Safranal variations in saffron (Crocus sativus L.) under irrigation regimes in Iran

Saffron is a spice derived from the flower of the saffron crocus (Crocus sativus L.). Together with the styles stalks that connect the stigmas to their host plant the dried stigmas are used in cooking as a seasoning and colouring agent is native to Southwest Asia. Saffron also contains a carotenoid dye, crocin, which imparts a rich golden yellow hue to dishes and textiles. In order to the safranal variations in saffron under irrigation regimes, an experiment was carried out using a randomized complete blocks design with three replications at Iran in 2010. The factors including irrigation regimes (control, irrigation interrupted from stem elongation stage, irrigation interrupted from flowering stage) were studied. The flower yield in saffron increased under control irrigation into interrupted irrigation but safranal variations was increased under interrupted irrigation into control irrigation. The findings may give applicable advice to medicinal and aromatic plants researchers for management and concern on water strategy and estimate of irrigation carefully for increase of quantity and quality yields in medicinal and aromatic plants farming.