Cost-effective saffron production system module for corm weight and planting density

Production of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is expanding in both the traditional and non-native areas of Jammu and Kashmir, India. A study was carried out to develop a cost-effective production system module at ARSSSS, SKUAST-Kashmir, Pampore to determine suitable corm weight and planting density for saffron. The treatments in the current study includes 3 levels of corm weight (W1= < 8g, W2= 8-12g and W3 = >12g) and 5 levels of corm densities viz., 15 lakh corm density/ha, 12 lakh corm density/ha, 10 lakh corm density/ha, 05 lakh corm density/ha and 03 lakh density/ha (farmers practice). Economically, saffron corms were sown in ditches plant geometry to accommodate 04 saffron corms, irrespective of densities. The observations were recorded on percentage of plant emergence, number of flowers per unit area, rod length, stigma length, fresh weight and dry weight of flower, stigma fresh and dry weight, total stigma yield, corm multiplication ratio, the onset of the flowering and flowering period. The results showed that all the factors mentioned above other than rod length and stigma quality were significantly affected by corm weight and planting density. Corms with higher weight started flowering earlier and their flowering time was longer than other treatments. Four years of evaluation of the experiment confirms marked superiority in yield by planting corms weighing >7g with a plant population of 12 lakh corms/ha on a raised bed for a duration of 4 years.