Glasnik Zaštite Bilja, Vol. 49. No. 4., 2026.
Stručni rad
Hydroponic cultivation of saffron
Sanja Radman
; Sveučilište u Zagrebu Agronomski fakultet, Zagreb, Hrvatska
*
Sanja Fabek Uher
; Sveučilište u Zagrebu Agronomski fakultet, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Jana Šic Žlabur
; Sveučilište u Zagrebu Agronomski fakultet, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Božidar Benko
; Sveučilište u Zagrebu Agronomski fakultet, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Nevena Opačić
; Sveučilište u Zagrebu Agronomski fakultet, Zagreb, Hrvatska
* Dopisni autor.
Sažetak
Climate change is increasingly affecting the stability of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) production, one of the most valuable spices in the world, highlighting the need for innovative and sustainable cultivation systems. Traditional open-field cultivation struggles to adapt to climatic variations, resulting in reduced and unstable yields, limited supply, and decreased market competitiveness. The high market value of saffron stems from its specific and demanding cultivation requirements, which are highly sensitive to external factors and the limitations of conventional agriculture. As a sustainable alternative, protected cultivation with modern hydroponic techniques is gaining importance. Soilless cultivation ensures cleaner plant material and significantly reduces the risk of soil- borne diseases, enhancing product safety and quality. These systems allow precise control of abiotic factors, efficient use of water and nutrients, and a reduced environmental footprint. Production under fully controlled and automated conditions, with the possibility of integrating IoT-based monitoring systems, further mitigates production risks, optimizes resource use, and enables precise management of saffron growth and development. This approach achieves stable, uniform, and high-quality yields largely independent of external climatic fluctuations. Special emphasis is placed on optimizing cultivation conditions to maximize stigma yield and quality, the commercially most valuable part of the plant. By controlling nutrient solution composition, applying controlled drought stress, and adjusting light spectrum and photoperiod, it is possible to influence plant growth, development, and accumulation of bioactive compounds, particularly carotenoids. The remaining biomass can be valorized through extraction of valuable phenolic compounds, promoting complete utilization of the raw material and the principles of a circular economy. The application of modern hydroponic systems under controlled conditions represents an efficient model for sustainable saffron production and contributes to agricultural diversification. This approach opens opportunities for saffron cultivation in regions where it is not traditionally grown, while enhancing competitiveness and production stability in the global market.
Ključne riječi
medicinal and aromatic plants; controlled cultivation; sustainable agriculture; climate change; production diversification; saffron
Hrčak ID:
350029
URI
Datum izdavanja:
15.7.2026.
Posjeta: 0 *