Abstract
In recent years, saffron production in some places of Spain has undergone a decrease in yield, which together with the need for a large amount of trained hand labor to process the flower, reduces incentives for its cultivation. This situation demands an in-depth study of the problems and prospects for saffron flower production in Spain. The saffron's life cycle has been well adapted to the Mediterranean climate, allowing floral induction and floral primordium development in summer, as well as sprouting in autumn. However, the current trend of rising temperatures may be affecting this development, requiring the identification of the concerned process and a change in cultivation methods. Additionally, flower production is directly related to corm size, also being affected by climate change in this region. Traditional rainfed cultivation may become unviable. An additional problem is the lack of certified varieties ensuring healthy and guaranteed production. Saffron corms, a byproduct of saffron cultivation, are sold at high prices without quality assurance. An approach that considers corm and saffron production as different activities and under different conditions may be required. In addition to seeking the most suitable environmental conditions, treatments that affect the physiology of the corm by increasing its sink strength should be considered. The unhealthiness of the corms resulting from the lifting method is also a relevant problem that needs to be addressed considering the goal to implement organic farming. Finally, improving ISO standards to adequately characterize different bioactive products would be necessary. Possible approaches to these issues and alternative cultivation methods will be presented in this seminar.
