Khorasan province in Iran with a diverse climatic conditions has accommodated a wide range of plant communities particularly herbs, spices and medicinal plants. Among these saffron (Crocus sativus L.), cumin (Cuminum cyminum) and barberry (Berberis vulgaris) have been the most cultivated plants for thousands of years. These crops deliver unique interests and applications, which among them, the novel use of saffron in recent years in cancer cure have been promenaded and stimulated more investigation on this crop. Almost 89% of the total world’s saffron production (270 t) and 92% of the total Iran’s saffron production (240 t) originates from Khorasan province. Almost all the barberry production in the world (8540 t), and 52% of the total world’s cumin production (29,000 t) and 88% of the total Iran’s cumin production (15,410 t) are produced in this area too. Water scarcity mostly associated with low rain and hot summer, along with low soil fertility are the most limiting factors of crop production in this region. These crops are not only the most important source of income for farmers but also historically strong socio-cultural activities have been formed within the local community. To understanding scientific bases of indigenous knowledge of spice producing communities, the Centre of Excellence for Special Crops was established in 2001 in the Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. Although indigenous knowledge has developed quite independently from science, these two should be considered as two sources of knowledge that can supplement, rather than compete, with each other. This paper highlights results of various ongoing researches at Khorasan area with intention of exploring possible opportunities for developing international collaboration.

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