Author: Syed Anam Ul Haq & Amjad M. Husaini
Citation: Haq, Syed Anam Ul, and Amjad M. Husaini. "Silicon and biofertilizers act synergistically and modify saffron traits selectively: towards sustainable saffron cultivation." Plant and Soil (2026): 1-25.
Abstract:
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11104-026-08553-0
Aims
Saffron cultivation faces challenges like declining soil fertility, climate change, and environmental stressors. This study examines how silicon and biofertilizers, used alone or together, affect microbial populations, nutrient dynamics, plant growth, and systemic resistance in saffron.
Methods
Soil and plant samples were collected during flowering and vegetative stages to assess microbial populations and nutrients using standard protocols. Growth parameters were recorded at specific times during the vegetative and flowering stages, while biochemical activities were measured at the vegetative stage. Data were analyzed with statistical packages to evaluate treatment effects.
Results
Co-application of silicon with biofertilizers enhanced the respective microbial populations in the increasing order of PSB < KSB < ZnSB < VAM, and elevated nutrient availability and uptake, particularly in KSB + Si, ZnSB + Si and VAM + Si, where K, Zn, N, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Mo accumulation peaked. KSB + Si and ZnSB + Si significantly improved sprout and shoot length, shoot biomass, and corm yield. Additionally, combination of KSB + Si enhanced root length, promoted early flowering (at par with PSB) and significantly enhanced the stigma yield, while PSB + Si and VAM + Si enhanced root biomass. VAM + Si had a significant positive impact on corm yield. Biochemical assays demonstrated elevated levels of osmoprotectants, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants in KSB + Si and VAM + Si treated plants, while proline and glycine betaine peaked in PSB and PSB + Si treatments.
Conclusion
Integrating silicon with biofertilizers promotes soil and plant health, offering a sustainable and eco-friendly strategy to cultivate saffron under changing agro-climatic conditions.
Author: Syed Anam Ul Haq & Amjad M. Husaini
Citation: Haq, Syed Anam Ul, and Amjad M. Husaini. "Silicon and biofertilizers act synergistically and modify saffron traits selectively: towards sustainable saffron cultivation." Plant and Soil (2026): 1-25.
Abstract:
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11104-026-08553-0
Aims
Saffron cultivation faces challenges like declining soil fertility, climate change, and environmental stressors. This study examines how silicon and biofertilizers, used alone or together, affect microbial populations, nutrient dynamics, plant growth, and systemic resistance in saffron.
Methods
Soil and plant samples were collected during flowering and vegetative stages to assess microbial populations and nutrients using standard protocols. Growth parameters were recorded at specific times during the vegetative and flowering stages, while biochemical activities were measured at the vegetative stage. Data were analyzed with statistical packages to evaluate treatment effects.
Results
Co-application of silicon with biofertilizers enhanced the respective microbial populations in the increasing order of PSB < KSB < ZnSB < VAM, and elevated nutrient availability and uptake, particularly in KSB + Si, ZnSB + Si and VAM + Si, where K, Zn, N, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Mo accumulation peaked. KSB + Si and ZnSB + Si significantly improved sprout and shoot length, shoot biomass, and corm yield. Additionally, combination of KSB + Si enhanced root length, promoted early flowering (at par with PSB) and significantly enhanced the stigma yield, while PSB + Si and VAM + Si enhanced root biomass. VAM + Si had a significant positive impact on corm yield. Biochemical assays demonstrated elevated levels of osmoprotectants, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants in KSB + Si and VAM + Si treated plants, while proline and glycine betaine peaked in PSB and PSB + Si treatments.
Conclusion
Integrating silicon with biofertilizers promotes soil and plant health, offering a sustainable and eco-friendly strategy to cultivate saffron under changing agro-climatic conditions.