Phenological studies at different stages of crop growth are important to mitigate the ill effects of climate change to which saffron is very much sensitive and to predict the production system modules involving cultural practices and crop protection systems. Study on phenological growth stages of natural temporal sub-populations of Kashmir saffron (Crocus sativus L.) carried over 2 years revealed that the ontogenesis period of saffron with above ground organs is almost similar to period showing no organs above ground. Among ontogenic periods vegetative phase is the longest period (142 days), followed by flower ontogenesis (60 days), dormancy (55 days), reproductive (41 days),bud sprouting phase (36 days) and plant senescence (30 days). | Phenological growth stages of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) under temperate conditions of Jammu & Kashmir-India
