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Bulletin of the Kyrgyz National Agrarian University

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The influence of meteorological conditions on the development and flowering of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in the Chüy Valley, Kyrgyzstan

K Kadyr Aly A Abdybek Asanaliev Z Zhyldyz Baataeva S Sergey Khegay A Almaz Imanaliev
Received 30.01.2026
Revised 18.05.2026
Published 15.06.2026

Abstract

Trials and the introduction of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) were carried out between 2021 and 2025 with a view to diversifying agricultural production. Saffron is a new crop for Kyrgyzstan and is grown for its stigmas, which are a valuable export-oriented product. The aim of the study was to investigate the structure of the saffron flower, as well as the dynamics of flowering depending on meteorological conditions and agronomic practices (types of mulching). The trials were established in the collection nursery of the Kyrgyz National Agrarian University and on the fields of the “Dyikan” farm. Morphological assessment of the plants was carried out on plots arranged in triplicate. The height and number of leaves per plant, the degree of their overwintering, and the number of flowers were taken into account. Statistical processing and visualisation of the meteorological data and flowering productivity data were performed using MS Excel. The results of the trials showed that saffron flowering occurs on bright sunny days, whereas on rainy or overcast days, the flowers do not open. The duration of the flowering phase ranged from 15 to 30 days, depending on the ambient temperature. This phase was shortest in the year of planting (up to 15 days) and relatively longer in the third year of vegetation. The peak of flowering occurred between mid- and late October. Winter covering (mulching) of the saffron plants had a beneficial effect on generative processes, increasing the number of flowers. All types of mulching contributed to more intensive flowering. A significant difference (p ≤ 0.04 for the average number of flowers per plot over 5 years) was found when covering with compost (374), transparent film (419), and paper (533) compared to the control (217). Thus, the main factors positively influencing saffron yield are the formation of a greater number of leaves and intensive flowering of the plants when using mulching materials (paper, film, and compost)

Keywords

introduction; temperature; precipitation; mulching; atrophy
Suggested citation
Aly, K., Asanaliev, A., Baataeva, Zh., Khegay, S., & Imanaliev, A. (2026). The influence of meteorological conditions on the development and flowering of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in the Chüy Valley, Kyrgyzstan. Bulletin of the Kyrgyz National Agrarian University, 24(2), 62-73. https://doi.org/10.63621/bknau./2.2026.62

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