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Effect of superabsorbent application on physiological traits and stigma yield of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in deficit irrigation conditions
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Mohammad Azimi Gandomani   , Mostafa Alinaghizadeh |
| Agriculture Department, Faculty of Technical and Engineering, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran & Agriculture Department, Faculty of Technical and Engineering, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran |
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Abstract: (56 Views) |
Introduction: Saffron, an important crop in Iran's arid and semi-arid regions, plays a significant role in the livelihoods of farmers, and increasing the non-oil exports’ incomes of the country (Ahmadian et al., 2024). However, the limitation of water resources has imposed some challenges on expanding the cultivation and production of this valuable crop. Limited studies have explored the interactive effects of moisture-absorbing materials, soil conditioners, and irrigation regimes on saffron, particularly on product quality. This experiment aims to address two main objectives: (1) to assess the impact of water deficit on photosynthetic pigments, antioxidant enzymes, and saffron yield, and (2) to evaluate the effect of superabsorbents on photosynthetic pigments, antioxidant enzymes, and yield under various irrigation regimes in deficit irrigation conditions.
Materials and Methods: This field experiment was conducted over three growing sesaons (2020-21, 2021-22, and 2022-23) in the Ziayar region, in Isfahan Province, Iran. The experimental design was split-plot arrangements in randomized complete block design with three replications. Irrigation levels (50%, 75%, and 100% of the water requirements, which was severe, mild and non-stress, respectively) were assigned to the main plots, and the superabsorbent, Stockosorb, applied at three rates (0, 50, and 100 kg.ha-1), was randomized to sub-plots. Saffron’s water requirement, estimated using the Cropwat software, was 3280 cubic meters per hectare, calculated based on long-term meteorological data from 1994 to 2018. Irrigation was carried out using a counter-meter system and applied to furrows. In the first growing season, the first irrigation was done immediately after planting, with four irrigations per growing season (pre-flowering, post-flowering; mid-March, and late April). Irrigation rate for the 50%, 75%, and 100% levels were 1720, 2580, and 3440 m3, respectively. Measurements of photosynthetic pigments, antioxidant enzymes, proline content, and membrane stability were taken during the growing season from the young developed leaves in December at the saffron vegetative growth stage.
Results: Water deficit reduced chlorophylla, chlorophyllb, carotenoids, and total pigments over the two years of the experiment (2021-22 and 2022-23). In contrast, the application of superabsorbents significantly mitigated the adverse effects of water stress in both years. Results showed that under all irrigation levels, the highest amounts of chlorophylla, chlorophyllb, carotenoids, total pigments, antioxidant enzymes, and membrane stability were obtained in the 100% irrigation levle and application of 100 kg.ha-1 of superabsorbent. Additionally, as water deficit intensified, proline content also increased, while the superabsorbent application reduced leaf proline content under all irrigation regimes. The results demonstrated that the highest chlorophylla levels (5.60 and 5.30 mg.g-1 fresh weight in 2021-22 and 2022-23, respectively), chlorophyllb (1.40 and 1.37 mg.g-1 fresh weight), carotenoids (3.10 and 3.40 mg.g-1 fresh weight), catalase enzyme activity (3.81 and 3.69 μmol.min-1.mg-1 protein), superoxide dismutase (27.6 and 26.1 μmol.min-1.mg-1 protein), peroxidase (29.2 and 27.4 μmol.min-1.mg-1 protein), fresh flower yield (155.9 and 191.7 g.m-2), and dry stigma yield (1.18 and 1.78 g.m-2) were measured and recorded in 100% irrigation level and application of 100 kg.ha-1 superabsorbent.
Conclusion: The results of this experiment indicated the positive effect of irrigation and superabsorbent application levels on the physiological traits, antioxidant enzymes, and economic yield of saffron. Physiological parameters such as chlorophyll, carotenoids, membrane stability, and proline were also improved. Irrigation and superabsorbent application levels enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase). These improvements were particularly remarkable in full irrigation (100% of water requirement). However, even under water deficit conditions (50% and 75% of water requirement), superabsorbents reduced the negative effects of water deficit stress and improved saffron leaf physiological responses. The results also showed that in water deficit conditions, the application of superabsorbents reduced the negative effects of water deficit stress and contributed to enhancing saffron yield. These results suggest that superabsorbents can be a beneficial soil amendment under drought stress conditions, improving saffron growth and yield.
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| Keywords: Antioxidant enzymes, Flower yield, Photosynthetic pigments, Saffron and Stigma yield |
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Full-Text [PDF 549 kb]
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Type of Study: Scientific & Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2024/10/9 | Accepted: 2024/12/30 | Published: 2024/12/30
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Azimi Gandomani M, Alinaghizadeh M. Effect of superabsorbent application on physiological traits and stigma yield of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in deficit irrigation conditions. Iranian Journal of Crop Sciences. 2025; 26 (4) :316-332 URL: http://agrobreedjournal.ir/article-1-1390-en.html
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