Saffron requires low water, high economic value
At present, Iran is the largest producer of saffron in the world, also due to the special climatic conditions in the country, saffron produced in Iran has the highest quality.
Saffron as a valuable plant and compatible environment in Khorasan region is one of the most important exports of agricultural products in the country.
Mohsen Pouyan, director of the South Khorasan Jihad University Medicinal Plants Research Complex, said: In recent years, frequent droughts and a decrease in the area under cultivation of crops with high water requirements have led to an increase in saffron cultivation as a plant with low water requirements, especially in South Khorasan province.
He said: Despite the relatively low water requirement of saffron, the application of moisture stress directly leads to a decrease in dry matter yield and especially the economic yield of saffron.
Pouyan stated: Lack of soil moisture is one of the most important factors in reducing the yield of saffron and the growth of stems of this plant is strongly affected by moisture conditions and soil factors, so although saffron is a plant resistant to dehydration, but should not be under drought stress.
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