Genetic variation of quantitative traits and stigma yield in Iranian saffron (Crocus sativusL.) genotypes

Crocus sativus is one of the most important medicinal plants and expensive spice in the world. This study was carried out to evaluate qualitative traits and stigma yield variation of 72 genotypes derived from different regions of country. 72 genotypes were cultivated in a complete randomized block design with three replications in Shahid Fozveh Station of Agricultural and Natural resources Research Center of Esfahsn. Variance analysis of data showed significant differences among genotypes for all characters. Based on mean comparison, Neishaboor genotype had the highest and Esfahan genotype had the lowest stigma yield square meter. Variation range of picrocrocin was variable from 52470 to526.0. Neishaboor and Esfahan genotypes had the highest classified and the lowest stigma yield, respectively Also Neishaboor genotype had the highest number of flower. Cluster analysis divided the genotypes in to 0 clusters. Results of this study revealed considerable variation among the genotypes probably because of diversified ancestors or mutation phenomenon. Our results showed no relationship between agronomic diversity and geographic distribution

Keywords:

Cluster analysis , Crocin , Picrocrocin , Safranal