EXPLORING THE POTENTIALITIES OF CHAMAEROPS HUMILIS L. SOIL TO IMPROVE GROWTH AND QUALITY OF SAFFRON

Native soils are characterized by an indigenous symbiotic microflora, with several beneficial effects. This work aims to explore the potential beneficial effect of the microflora of Chamaerops humilis L. soil used as a live organic substrate on the growth and flowering of saffron (Crocus sativus L.), with a special focus on the potential role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). An experiment was conducted, for 2 years, using two treatments: sterile (ST) and live (LT). Several parameters on soil fertility, growth and quality of saffron were assessed. The obtained results demonstrate that the main physico-chemical properties of the soil significantly improved in LT, compared to ST at harvesting. Moreover, LT significantly improved growth traits, photosynthetic pigments, and mycorrhization colonization of roots compared to ST. Specifically, the quality assessment based on picrocrocin, safranal, and crocetin concentrations qualified the saffron stigmas under LT in category I, and ST in category II. Overall, the application of LT demonstrates its beneficial effects on soil fertility, yield, and quality of saffron. Therefore, Ch. humilis L. soil may be recommended as a potential bio-fertilizer and/or a nursing plant, with the potential positive effect of AMFs, able to enhance productivity and quality of saffron culture.

Automated summary

This study explored the potential beneficial effects of the microflora of Chamaerops humilis L. soil on the growth and flowering of saffron, with a special focus on the role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). The results showed that the live treatment significantly improved the physico-chemical properties of the soil and the growth traits of saffron compared to the sterile treatment. Additionally, the live treatment also enhanced the colonization of roots by mycorrhizal fungi. This suggests that Ch. humilis L. soil can be recommended as a potential bio-fertilizer and/or nursing plant to improve the productivity and quality of saffron culture.