Effect of changes in planting depths of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) corms and determining their agronomic characteristics under warm and temperate (Csa) climatic conditions of Turkish province of Hatay

The study was carried out under warm and temperate (Csa - Kopen Gegger classification) ecological conditions of Turkish province of Hatay during 2010-2011 using saffron (Crocus sativus L.) corms of three different circumference by planting them at 5 and 15 cm depths. Saffron corms were divided into three categories based on circumference; large: more than 8 cm, medium: 6-8 cm and small 4-6 cm. The number of corms, number of flowers, fresh stigma yield, number of leaves, number of harvested corms and their weight were evaluated after harvest. The results showed that the number of flowers were positively affected by their circumference at both planting depths. Surface planted corms showed proportionally increased regeneration of new cormlets. The stigma yield was positively affected using different corms circumferences in the second year, but had no significant effect at different depths. Increased weight of harvested cormlets was noted on corms planted at 15 cm depth during the 2nd year. Second year planting at 15 cm depth showed markedly increased corm circumference, improved number of flowers, stigmas yield compared to the these parameters noted after first year planting with planting.