GROWTH, FLOWERING, VEGETATIVE REPRODUCTION, AND DORMANCY IN THE SAFFRON CROCUS (CROCUS SATIVUS L.)

ABSTRACT The developmental processes in Crocus sativus L. were studied with the aim of improving cultivation methods. The effects of planting depth on rooting, sprouting, flowering, leaf development, and corn production were investigated. Total rooting and flowering capacities were not affected by planting depth. In the case of shallow planting, contractile roots, whose function is to lower the daughter corms into the ground, formed singly at die base of daughter corms. The sprouting rate was enhanced or reduced by shallow planting in the field, depending on the prevailing climatic conditions. Leaf elongation increased markedly with the planting depth. The number of sprouting buds and hence that of daughter corms decreased with the planting depth. The average size of the daughter corms was inversely related to their number. In the saffron crocus, the fibrous roots are situated at the base of the mother corm. During the growing season, mother corms shrink and their vitality is lost; assimilate translocatio...