Looking for Saffron's (Crocus sativus L.) Parents

摘要: The authors analyze the archeological, historical, botanical, cytological, geographic, molecular and reproductive biology of saffron allied species in order to establish its site parent origin. have studied saffron, Crocus sativus diploid C. cartwrightianus, thomasii, hadriaticus compared them with what was previously known from literature. When originated is still open dispute. It has been widely since pre-Hellenic Hellenic periods, but it impossible detect if or other such as cartwrightianus. Concerning origin research indicates two possible sites: one Greece Mediterranean area, at East Turkey-Iran-India. In both areas, records place names connected various constitute an important information source for presence saffron. Cytological, DNA, studies on hadriaticus, indicate a more likely may be cartwrightianus thomasii. Both these are karyotype similar addition, their pollen can fertilize egg cell giving rise seeds which viable, germinate form new corms. Thus, originate through fertilization normal reduced unreduced male gamete same by crossing between another species. Saffron allopolyploidy seems probable considering recent data biology.