Response of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) Corms to Different Paired Temperature Treatments During Early Growth

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of paired temperature treatments on sprouting and early growth of saffron corms. A completely randomized design with five temperature regimesconstant 15 °C and fluctuating temperatures of 15-9, 15-12, 15-18, and 15-21 °C- and three replicates was applied in germinators for two weeks. The results showed that the constant 15 °C treatment produced the highest sprouting percentage (93.9%), leaf length (4.38 cm), and leaf number (5.13 leaves per corm). The lowest values of all traits occurred under the 9–15 °C treatment. Increasing temperatures above 15 °C also reduced all measured traits. The final recommendation and selection of the optimal temperature regime should be made with consideration of the flowering behavior of the plant. If the highest flowering also occurs under the 9–15 °C treatment, this regime would be preferable for controlled environments, as its reduced leaf growth can facilitate easier flower harvesting. Overall, the findings highlight the essential role of temperature regulation in optimizing initial growth stages of saffron.