The Growth of Saffron (Crocus sativusL.) in Aeroponics and Hydroponics

The development of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) plants and the production of commercial saffron and saffron constituents were compared in three culture systems: aeroponics, hydroponics, and soil. On a dry weight, but not fresh weight basis, corm growth was increased in aeroponics and hydroponics as compared with growth in soil. Root length in aeroponics and hydroponics was reduced as compared with root length in soil, but shoot development was not significantly affected. Flowering was poor in all three culture systems, probably due to the small-sized (2.6 cm) bulbs used in propagating the plants. The production of stigmas and the concentration of the main constituents of saffron in the stigmas was similar in all three culture systems, suggesting saffron bulbs grown aeroponically and hydroponically may be used as a practical and renewable source of pharmacological compounds extracted from saffron.