Abstract

The present study was under taken at six locations in Cold Arid regions of Ladakh under open field and protected conditions. The results of the study revealed that shading caused by less sunshine hours in the cold arid zone of Ladakh probably has balanced soil temperature and has improved the growth of saffron which has influenced the final produce of the crop. Further, quality of the produce (stigma) viz., crocin, picrocrocin and safranal contents was recorded higher under protected conditions as compared to the open field condition particularly under cold arid regions. This study suggests that differences in altitude and climatic factors among regions can significantly affect saffron yield and quality.