Synergistic effects of vehicular emissions (NO2, SO2 and SPM) on progression of Crocus sativus L.in Saffron bowl Kashmir

Respirable dust sampler (Envirotech model APM-460DXNL) was used to estimate the spatial and seasonal variation of vehicular emissions (NO2, SO2, and SPM). Concentration of pollutants in ambient air have been extensively revealed. However, little information is provided on spatial and seasonal variation of vehicular emissions and their impacts on Crocus sativus. During the current study the concentration of vehicular emissions was SPM >SO2>NO2. Length, fresh & dry weight and biochemical parameters of Crocus sativus L. changed considerably along the pollution gradient. Shimadzu spectrophotometer model- UV1800ENG240V SOFT was used to estimate changes in biochemical parameters. The aforesaid findings manifest that vehicular emission is a vital factor impacting the progression of Crocus sativus. It is of utmost importance to mention here that on reducing vehicular emissions the progression of Crocus sativus can be increased substantially. Moreover, our results can also contribute in developing pollution models and hence reduce crop damage thereof.