Effects of saffron-grape intercropping on saffron flower number and rhizosphere microbial community

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is a valuable herb. With the increasing demand for saffron, people are starting to focus on how to increase its yields. Intercropping and microbial interactions have a positive effect on plant yield, including enhanced soil fertility, enriched microbial diversity, reduced pest and disease incidences, and improved plant growth. However, the impact of intercropping saffron with other plants on saffron yields and soil microbial community diversity remains unclear. In our study, we counted the number of saffron flowers in two cropping patterns (saffron monoculture and saffron-grape intercropping), and analyzed the microbial community diversity and composition using Illumina high-throughput sequencing methods based on 16 S and ITS amplicons.