Feasibility study of saffron cultivation using a semi-saline water by managing planting date, a new statement

In the current study the possibility of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) cultivating using semi-saline water was investigated at different planting dates. The salinity of irrigation water and soil were 2.9 and 5.8 dS m^-1, respectively. The results showed that saffron had an acceptable potential for cultivation using semi-saline water in saline soils. The early planting dates went through the developmental stages faster, meaning saffron corms sown in early October sprouted earlier, flowers appeared faster and fully flowering occurred earlier. Nevertheless, plant senescence was the same in all planting dates. The highest percentage of corms sprouting and flowering were obtained in the early October planting dates in both years, which were matched with canopy temperature distribution. The highest flowers weight as well as stigma fresh and dry weight were obtained on the 13 October planting date within the 3 years study reaching the maximum values during the third year. Electrolyte leakage was higher in the last planting date, while photosynthesis pigments were more in early to mid-October planting dates. These effects might be related to damage of freezing temperature to physiological processes. Shoot dry weight and water productivity were the highest in early October planting dates. The shoot biomass on October 13 planting date was enough to be considered as a new forage source in semi-saline conditions. It seems that cultivation of saffron with semi-saline water is possible by considering a proper planting date, adequate leaching requirement and accurate irrigation management.