Flower enhancement in saffron under controlled conditions using plant growth regulators

Abstract

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is both economically and medicinally an important flowering plant, cormous perennial crop, which reproduces vegetatively. With the advance in new applications of pharmacology, demand of the stigmata is increasing, for this reason the studies on enhancement of flowers is gaining importance. An investigation was undertaken to find out the effect of plant growth regulators on enhancement of flowering in saffron under green house in 2017-18 at ICAR-CITH Srinagar. Among the various treatments of growth regulators along with different media used Colchicines (0.5%)+GA3(150ppm)+NAA(150ppm)+CCC (500ppm)] and [Cocopeat +Vermiculite +Soil (1:1:1), Colchicines (0.5%)+GA3 (100ppm) +NAA(200ppm)+CCC (500ppm)] showed maximum number of flowers. Hence growth regulators can be used for enhancing the flowering in saffron which finally enhances the economic part for better returns and economic benefits under controlled conditions.