M Eskandari-Torbaghan - Academic member of Agricultural and Natural Resource Research Center of Khorasan Mashhad
R Abbas - Researcher of Dryland Agricultural Research Station of Shirvan (North Khorasan) Shiravan Iran
A Astaraei - Academic member of Soil Science department of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad Iran

In Khorasan province, cotton is a subsequent crop in saffron fields .A large amount of saffron petals yearly being dispose off instead of using them as a source of organic matter in soil .Two experiments was performed to investigate the effect of saffron petals water extracts on germination and primary growth of cotton under laboratory conditions. In first experiment the effect of different concentrations 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 % made from 1 % water extract, was studied on cotton (Var. Varamin) germination percentage, in completely randomized design with 4 replications. In the second experiment the effect of same concentrations on coleoptiles and radicle lengths (measured every 12 hours) and their dry weight (at the end of experiment) was studied in a completely randomized design with 4 replications. Results of first experiment showed that different concentrations had no significant effects on germination percentage and radicle dry weight but had significant effects on coleoptiles dry weight. The highest coleoptiles and radicle lengths observed in 50 % concentration. In rainfed agriculture, long coleoptiles and radicles are usually very suitable. It was therefore concluded that 25 % concentrations of 1 % water extract of saffron petals promot coleoptiles and radicles in both experiments and is recommended.

saffron, petals water extract, germination, cotton