Effect of Different Levels Salicylic Acid, Humic Acid, and Complete Fertilizer on the Yield of Saffron

Foliar application of salicylic acid, humic acid, and complete fertilizers was evaluated for their effects on flower and corm yield of saffron (Crocus sativa L.) in a three-year field experiment conducted during 2020–2021. Although nutrient management and plant growth regulators are known to influence saffron productivity, limited field-based evidence exists regarding their combined effects under local agro-ecological conditions. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the individual and interactive effects of salicylic acid, humic acid, and different fertilizer sources on saffron flower yield and corm production. The experiment was arranged in a factorial design within a randomized complete block design with three replications. Treatments included three levels of salicylic acid and five fertilizer regimes: control, Saffron Magic liquid fertilizer, complete fertilizer (20–20–20), humic acid + Saffron Magic, and complete fertilizer (20–20–20) + humic acid. Foliar sprays were applied at two growth stages. Results showed that salicylic acid had no significant effect on flower yield, stigma dry weight, stigma length, corm length, or total corm weight. Fertilizer treatments significantly affected flower number, with the highest value (54.76 flowers per square meter) recorded under simple fertilizer application. The interaction between salicylic acid and fertilizer was not significant for most traits. However, total corm weight increased in Saffron Magic, complete fertilizer (20–20–20), and Saffron Magic + humic acid treatments compared with the control. These findings emphasize the importance of optimized foliar fertilization strategies to improve saffron productivity and nutrient management efficiency.