This book covers the research work on molecular characterization of saffron clones selected from different saffron growing areas of Kashmir, India to identify the distinct clones with superior quality. Research work on gene expression and biochemical profiling for apocarotenoid biosynthesis during different stages of stigma development has been addressed. Clones with high level of safranal, crocin and picrocrocin have been identified and recommended for large scale multiplication. 2016