In order to investigation the effects of high corm planting density and applying manure on flower and corm yields of saffron (Crocus sativus L.), a field experiment was conducted at Research Station, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran, during years of 2010-2011. A completely randomized block design with three replications and 20 treatments was used. The experimental treatments were all combination of different levels of corm planting density (100, 200, 300 and 400 corm. m-2) and different levels of applying manure (0 (no applying manure), 40, 60, 80 and 100 t. ha-1). Results of variance analysis showed that corm planting density and manure had significant effects on flower number, fresh and dried flower and stigma+ style yields of saffron. In addition, mentioned characteristics of saffron significantly affected by interaction effects of corm planting density × manure. Based on results, fresh and dried flower yields of saffron significantly increased by increasing planting density up to 400 corm per m2. In addition, on planting density equal to 400 corms. m2, increasing manure up to 80 t. ha-1 had significant effects on fresh and dried flower yields of saffron. However, the responding saffron to manure was decreased by reducing corm planting density. Based on results of the experiment, it seems that desirable corm planting density should be specially considered, for successful fertilizer management of saffron.

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