Effects of Mycorrhiza Inoculation, Mother Corm Weight and Humic Acid on Daughter Corm and Flower Yield of saffron

Noori, Alireza; Koocheki, Alireza; Nassiri Mahallati, Mahdi; Khorramdel, Surur

doi:10.22077/jsr.2023.5903.1203

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ MSc Student in Agroecolology, Department of Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.

² Professor, Department of Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.

³ Associate Professor, Department of Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.

https://doi.org/10.22077/jsr.2023.5903.1203

Abstract

Introduction: Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is a plant that propagates vegetatively by means of a corm formation. During each growing season, saffron propagates by daughter corms produced from the mother corm. The daughter corms are formed above the mother corm. The mature and bigger corms in the previous studies have shown more flowers and daughter corms. In sustainable agriculture the uptake of different nutrients such as N, P, S, Ca, Cu, Zn, Fe and crop yield is strongly influenced by organic fertilizers, microbial symbionts, such as mycorrhizal fungi, and nitrogen fixing rhizobacteria. Mycorrhiza is particularly important due to its ability to improve the uptake of inorganic P, by the activity of secreted phosphatases and organic compounds. Another advantage conferred by AMF is enhancing plant resistance to several biotic and abiotic stresses including drought, salinity, nutrient deficiency, and toxic metal deposition. Also, the application of organic fertilizer can improve soil fertility, reduce soil-borne diseases, and enhance microbial flora structure. Humic acid is a kind of organic matter produced and accumulated by animal and crop remains through decomposition and transformation of microorganisms with a series of geochemistry processes. This study aimed to investigate the impacts of mycorrhiza inoculation, mother corm weight and humic acid on the daughter corm and flower yield of saffron.

Materials and Methods: This field experiment was conducted as factorial layout based on a randomized complete block design with three replications at the Agricultural Research Station, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad during the years 2019-2020. Treatments were three mother corm sizes ((such as <4 g (as small corms), 4.1-8 g (as medium corms) and 8.1-12 g (as large corms)), inoculation with three species of mycorrhizal fungi (Glomus etunicatum, G. mosseae and G. intraradices and triple combinations of these species fungi and control (without inoculation)), and two rates of humic acid (with and without humic acid (as control)). Studied traits were flower numbers per unit area, fresh weight of flower, dried weight of flower, fresh weight of stigma, dried weight of stigma, fresh weight of stamen, dried weight of stamen, number of daughter corms and dried weight of daughter corms.

Results and Discussion: The results showed that the highest rate of large mother corms (8.1-12 g) was observed in large corms + G. intraradices+humic acid with 109 g.m^-2. Also, the maximum weight of medium daughter corms (4.1-8 g) was achieved in large mother corms + G. intraradices+ humic acid with 63 g.m^-2. The highest numbers of daughter corms were related to triple combinations of mycorrhizal fungi+ large mother corms+ humic acid with 67 corms per m^-2. The highest flower numbers (67 flowers per m^-2), dried weight of stamen (2.79 g.m^-2), dried weight of stamen (0.28 g.m^-2), were recorded for triple combinations of mycorrhizal fungi+ large mother corms+ humic acid.

Conclusion: The results showed that the improvement of saffron management (such as selecting bigger and higher quality corm, fertilization, appropriate density, etc.) is the best way to increase the saffron yield. Humic acid recognized as a possible tool in facing environmental problems especially conventional management. Many of their positive effects on soil and plant growth have been demonstrated to rely on their chemical composition. Also, the effect of mycorrhiza symbiosis on a particular plant species meaning that not all AMF fungi nor strains of the same species will have an identical impact on a particular plant species. Therefore, mycorrhiza is of great importance to assure the presence of beneficial symbionts that are adapted to a given soil and climate or if inoculation is planned, to select the most effective partners. Generally, the results revealed that the large mother corms had high correlation with daughter corm yield, flower yield and stigma yield of saffron. Also, humic acid application and inoculation with mycorrhiza species were improved flower yield and daughter corm yield of saffron.

Keywords

20.1001.1.23453869.1402.11.1.4.5

References

Aghhavani Shajari, M., Rezvani Moghaddam, P., Ghorbani, R., & Koocheki, A. (2018). Increasing saffron (Crocus sativus L.) corm size through the mycorrhizal inoculation, humic acid application and irrigation managements. Journal of Plant Nutrition, 41 (8‌), 1047-1064.

Aminifard, M., & Ahmadi, F. (2018). Effects of fulvic acid and cow manure on stigma active components and petal Antiradical Activity of saffron (Crocus sativus L.). Saffron agronomy and technology, 6 (4), 415-428. [In Persian]

Amirnia, R., Bayat, M., & Tajbakhsh, M. (2014). Effects of nano fertilizer application and maternal corm weight on flowering at some saffron (Crocus sativus L.) ecotypes. Turkish Journal of Field Crops, 19 (2), 158-168.

Amirshekari, H., Soroushzadeh, A., Modares Sanavi, S., & Jalali, J. M. (2006). Study of effects of root temperature, corm size, and Gibbrellin on Underground organs of saffron. Iranian journal of Biology, 19 (1), 5-18 [In Persian]

Aytekin, A., & Acikgoz, A. O. (2008). Hormone and microorganism treatments in the cultivation of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) plants. Molecules, 13 (5), 1135-1147.

Behdani, M. A., Koocheki, A., Nassiri, M., & Rezvani Moghaddam, P. (2008). Models to predict flowering time in the main saffron production regions of Khorasan province. Journal of Applied Sciences, 8 (5), 907-909.

BekhradiyaniNasab, A., Balouchi, H., Movahhedi Dehnavi, M., & Sorooshzadeh, A. (2020). Effect of benzyl aminopurine, phosphate solubilizing bio-fertilizers and maternal corm weight on the qualitative indices of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) flowers and corm lets in Yasouj region. Journal of Saffron Research, 8 (1), 99-113. [In Persian]

Cardone, L., Castro Nuovo, D., Perniola, M., Cicco, N., & Candido, V. (2020). Saffron (Crocus sativus L.), the king of spices: An overview. Scientia Horticulturae, 272: 109560.

Caser, M., Demasi, S., Victorino, Í. M. M., Donno, D., Faccio, A., Lumini, E., & Scariot, V. (2019). Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi modulate the crop performance and metabolic profile of saffron in soilless cultivation. Agronomy, 9 (5), 232-239.

Chaji, N., Khorassani, R., Astaraei, A., Lakzian, A. (2013). Effect of phosphorous and nitrogen on vegetative growth and production of daughter corms of saffron. Journal of Saffron Research, 1 (1), 1-12. [In Persian].

Chichi Ricco, G., Ferrante, C., Menghini, L., Recinella, L., Leone, S., Chiavaroli, A., & Orlando, G. (2019). Crocus sativus by-products as sources of bioactive extracts: Pharmacological and toxicological focus on stamens. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 126, 7-14.

D'Agostino, G., Gamalero, E., Gianotti, V., Bottaro, M., Gennaro, M. C., Berta, G., & Gosetti, F.‌ (2009). Use of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and beneficial soil bacteria to improve yield and quality of saffron‌ (Crocus sativus L.‌). In III International Symposium on Saffron: Forthcoming Challenges in Cultivation, Research and Economics, 850‌: 159-164‌.‏

De Juan, J. A., Córcoles, H. L., Muñoz, R. M., & Picornell, M. R.‌ (2009)‌. Yield and yield components of saffron under different cropping systems. Industrial Crops and Products, 30 (2‌), 212-219.

Fageria, N. K., Moreira, A., & Dos Santos, A. B.‌ (2013)‌. Phosphorus uptake and use efficiency in field crops. Journal of plant nutrition, 36 (13‌), 2013-2022.

Gerdakaneh, M., Amini, E., & Khan Ahmadi, M. (2020). Effects of Soil and Foliar Spraying Application of Humic Acid on Qualitative and Quantitative Properties of Saffron. Journal of Saffron Research, 8 (1), 71-84. [In Persian with English Summary]

Ghanbari, J., Khajoei-Nejad, G., Van Ruth, S. M., & Aghighi, S.‌ (2019)‌. The possibility for improvement of flowering, corm properties, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity in saffron (Crocus sativus L.) by different nutritional regimes. Industrial Crops and Products, 135, 301-310.

Gresta, F., Lombardo, G. M., Siracusa, L., & Ruberto, G.‌ (2008)‌. Saffron, an alternative crop for sustainable agricultural systems, A review. Agronomy for Sustainable Development, 28 (1‌), 95-112.

Habibi, M., zaefarian, F., rejali, F., & bagheri, N. (2021). Isolation and identification of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi of saffron symbiosis and investigation ‎of their effect on yield and nutrient uptake under water interruption and different planting bed. Journal of Crops Improvement, 23 (3), 591-579. [In Persian]

Han, H. S., & Lee, K. D. (2006). Effect of co-inoculation with phosphate and potassium solubilizing bacteria on mineral uptake and growth of pepper and cucumber. Plant soil and Environment, 52 (3), 130.

Hassanzadeh Aval, F., Rezvani Moghaddam, P., Bannayan aval, M., & Khorasani, R. (2013). Effects of maternal corm weight and different levels of cow manure on corm and flower yield of saffron (Crocus sativus L.). Saffron agronomy and technology, 1 (1), 22-39. [In Persian]

Jami, N., Rahimi, A., Naghizadeh, M., & Sedaghati, E.‌ (2020)‌. Investigating the use of different levels of Mycorrhiza and Vermicompost on quantitative and qualitative yield of saffron‌ (Crocus sativus L.‌). Scientia Horticulturae, 262, 109027.

Jansa, J., Erb, A., Oberholzer, H. R., Šmilauer, P., & Egli, S.‌ (2014‌). Soil and geography are more important determinants of indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizal communities than management practices in Swiss agricultural soils. Molecular Ecology, 23 (8‌), 2118-2135.

Jindo, K., Martim, S. A., Navarro, E. C., Pérez-Alfocea, F., Hernandez, T., Garcia, C., & Canellas, L. P.‌ (2012)‌. Root growth promotion by humic acids from composted and non-composted urban organic wastes. Plant and Soil, 353 (1‌), 209-220.

Khan, A., Khan, M. Z., Hussain, F., Akhtar, M. E., Gurmani, A. R., & Khan, S.‌ (2013‌). Effect of humic acid on the growth, yield, nutrient composition, photosynthetic pigment and total sugar contents of peas‌ (Pisum sativum L‌). Journal of the Chemical Society of Pakistan, 35-42.

Khavari, A., Behdani, M., Zamani, G., & Mahmoodi, S. (2016). Effects of Planting Methods and Corm Weight on Corm and Flower Yield of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in Qaenat Region. Journal of Saffron Research, 4 (1), 120-133. [In Persian]

Koocheki, A. (2013). Research on production of Saffron in Iran: Past trend and future prospects. Saffron agronomy and technology, 1 (1), 3-21. [In Persian]

Koocheki, A., Asadi, G., Bagheri Shirvan, M., & Bicharanlou, B. (2018). The possibility of replacing chemical fertilizer with organic manure in saffron cultivation at different levels of corm density under Northern Khorasan climatic conditions. Saffron agronomy and technology, 6 (2), 125-145. [In Persian]

Koocheki, A., Fallahi, H., Amiri, M., & Ehyaei, H. (2015). Effects of humic acid application and mother corm weight on yield and growth of saffron (Crocus sativus L.). Journal of Agroecology, 7 (4), 425-442. [In Persian]

Koocheki, A., Jahani, M., Tabrizi, L., & Mohammadabadi, A. A.‌ (2011)‌. Investigation on the effect of biofertilizer, chemical fertilizer and plant density on yield and corm characteristics of saffron‌ (Crocus sativus L.‌). Journal of water and soil, 25, 196-206.

Kumar, R.‌ (2009‌). Calibration and validation of regression model for non-destructive leaf area estimation of saffron‌ (Crocus sativus L.‌). Scientia Horticulturae, 122 (1‌), 142-145.

Kuntal, D., Raman, D., Thippenahalli, N. S., & Sekeroglu, N.‌ (2007‌). Influence of bio-fertilizers on the biomass yield and nutrient content in Stevia rebaudiana. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 1 (1‌), 5-8.

Lahmass, I., Ouahhoud, S., Elmansuri, M., Sabouni, A., Elyoubi, M., Benabbas, R., & Saalaoui, E.‌ (2018)‌. Determination of antioxidant properties of six by-products of crocus sativus L.‌ (saffron‌) plant products. Waste and Biomass Valorization, 9 (8‌), 1349-1357.

Leone, S., Recinella, L., Chiavaroli, A., Orlando, G., Ferrante, C., Leporini, L., & Menghini, L. (2018). Phytotherapy use of the Crocus sativus L. (Saffron‌) and its potential applications: A brief overview. Phytotherapy Research, 32 (12), 2364-2375.

Li, Y., Fang, F., Wei, J., Wu, X., Cui, R., Li, G., & Tan, D. (2019). Humic acid fertilizer improved soil properties and soil microbial diversity of continuous cropping peanut: a three-year experiment. Scientific reports, 9 (1): 1-9.

Marschner, H., & Dell, B. (1994). Nutrient uptake in mycorrhizal symbiosis. Plant and soil, 159 (1), 89-102.

Ministry of Agriculture-Jahad. (2020). Agricultural Statistics, (Vol. 2). Islamic Republic of Iran, Ministry of Agriculture-Jahad, Press. [In Persian].

Moein Rad, H., Mollafilabi, A., & Sayyadi, M. (2020). Effects of field age, mother corm weight and ecotype on flower and corm yield and quality traits of saffron. Journal of Saffron Research, 8 (1), 55-69. [In Persian with]

Molina, R. V., Valero, M., Navarro, Y., Guardiola, J. L., & García-Luis, A. J. S. H. (2005). Temperature effects on flower formation in saffron‌ (Crocus sativus L.‌). Scientia Horticulturae, 103 (3‌), 361-379.

Narula, N., Kumar, V., Behl, R. K., Deubel, A., Gransee, A., & Merbach, W.‌ (2000)‌. Effect of P‐solubilizing Azotobacter chroococcum on N, P, K uptake in P‐responsive wheat genotypes grown under greenhouse conditions. Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science, 163 (4‌), 393-398.

Nassiri Mahalati, M., Koocheki, A., Boroumand, Z., & Tabrizi, L. (2007). Effects of corm size and storage period on allocation of assimilates in different parts of saffron plant (Crocus sativus L.). Iranian Journal of Field Crops Research, 5 (1), 155-166. [In Persian]

Parray, J. A., Kamili, A. N., Reshi, Z. A., Hamid, R., & Qadri, R. A.‌ (2013). Screening of beneficial properties of rhizobacteria isolated from Saffron‌ (Crocus sativus L.‌) rhizosphere. African Journal of Microbiology Research, 7 (23‌), 2905-2910.

Rasouli, Z., Maleki Farahani, S., & Besharati, H. (2014). Saffron Underground Organs as Affected by Organic, Biological, and Chemical Fertilizers. Iranian Journal of Soil Research, 28 (2), 296-312. [In Persian]

Renau-Morata, B., Nebauer, S. G., Sánchez, M., & Molina, R. V. (2012). Effect of corm size, water stress and cultivation conditions on photosynthesis and biomass partitioning during the vegetative growth of saffron‌ (Crocus sativus L.‌). Industrial Crops and Products, 39, 40-46.

Rezvani Moghaddam, P., Khorramdel, S., & Mollafilabi, A. (2015). Evaluation of soil physical and chemical characteristics impacts on morphological characteristics and yield of saffron (Crocus sativus L.). Journal of Saffron Research, 3 (2), 188-203. [In Persian]

Sahabi, H., jahan, M., koocheki, A., & Nassiri Mahallati, M. (2018). Effects of corm origin, corm weight and nutrient foliar application on yield and qualitative traits of saffron (Crocus sativus L.). Saffron agronomy and technology, 6 (3), 269-277. [In Persian]

Sahu, S.N., & Jana, B. B. (2000)‌. Enhancement of the fertilizer value of rock phosphate engineered through phosphate-solubilizing bacteria. Ecology Engineering, 15, 27-39.

Sharifi, M., Ghorbanli, M. & Ebrahimzadeh, H.‌ (2007‌). Improved growth of salinity-stressed soybean after inoculation with salt pre-treated mycorrhizal fungi. Journal of Plant Physiology, 164, 1144–1151.

Shi, J., Zhao, B., Zheng, S., Zhang, X., Wang, X., Dong, W., & Wang, E.‌ (2021)‌. A phosphate starvation response-centered network regulates mycorrhizal symbiosis. Cell, 184 (22‌), 5527-5540.

Shokrpour, M.‌ )2019(‌. Saffron‌ (Crocus sativus L.‌) breeding: opportunities and challenges. Advances in plant breeding strategies, Industrial and food crops, 675-706.

Simpson, R. J., Oberson, A., Culvenor, R. A., Ryan, M. H., Veneklaas, E. J., Lambers, H. & Richardson, A. E.‌ (2011)‌. Strategies and agronomic interventions to improve the phosphorus-use efficiency of farming systems. Plant and Soil, 349 (1‌), 89-120.

Tedersoo, L., Bahram, M., & Zobel, M.‌ (2020)‌. How mycorrhizal associations drive plant population and community biology. Science, 367 (6480‌), eaba1223.

Tedersoo, L., Sánchez-Ramírez, S., Kõljalg, U., Bahram, M., Döring, M., Schigel, D., & Abarenkov, K.‌ (2018)‌. High-level classification of the Fungi and a tool for evolutionary ecological analyses. Fungal Diversity, 90 (1‌), 135-159.

Vurdu, H.‌ (2004)‌. Agronomical and biotechnological approaches for saffron improvement. Acta Horticulturae‌, 650, 285-290.

Zhang, X., & Schmidt, R. E. (2000). Hormone‐containing products' impact on antioxidant status of tall fescue and creeping bent grass subjected to drought. Crop Science, 40 (5), 1344-1349.