Effect of corm weight on saffron production in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is one of the highest consuming countries for saffron spice. In year 2009; the price for one kg of saffron spice in the local market reached 18,000 SR (̃US$ 5,000). We report, for the first time, the cultivation of saffron in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), in particular at Alkharj Governorate. The effect of corm weight on saffron production was investigated under Alkharj governorate cultivation conditions. Corms of Crocus sativus L. (Iridaceae) of Spanish origin (accession #: BCU001584 from Minaya, Albacete, Spain) were provided by Professor J.A. Fernández (Albacete, Spain). Three different corm weights (fresh weight) as CW1: >10g, CW2: ≥5g - ≤10g and CW3: <5g were studied. The higher weight of saffron corms increased the number of leaves per corm. The maximum mean values of leaf length were obtained as a result of lesser weight of saffron corms weighing <5g. The highest number of sprouts was observed with the use of saffron corms weighing >10g. None of the three corm weights produced saffron flowers, which might be due to the late planting in December, while the flowering period is mainly in November. Daughter corms have been produced by the three different corm weights. The higher weight of saffron mother corms increased the number of daughter corms, up to three daughter corms per mother corm were produced by the end of May.