Effect of Treatment of Corms With Trichoderma Inoculum on the Development of Crocus sativus Plants and the Formation of Daughter Bulbs

Abstract

In this study, an isolate of Trichoderma sp.1, collected from saffron corms, was utilized to evaluate its effect on saffron plant growth and bulb formation.Treating saffron corms with a conidial suspension of the Trichoderma isolate before sowing showed a positive impact on agronomic parameters and bulb formation. After four months of greenhouse cultivation, plants from Trichoderma-treated corms had an average of 31 leaves per plant, compared to 16,5 in the control plants. The average leaf length of treated plants was nearly identical to that of the controls.The average weights of leaves and roots in treated plants were 2,53g and 0,3g, respectively, compared to 1,93g and 0.15g in the controls.Furthermore, plants from Trichoderma-treated corms produced an average of about 10 newly formed bulbs, while control plants produced 5,75. The average bulb weight of treated plants was 16,5g, compared to 10,36g in control plants. These results benefit saffron producers by ensuring planting material availability. Trichoderma stimulates daughter corm formation, boosting production.