Optimizing micropropagation and microcorm induction in saffron (Crocus sativus L.) using PGRs (NAA and BAP) and...

The objective of this study was to optimize in vitro tissue culture conditions for Crocus sativus L. (saffron) by evaluating various concentrations of NAA (naphthaleneacetic acid), BAP (benzylaminopurine), and SA (salicylic acid) on callus induction, shoot regeneration, rooting, and microcorm production. The highest callus induction rate (46.53%) was obtained using 0.5 mg/L NAA, 1 mg/L BAP, and 15 mg/L SA. Increasing BAP to 1.5 or 2 mg/L significantly (P < 0.05) reduced callus formation, likely due to its inhibitory effects on differentiation and cell division. The application of 15 mg/L SA reduced tissue browning and moderately enhanced callus development across multiple treatments, indicating a protective effect against oxidative stress. The combination of 1 mg/L BAP and 1 mg/L NAA yielded the highest shoot regeneration rate (34.90%) and rooting rate (15.46%). Microcorm formation was most effectively induced using 0.5 mg/L NAA and 2 mg/L BAP in the presence of all tested SA concentrations. Overall, the findings suggest that an appropriate balance of plant growth regulators particularly the synergistic use of auxin, cytokinin, and SA can enhance the efficiency of saffron tissue culture, providing valuable implications for its propagation and improvement.