Physio-chemical responses of exogenous calcium nanoparticle and putrescine polyamine in Saffron (Crocus sativus L.)

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of calcium nanoparticles (CaNP) and putrescine polyamine on some physiological and biochemical properties of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) under the control condition. Saffron corm was treated by different concentrations of putrescine (0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2 mM) and CaNP (0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 1.5 g/l). The treatment of corm with putrescine and CaNP separately caused a significant increase in morphological parameters. Changes in biochemical parameters were also significant. Compared to other concentrations, the highest concentration of putrescine (1 mM) and CaNP (1 g/l) treatment in the plant showed the greatest effect. The combined effect of putrescine and CaNP treatment on morphological parameters was significant. The results of HPLC analysis showed that CaNP treatment alone is more effective on crocin, picrocrocin, and safranal content than the combined effect of CaNP and putrescine. The present study reported the functional potential of CaNP and putrescine combination to increase growth and phytochemical properties in Crocus sativus.