Medicinal Plants
Fatima Zahra El Grah; Salma Malak Bennasser; Hamza El Ghazali; Rachid Ait Hammou; Cherif Harrouni; Salma Daoud
Abstract
Purpose: Moroccan saffron is considered among the best quality produce worldwide. Its main production zones in Morocco are Taliwine and Taznakht administrative districts, located in the semiarid and arid bioclimatic ranges. The present study objective is the chemical characterization of Moroccan saffron ...
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Purpose: Moroccan saffron is considered among the best quality produce worldwide. Its main production zones in Morocco are Taliwine and Taznakht administrative districts, located in the semiarid and arid bioclimatic ranges. The present study objective is the chemical characterization of Moroccan saffron from the main producing counties in relation with climatic conditions, altitude, soil, and irrigation water. Research method: Saffron, soil and water samples were taken from 10 counties representing 80% of the production areas and underwent analysis using standard methods. Findings: Results showed that 80% of saffron samples are classified in category I, regarding crocin, picrocrocin, and safranal contents, according to the international standard ISO 3632-1. Soils supporting saffron cultivation are coarse and low in organic matter; their pH is alkaline and the EC low. Irrigation water is generally alkaline with low to very low EC. Statistical analysis showed that moderate altitude (1650-1900m) in the semiarid bio-climatic range had a positive effect on saffron quality (higher picrocrocin and crocin contents). Safranal was not influenced by altitude or by the bio-climate. Water and soil did not show any influence on saffron quality. Research limitations: As some cooperatives had organizational problems, it was not possible to get saffron samples from high altitude in the arid bioclimatic range in 2017 and 2018. Originality/Value: The most important value of the present work is the large number of samples distributed over three years and covering 80% of the production territory, which enabled to distinguish an effect of bio-climate and altitude on picrocrocin and crocin.
Plant Growth Regulators
Somaye Amini; Seyed Mahdi Ziaratnia
Abstract
Purpose: Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is a valuable medicinal plant with a short flowering period. Its flowering management can be useful for the production of saffron in a farm or controlled condition. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of plant growth regulators (PGRs) on saffron ...
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Purpose: Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is a valuable medicinal plant with a short flowering period. Its flowering management can be useful for the production of saffron in a farm or controlled condition. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of plant growth regulators (PGRs) on saffron corms sprouting. Research method: For this purpose, corms were treated with different PGRs including α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) (0, 100, 200, 300 ppm), chlorocholine chloride (CCC) (0, 100, 200, 300 ppm) and gibberellic acid (GA3) (0, 5, 10, 20 ppm) for two hours and incubated at 20-22 °C for eight weeks. Findings: The results revealed that the effect of PGRs on corms sprouting was significant. It has been shown that treatment of corms with auxin at all concentrations reduced sprouting compared to the control. To prolong dormancy for five weeks, NAA at 200 mg L-1 was the best choice. While for the fifth week onwards, the most effective treatment was NAA at 100 ppm. Treatment with GA3 (20 ppm) has shown a stimulatory effect on corm sprouting. Research limitations: No limitations were founded. Originality/Value: Sprouting acceleration can keep flowering away from early autumn frosting in farm conditions, while prolongation of corms dormancy provides the possibility of harvesting saffron flowers in several times in a hydroponic system. The results of this study suggested two kinds of chemical for different purposes, inhibition and stimulation of sprouting of saffron corms that can be applicable for saffron hydroponic or farm production, respectively.
