Journal of Saffron Research

Effect of Reduced Levels of the Herbicide Haloxyfop R-methyl ester in Combination with Some Adjuvants on the Growth and Flowering of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.)

Safi-Allah Hamdard; Hamid Reza Fallahi; Hossein Hammami; hossein sahabi

Volume 13, Issue 1 , May 2025, Pages 1-21

https://doi.org/10.22077/jsr.2025.8793.1261

Abstract

Introduction: Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is one of the important medicinal plants in the arid and semi-arid regions of Iran. This plant has high economic value due to its pleasant taste and aroma as well as numerous medicinal properties. Therefore, the cultivation and production of this plant in areas ... Read More Introduction: Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is one of the important medicinal plants in the arid and semi-arid regions of Iran. This plant has high economic value due to its pleasant taste and aroma as well as numerous medicinal properties. Therefore, the cultivation and production of this plant in areas with suitable climatic conditions has become one of the most important economic activities. Although Iran accounts for about 90% of the global production of saffron, the yield gap of this plant in the country's fields is very high. One of the important factors in increasing the yield gap in saffron are weeds. Given the limited competitive capacity of saffron, weeds can reduce crop growth and yield if not managed well. For this reason, farmers use various methods to control weeds, including the use of herbicides. Haloxyfop R-methyl ester (super gallant) is used as a common herbicide in saffron fields to control narrow leaf weeds. However, the potential damage of this herbicide to saffron plants has not been well studied, so far. In addition, implementing strategies to increase efficiency and use lower amounts of herbicide is important for sustainable saffron production. Materials and Methods: In this study, the effect of reduced levels of super gallant herbicide (0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100% of the recommended dose) and the application of adjuvants (arugula oil, Citogate mineral oil and no oil application) were investigated on saffron growth and flowering in a factorial experiment based on a randomized complete block design with six replications. The experiment was conducted in pots, from the beginning of autumn 2023 to the end of autumn 2024, in the open environment of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Birjand, Iran. Results and Discussion: The effect of experimental factors was not significant on the quantum efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm). The experimental factors had no significant effect on the length and the number of leaves, but their interaction effect on leaf dry weight was significant. The application of herbicide and adjuvants reduced leaf dry weight, and the highest value of this index (66.6 g m-2) was obtained in the control treatment. The interaction effect of experimental factors was significant on the number of small (<3 g) and large (6-9 g) replacement corms and on the total number of replacement corms. The highest number of small corms and total number of corms were obtained in the control treatment (837 and 962 No. m-2, respectively), while the lowest number was obtained by application of arugula oil × no- herbicide (375 and 465 No. m-2, respectively) and also by the application of Citogate at a concentration of 20% herbicide (358 and 466 No. m-2, respectively). The highest number of large replacement corms (6-9 g) with flowering potential, were obtained by application of Citogate at a concentration of 20 and 40% herbicide (25 No. m-2), application of arugula oil at a concentration of 40% herbicide (16.6 No. m-2), and then by no adjuvant at a concentration of 40% herbicide (3.8 No. m-2), while there were no large corms in the other combined treatments. Similar results were observed for the yield of large corms and thereby flowering was recorded only in the mentioned treatments. The application of herbicides and adjuvants improved the mean weight of replacement corms and the weight ratio of corms to leaves. Conclusion: Overall, the results of this preliminary research showed that the application of herbicide and adjuvants reduced the number of small replacement corms and increased the allocation of photoassimilates towards replacement corms and had no inhibitory effect on the photosynthetic efficiency of the plant. This potted research showed that the use of Supergallant herbicide did not have a negative effect on saffron, but conducting field experiments in the natural environment is necessary to fully understand the response of saffron to the experimental factors in order to provide applied recommendations.

The Role of Indigenous Knowledge in Saffron Cultivation: A Strategy for Reducing the Impacts of Climate Change (Case Study: Neyshabur Plain)

Sina Farshchin

Volume 13, Issue 1 , May 2025, Pages 22-34

https://doi.org/10.22077/jsr.2025.9228.1272

Abstract

Introduction: In recent decades, climate change has become one of the most critical challenges facing agriculture in arid and semi-arid regions of Iran. This phenomenon has led to a reduction in water resources, degradation of soil quality, and shifts in cropping patterns, posing a serious threat to ... Read More Introduction: In recent decades, climate change has become one of the most critical challenges facing agriculture in arid and semi-arid regions of Iran. This phenomenon has led to a reduction in water resources, degradation of soil quality, and shifts in cropping patterns, posing a serious threat to food security. In this context, indigenous knowledge—accumulated over generations through observation, experience, and environmental adaptation—plays a vital role in enhancing the resilience and sustainability of agricultural systems. This study, focusing on the Neyshabur Plain, investigates strategies derived from traditional knowledge in managing saffron cultivation, a drought-tolerant crop, and assesses its role in mitigating the impacts of climate change and improving resource efficiency. Materials and Methods: This research was conducted in the Neyshabur Plain, located in Razavi Khorasan Province, using a field survey method. The statistical population consisted of 1350 farmers who were members of the regional Water Users Association. A simple random sampling method was employed to select a sample of 100 farmers. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire completed via face-to-face interviews. The questionnaire focused on personal characteristics (such as age, education, and land ownership) and agronomic management practices. The collected data were analyzed using Chi-square and Spearman correlation tests with the help of SPSS and Excel software. The objective of this analysis was to examine the relationships between individual characteristics of the farmers and the extent of their use of indigenous knowledge-based strategies for climate change adaptation, particularly in relation to saffron cultivation. Results and Discussion: The findings revealed that a significant number of farmers in the Neyshabur Plain rely on traditional agricultural practices—such as the use of organic fertilizers, conservation tillage, crop rotation, and intercropping saffron with other plants—as effective means to cope with climate change. A statistically significant correlation was observed between farmers under the age of 50, their level of education, and their inclination toward adopting saffron cultivation. Farmers with larger landholdings and ownership of land and water resources were also more likely to use modern irrigation systems and engage in sustainable agricultural practices. The use of saffron, a perennial and low-water-requirement crop, not only improved the efficiency of water use but also played a substantial role in increasing the climate resilience of farming systems in the region. The results of statistical tests indicated that these indigenous and eco-friendly practices had a tangible impact on reducing vulnerability to environmental stressors. Moreover, the study highlights that the integration of indigenous knowledge with scientific innovations represents a successful model of sustainable and adaptive agriculture. Farmers who employed such integrative strategies were able to simultaneously enhance soil quality, conserve biodiversity, reduce dependency on chemical inputs, and optimize water use—all of which are critical under the current climate constraints. The Neyshabur case shows that traditional knowledge, when supported by education and access to resources, can be a powerful driver for agricultural adaptation and innovation. Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that the indigenous knowledge of farmers in the Neyshabur Plain, especially in the field of saffron cultivation, has the potential to adapt to arid and semi-arid climatic conditions. Adopting solutions based on indigenous experience and knowledge, such as returning plant residues to the soil, using organic fertilizers, intercropping, and changing the cultivation pattern to perennial plants such as saffron, has led to improving the resilience of agricultural systems against climate change. These results confirm that combining indigenous knowledge with modern scientific approaches is an effective path to achieving sustainable agriculture and reducing dependence on costly and harmful inputs. On the other hand, factors such as age, education level, and land area have also played a significant role in the tendency of farmers to these measures. Finally, it can be concluded that the development and promotion of saffron cultivation, relying on indigenous knowledge and institutional support, can be a key solution in facing the water crisis and climate change in areas similar to the Neyshabur Plain.

Study of flower and stigma yield of saffron as affected by potassium and zinc fertilizers in Khorasan Razavi Province

Volume 2, Issue 1 , July 2015, , Pages 85-96

https://doi.org/10.22077/jsr.2015.332

Abstract

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is considered as the most expensive spice in the world. Although Iran has the highest world saffron production, but its yield is less compared with other producing countries. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effect of potassium and zinc application on flower ... Read More

Optimization of Saffron Drying Parameters by using Oven and Microwave using response Surface Methodology

Volume 5, Issue 2 , March 2018, , Pages 151-162

https://doi.org/10.22077/jsr.2017.737.1027

Abstract

Saffron is an expensive and valuable crop among agriculture and export production of Iran. Crocin, picrocrocin and safranal contents are recognized as color, taste and aroma factors, respectively. Optimization during saffron drying process as the most important stage in post harvesting has a fundamental ... Read More

Assessing involved Managing Factors in Gap Yield between Traditional and Ideal Saffron Cultivating Systems in Razavi and South Khorasan Provinces

Volume 7, Issue 2 , March 2020, , Pages 283-298

https://doi.org/10.22077/jsr.2019.2242.1089

Abstract

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 region is recorded. The aim of the study was investigation ... Read More

Evaluation of soil physical and chemical characteristics impacts on morphological criteria and yield of saffron (Crocus sativus L.)

Volume 3, Issue 2 , December 2016, , Pages 188-203

https://doi.org/10.22077/jsr.2015.294

Abstract

Soil characteristics play an important role in plant growth and yield such as saffron. In order to evaluate the effect of soil physical and chemical characteristics on morphological criteria, corm and flower yield of saffron, an experiment was conducted during year 2014. Studied soil characteristics ... Read More

Climatic Zoning Saffron(.Crocus sativus L) Cultivation using Analytical Hierarchy Process and Analytic Network Process (A Case Study: Semnan City)

Volume 6, Issue 2 , April 2019, , Pages 283-298

https://doi.org/10.22077/jsr.2017.626.1024

Abstract

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is a valuable crop and medicinal plant, including with respect to withstand drought significant role in Iran's non-oil exports. Climate is one of the most important in environmental variables. In addition, accurate knowledge of the agricultural products characteristics in ... Read More

Investigating the effect of biological and chemical fertilizers and water availability on the leaf and corm element concentrations and stigma quality in saffron

Mahdi Ebrahimi; Mohsen Pouyan; Mohammad Ali Behdani; Sareh Hosseini; Tayebeh Shahi; Hosein Ragh Ara; hossein sahabi

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 23 April 2025

https://doi.org/10.22077/jsr.2025.8156.1240

Abstract

The research was conducted in split plots with a basic RCBD(Randomized Complete Block Design)over two consecutive years (2020-2021and2021-2022) at ACECR's research complex for medicinal plants.The experimental treatments consisted of two levels of drought stress (50% and 100% of saffron water requirement) ... Read More The research was conducted in split plots with a basic RCBD(Randomized Complete Block Design)over two consecutive years (2020-2021and2021-2022) at ACECR's research complex for medicinal plants.The experimental treatments consisted of two levels of drought stress (50% and 100% of saffron water requirement) and six levels of fertilizer (control, 100% NPK, 50% NPK, 50% NPK with three biofertilizers, 50% NPK with four biofertilizers, and three biofertilizers). Due to increased drought stress, the nitrogen levels in saffron leaves and corms rose, whereas the phosphorus content in the leaves decreased significantly.These findings suggest that heightened drought stress can result in reduced phosphorus levels in saffron leaves. potassium content in saffron leaves remained unchanged under drought stress, but significantly increased in corms. In general, saffron leaves accumulated significantly higher amounts of nitrogen, potassium, iron, and zinc compared to the corms except for phosphorus.Fertilizer treatments significantly affected the levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in saffron leaves and stems, while iron and zinc levels remained unaffected. Since daughter corms store phosphorus effectively from chemical fertilizers and saffron yield depends on the amount of phosphorus in daughter corms, it is not advisable to completely replace chemical fertilizers with biological fertilizers.The level of potassium in saffron leaves and stems was not affected by the fertilizer treatments, suggesting that the application of fertilizer did not impact potassium absorption. while the level of safranal was higher in the first year.Additionally, it was observed that drought stress did not significantly impact the levels of any of the apocarotenoids examined in this study. The overall conclusion is that it is possible to enhance the quality of saffron and make up for nutrient deficiencies through the concurrent application of biological and chemical fertilizers in saffron farms even under drought.However further research is necessary to clarify the unknown aspects of this area.

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Comparison of Yield and Yield Components of Cumin and Sesame Plants after Saffron Harvest

Ali Abedinzadeh; Seyed Ahmad Ghanbari; Mohammad Reza Asgharipour; Alireza Sirousmehr; Ahmad Ahmadian

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 25 May 2025

https://doi.org/10.22077/jsr.2025.9293.1276

Abstract

Introduction: Saffron (Crocus sativus L.), recognized as the world’s most expensive agricultural and medicinal crop, holds a pivotal role in Iran’s agricultural economy, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions such as Torbat Heydarieh and Zaveh. After saffron harvest, the fields are typically ... Read More Introduction: Saffron (Crocus sativus L.), recognized as the world’s most expensive agricultural and medicinal crop, holds a pivotal role in Iran’s agricultural economy, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions such as Torbat Heydarieh and Zaveh. After saffron harvest, the fields are typically utilized for subsequent crops like cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) and sesame (Sesamum indicum L.), offering opportunities for crop diversification and income enhancement. This study addresses the economic challenges faced by farmers in saffron-producing regions of Iran, where soil fertility decline and water scarcity necessitate sustainable crop rotation strategies. Cumin, a drought-tolerant medicinal plant with significant export value, and sesame, a resilient oilseed crop, are promising candidates for post-saffron cultivation. The research aims to compare the quantitative and qualitative performance of these crops under varying land-use histories (saffron fields vs. fallow lands), providing insights into optimizing agricultural management and boosting farmers’ livelihoods. Understanding the influence of saffron residues, potential allelopathic effects, and soil conditions on subsequent crops is critical for developing effective farming practices in these regions. Materials and Methods: The experiment was conducted during the 2022-2023 growing season in Torbat Heydarieh and Zaveh, two key saffron-producing areas in Khorasan Razavi Province, Iran. A split-plot design within a randomized complete block arrangement with three replications was employed. Main plots consisted of two prior land-use types: fields with a 5-year fallow period and fields previously cultivated with saffron (corms removed post-harvest). Subplots included two plant species: cumin and sesame. Cumin was sown at 18 kg/ha and sesame at 6 kg/ha, with seeds sourced from the Khorasan Razavi Agricultural Jihad Organization. Fertilization involved urea (400 g/plot), triple superphosphate (300 g/plot), and potassium sulfate (300 g/plot), applied in stages tailored to each crop’s growth phases. Plots measured 10 m², with 1 m spacing between subplots and 2 m between main plots.

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Documentation, analysis and quantitative evaluation of Iranian national conferences of saffron (Seven conferences: 1988-2024)

Mahsa Aghhavani Shajari; Hamidreza Fallahi; Abbas Hemmati Kakhki

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 11 June 2025

https://doi.org/10.22077/jsr.2025.9194.1270

Abstract

Scientometrics or bibliometric analysis is one of the common methods for evaluating scientific production and activities and research management. This method is a quantitative approach to measuring scientific information in various fields of science. This method of analysis can reflect the latest scientific ... Read More Scientometrics or bibliometric analysis is one of the common methods for evaluating scientific production and activities and research management. This method is a quantitative approach to measuring scientific information in various fields of science. This method of analysis can reflect the latest scientific developments, research directions, and important research topics. In this study the documentation of national conferences of saffron and the quantitative evaluation of scientific information published in these conferences was evaluated. So far, seven national conferences on saffron have been held in Iran, the first of them was held in Qaen in 1988 and the last one was held in Birjand in 2024. The provinces of South-Khorasan (three times) and Razavi-Khorasan (four times) have been the only organizers of the national conferences of saffron. So far, 98 researchers have been the members of the scientific committee of these seven conferences. Abbas Hemmati-Kakhki and Abdullah Mollafilabi have been the members of this committee in all seven conferences. During the seven sessions of this conference, 601 articles have been published, the largest number of these (239 articles) belongs to the seventh conference, which was held by the University of Birjand. The highest ratio of the number of research articles to review articles was recorded in the fourth session of conference at Bozorgmehr Qayenat University.Researchers from Razavi-Khorasan and South-Khorasan provinces have participated in 271 and 156 articles, respectively, during the seven conference sessions as authors, and in this respect, they have a much higher share compared to the other provinces of the country.Overall, the results indicate the increasing attention of researchers in different provinces of Iran to conducting research related to saffron, which by focusing the implementation of future research on emerging aspects and promoting the results of previous research at the field level.,

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Number of Volumes	13
Number of Issues	25
Number of Articles	250
Number of Contributors	562
Article View	271,731
PDF Download	292,250
View Per Article	1086.92
PDF Download Per Article	1169
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Acceptance Rate	32
Average First Action	1
Time to Accept (Days)	135
Average Review Date	52
Average Time to Publish (After Acceptance)	147
Google Scholar h-index	12

Volume 13 (2025)

Volume 12 (2024)

Volume 11 (2023)

Volume 10 (2022)

Volume 9 (2021)

Volume 8 (2020)

Volume 7 (2019-2020)

Volume 6 (2018-2019)

Volume 5 (2017-2018)

Volume 4 (2016-2017)

Volume 3 (2015-2016)

Volume 2 (2014-2015)

Volume 1 (2013-2014)

In collaboration with University of Birjand and Crop Science Society of Iran

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