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Diversity and Bioprospection of the Fungal Endophytic Microbiome of Crocus sativus L. (Saffron)

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The Saffron Genome

Part of the book series: Compendium of Plant Genomes ((CPG))

Abstract

Crocus sativus L. commonly known as saffron is a small geophyte comprising of a subterranean corm, leafy vegetative shoot and purple-colored flowers. The early evidence of cultivation and utilization of saffron dates back to 2500–1500 BC in Mediterranean regions. C. sativus has a triploid genotype which results in abnormal gamete formation and hence it is propagated vegetatively. The medicinal and aromatic property of saffron is due to the apocarotenoids: Crocin and safranal, present in the stigma of the flower. The cultivation and production of C. sativus is constantly declining worldwide for the last few decades due to various biotic and abiotic factors. One of the most important factors that influences plant health is the endophytic community harbored by the host plant. C. sativus harbors a huge diversity of fungal endophytes with significant bioactive potential. The application of microbes of endophytic origin for sustainable cultivation and crop management of saffron are also reported. The endophytic microbes of saffron also yield bioactive natural products for pharmacological and industrial applications.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    In Kashmir, Himalayas saffron is locally known as “Kong”, and “Zafran” in Urdu.

  2. 2.

    Apocarotenoids are the degradation products of the carotenoids.

  3. 3.

    Kashmir is a Himalayan valley in the state of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in India.

  4. 4.

    Melanized hyphae are a characteristic feature of dark septate endophytes, as they have melanin pigment present in their hyphae.

  5. 5.

    They live as normal endophytes in the host plant, but can turn pathogenic under stress condition or produce disease symptom in the host plant upon re-infection.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Botany, Government Degree College Anantnag, Anantnag, Jammu & Kashmir, 192101, India

    Zahoor Ahmed Wani

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  1. Zahoor Ahmed Wani
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Correspondence to Zahoor Ahmed Wani .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. School of Biotechnology, University of Jammu, Jammu, India

    Jyoti Vakhlu

  2. School of Biotechnology, University of Jammu, Jammu, India

    Sheetal Ambardar

  3. Department of Horticultural Sciences, University of Tehran, Keraj, Iran

    Seyed Alireza Salami

  4. ICAR- Nat.Inst.for Plant Biotechnology, Raja Ramanna Fellow, DAE, Govt. of India, New Delhi, India

    Chittaranjan Kole

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Wani, Z.A. (2022). Diversity and Bioprospection of the Fungal Endophytic Microbiome of Crocus sativus L. (Saffron). In: Vakhlu, J., Ambardar, S., Salami, S.A., Kole, C. (eds) The Saffron Genome. Compendium of Plant Genomes. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-10000-0_9

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