 600 watts), freeze (at -18° C for 5 h and then heating at 60±5 with evacuation intervals of 15, 10, 10 and 10 minutes) were considered as the treatments. Chemical tests were performed according to ISO 3632-2 (E) 1993 and safranal was measured using chromatography. The results indicated that chemical properties of stigma including moisture percentage, total ash, insoluble ash in acid and soluble extract in cold water and nitrogen are in accordance with Iranian National Standards. The maximum picrocrocin (140.66%) and safranal (42.64%) were obtained when stigmas were dried using microwave technique at 600 w. The maximum crocin percentage was related to freezing technique (299.64). The maximum (245.91) and minimum (88.15) safranal weight percentage were observed when freezing and traditional techniques were practiced. According to the results, although preserving all the qualitative features of saffron during drying process seems difficult, in order to achieve a higher level of quality, controlled methods such as microwave or freezing techniques are recommended.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of saffron petal extract on growth performance, carcass components, immune response and antioxidant status in broiler chicks. A total of 200 broiler chicks were distributed in 4 treatments including 5 replicates and 10 chicks per replicate. Dietary treatments were involved control group and the levels of 300, 500 and 700 milligrams of petal extract of saffron per kg diet (ppm). The broiler chicks were fed in three feeding periods including starter (0-10 days), grower (11-24 days), and finisher period (25-42 days) and as the same time the performance data including feed intake, body weight gain and FCR were recorded. For immune response, in the days of 14 and 35 days, sheep red blood cell were injected and the blood samples were gathered at 42 days. The data analysis were revealed that levels of 500 and 700 mg of hydroalcoholic extract of saffron increased body weight and reduced feed conversion ratio. The feed intake increased at level 500 and decreased at 700 levels as compared to control. Saffron petal extract at levels higher than 500 decreased the serum concentration of cholesterol, LDL blood and abdominal fat relative weight, and increased serum HDL and bursa of fabricus percentages compared to controls. Saffron petal hydroalcoholic extract increased the titer of secondary antibody against SRBC and antibody titer against Newcastle disease at 24 and 42 days at the levels of 500 and 700 mg Saffron petals’ extract, but the levels of extract did not affect the titer of IgM and IgG and the ratio of heterophil to lymphocyte. Saffron petal extract compared to control increased the activity of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase enzymes and reduced the activity of lactate dehydrogenase enzyme and the plasma concentration of malondialdehyde.

The saffron (Crocus sativus - Iridaceae) or red gold is an invaluable and economic agricultural crop which is important for exportation. Saffron fields comprises some agricultural pests same as other crops which are active in different regions of Iran and damge to it. In this faunistic survey, the fauna of beneficial Arthropoda (predators and parasitoids) was studied in some saffron fields of Iran (Southern Khorasa, Razavi Khorasan, Kerman, Fars and Lorestan provinces). In total, 31 predator insects within five orders, Coleoptera (Carabidae, Staphylinidae), Diptera (Asilidae, Syrphidae), Hymenoptera (Formicidae), Thysanoptera (Thripidae) and Heteroptera (Anthocoridae, Miridae, Nabidae, Reduviidae), and also five species of Araneae (spider) and five species of Acari were collected and identified as the predator arthropods. Additionally, 26 species of parasitoids in two orders, Diptera (Tachinidae) and Hymenoptera (Braconidae, Chalcididae, Eulophidae, Ichneumonidae, Pteromalidae) were collected from saffron fields too. Among the collected natural enemies, three species Apechthis capulifera (Kriechbaumer, 1887), Virgichneumon albilineatus (Gravenhorst, 1820) and Netelia melanura (Thomson, 1888) (all Ichneumonidae) are new records for the fauna of Iran. Upon the present investigation, totally 67 species of predator and parasitoid arthropods were collected from saffron fields and neighbouring areas which this high diversity of natural enemies is invaluable and important in biological control of agricultural pests.

To evaluate the micro and macro elements of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) under the influence of various levels of inoculation with Mycorrhiza and Vermicompost in a factorial arrangement in a randomized complete block design with three replications was conducted in research field of Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman. The investigated factors included Vermicompost at 4 levels of 0, 8, 16 and 24 tons per hectare and four levels of Mycorrhizal fertilizer 0, 7.5, 10 and 15 gram inoculation were put in each hole consisting two corms with equal and moderate weight. In this experiment, traits including: phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium, manganese, iron, copper, number of corms in per plant, length of corms, diameter corm's final scales, corm's diameter, fresh weight of corm, dry weight of corm and colonization percentage of roots. The results showed a significant effect of Vermicompost on corm's length, corm's diameter, diameter corm's final scales, fresh weight of corms, phosphorus, nitrogen and colonization percentage of roots. The effect of Mycorrhiza on the phosphorus, nitrogen, the number of corms in the plant, the length of the corm, colonization percentage of roots, diameter corm's final scales and the corm's diameter. Also, the interaction between Vermicompost and Mycorrhiza fertilizer was significant on the traits of corm's diameter. Therefore, it seems that the application of Mycorrhiza inoculation with Vermicompost fertilizer could enhance some quantitative and qualitative traits of saffron.

To evaluate the effect of nutrient elements, methionine amino acid and corm weight on the emergence of saffron, an experiment was conducted as a randomized complete block design in two years (2014-2015) in Research Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran. Treatments were consisted of mineral nutrients in form of liquid fertilizer at four concentrations (10, 20, 30, 40 ml/L), Methionine amino acid at four concentrations (10, 20, 30, 40 g/L), distilled water, control treatment without water, corm weight at two weights small (3-5 gram) and large (7-9 gram). All corms were immersed 48 hours in nutrients or methionine (except control treatment) before planting. To study emergence percentage, a simulated exponential model or monomolecular model was used. The results of this study showed that emergence has increased in the second year compared to the first year that can be due to more compatibility by environmental conditions. In first-year of emergence, the process was parabolic shape, while the trend was linear in the second year. Emergence trend in large corms treatments was better and more productive than other treatments. In this study, the use of 10 gram per liter of methionine on big corms could increase emergence percentage in Saffron. .

Recent continuous drought and decreasing ground water table led us to improving irrigation schedule and introducing less water-needed plants. Recent study conducted for determining suitable zone for saffron in East Azarbayjan with GIS and model AHP. Parameters like climate data, soil and water for 30 years collected from synoptic and climatologic station such as Tabriz, Ahar, Marand, Jolfa, Mianeh, Sarab, Bostanabad, Bonab, Maraghe, Malekan, Kaleybar around province and from four neighbor provinces like Orumieh, Piranshahr, Ardabil and Zanjan. Then parameters weighted upon AHP in parameter importance each region. Data transferred to Expert choice and clustered, rated, integrated for producing the last layer. Results showed that 42% of province land was suitable and moderate suitable for culturing saffron. But 14% showed critical suitability and 44% was not suitable for Saffron culture. Tabriz, Marand, Osku, Azarshahr, Ajabshir, Bonab, and Malekan plains are suitable places and Sarab, BostanAbad, Maragheh, Ahar, and Hashtrud plains are in critical suitability for Saffron culture.

saffron (Crocus sativus L.) Herb if a perennial plant and it belongs to Iridaceae family, Which is considered to be the most economically profitable plant in Khorasan province of Razavi and South. This research was carried out to evaluate the effects of summer irrigation and organic and biological fertilizers on the growth and development of saffron in Zaweh city of Khorasan Razavi with four replications during of 2017-2018. This experiment was conducted as split plot based on a randomized complete block design. The main factor was two irrigation levels (summer irrigation and summer irrigation) and for levels fof ertilizer treatment (organic fertilizer of cattle manure, biofertilizer fertilizer, Stratigraphic Fertilizer of Iran and Control) was considered as sub plots. The results showed that summer irrigation and fertilizer treatments had significant effects on quantitative and qualitative traits of saffron. The best results of the studied traits was observed for bioweuterin treatment with biological fertilizer, in this treatment the number of flowers per m-2 was 8.05 and the weights per m2 was 46.84 mg, which in the control group was 1.93 mg.m-2 flower per square meter and dry weevil weight was 30.19 mg.m-2. According to the findings, this treatment has the highest quality yield in Saffron. Therefore, the implementation of summer irrigation and use of biofertilizers (containing Bacillus bacteria) on the farms of Zaveh County had a significant increase in quantitative and qualitative yields.

The average stigma yield of traditional saffron cultivating systems is 3.2 kg ha-1 in Iran. Based on ideal cultivating systems, the stigma yield equivalent 41 kg ha-1 in Ferdows region, 38 kg ha-1 in Bakhazr region, 30 and 25 kg ha-1 in Torbat Heydarieh regionis recorded. The aim of the study was investigation of involved managing factors in gap yield of traditional and ideal saffron cultivating systems in Razavi and south Khorasan Provinces.. Managing factors for ideal system were recorded with respect to comments provided in the questionnaires by experts viewpoints. Traditional managing factors were recorded from 239 saffron farms in various regions of Razavi and south Khorasan Provinces. In addition, soil samples were selected from all studied farms. The results showed that saffron yield average in Razavi and south Khorasan Provinces was varied between 1.23 to 6.67 kg ha-1 in 2011 to 2017. A positive and significant correlation between precipitations with yield (b=0.002*) was observed. But, by increasing mean temperature in the studied areas, saffron yield decreased (b=-0.223**). The relationship between the amount of organic matter (b=2.42*), nitrogen (b=9.40*), phosphorus (b=0.093*) and soil sand content (b=0.007*) was positive with yield, but it decreased by increasing clay content (b=-0.015*). The results confirmed that there is an average stigma yield gap of more than 20 kg ha-1 between traditional and ideal cultivation conditions. Using small corm instead of the corm weighing more than 8 g for planting, mass planting instead of row planting, low density planting of corm, low manure application, inappropriate first irrigation time in autumn, inappropriate corm sowing date, weed control at inappropriate time and no-foliar application in the second half of the winter were the most important involved parameters in gap yield of traditional and ideal systems.

The nutrient management is one of the most important factors in relation to quantitative and qualitative characteristics of saffron (Crocus sativus L.). In order to investigate the effects of different of cow manure and fulvic acid levels on yield and vegetative characteristics of saffron, an experiment was conducted as factorial based on a randomized complete block design with three replications at the Agricultural Research Station, University of Birjand during growing season of 2015. Treatments were four levels of cow manure (0, 10, 20 and 30 t.ha-1) and three fulvic acid (0, 5 and 10 kg.ha-1). . Results showed that cow manure improved the saffron flower characteristics (flower number and fresh total yield and stigma yield). The highest flower fresh total (6.289 g.m-2) and stigma fresh (0.299 g.m-2) yield were obtained in plants treated with 10 t.ha-1 cow manure, while the lowest values were recorded in control (5.18 and 0.235 g.m-2). Leaf photosynthetic pigments (chl a and total) were influenced by cow manure. Results also showed that fulvic acid has a positive effect flower number and fresh total yield, stigma yield and average weight and SPAD. The highest of flower number (17.29 per.m-2) and SPAD (14.39) were observed in 10 kg.ha-1 fulvic acid. Application of different levels of cow manure and fulvic acid had a positive effect on the flower fresh total yield, stigma, total chl and SPAD. The highest of stigma dry yield (0.085 g.m-2) were obtained in plants treated with 10 t.ha-1 cow manure and 5 kg.ha-1 fulvic acid. Thus, results showed that cow manure and fulvic acid have significant impact on flower yield and photosynthetic pigments of saffron.

SaThis experiment was conducted in order to investigate the effects of biofertilizers and corm direction in soil on agronomic traits of saffron as factorial based on randomized complete block design with three replications at research farm of Faculty of Agriculture, Tehran University during 2010 to 2013. Treatments included corm direction in two levels (horizental and vertical) and biofertilizers (mycorrhiza, biophosphorous, and no use of biofertilizer or control). The results indicated that in both years of corm study, horizontal direction of saffron corm in soil was superior to vertical direction for corm diameter and number per square meter. Also, in first year, fresh weight of corms in horizontal direction of corms was 23.6% higher than vertical direction, but in second year, vertical direction caused more fresh weight of corm (6.3%) than the horizontal direction. In the first year, the most fresh and dry weight of corms was obtained in integrated treatment of mycorrhiza and horizontal direction of corms in soil. In second year, the most of these traits was observed in integrated treatment of biophosphorous and horizontal direction of corms in soil. Fresh and dry weight of flower and stigma increased in horizontal direction treatment compared to vertical direction of corms. Investigation of biofertilizer effect on fresh and dry weight of flower, petal and stigma showed that the highest and the lowest of these traits were in biophosphorous and mycorrhiza fertilizers, respectively. According to results, in both years of study of flower traits, the best treatment for dry weight of flower and petal and fresh weight of stigma was integrated treatment horizontal direction of corm under the application of biophosphorous fertilizer.

In order to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in the market of Iranian saffron in the marketing mix P 11, in the study of a comprehensive strategic framework approach was used to analyze strategic factors. Data neede was collected from interviews and questionnaires among managers and experts from manufacturers and exporter of saffron in Mashhad and Torbat Heydarieh in 2015. The results of the matrix of external factors show that, in all hybrids are superior environmental opportunities and threats. Matrix analysis indicates the status of defensive strategies and competitive price, location and a variety of other integrated marketing strategies. Finally, the prioritization of proposed strategies shows that the strategy of creating the conditions for registration are of mixed protection, improve the quality of products and derivatives in combined processing, create a database of knowledge and experience in the market area saffron mixed people and create innovation tailored to the taste of customers in industry mix saffron in promoting sales strategies with the highest priority are the ability to run.

 In the arid and semi-arid regions salinity stress has a great role of productivity.The main aspire of this study was to weigh up the influence of various levels of salinity stress on yield and yield components of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) under different nitrogen application forms at College of Agriculture,University of Birjand. Three years experiment (2006-2008) was performed using split-plot design using salinity of irrigation water as main-plot factor, and nitrogen application form as sub-plot factor in four replicates. Four levels of salt concentration included, irrigation water of 1.5 dSm−1 (as control), 3.5 dSm−1, 5.5 dSm−1 and 7.5 dSm−1 and sub-plot treatments consisted of three application forms of nitrogen encompass solid application, solid-foliar application, and foliar application were employed in this study. The results indicated that all study parameters were influenced by different salt stress concentrations. However, various application forms of nitrogen statistically affected saffron production only in 2006.). Highest economic yield under highest salt concentration were reached under solid application of nitrogen in 2006 (0.18 gr.m-2), 2007 (0.48 gr.m-2), and 2008 (0.29 gr.m-2). In conclusion, saline water up to 5.5 dSm−1 could be applied for saffron production in saline areas. Also, Foliar application of nitrogen in lower levels of salinity and solid application under higher salinity stress might be increasing saffron production in east of Iran.