title: Effect of sowing dates on yield and yield components of spring safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) in Isfahan region.
abstract: In order to study the effect of sowing dates on the yield and yield components of two safflower varieties, an experiment was conducted at Agriculture Research Station of Isfahan Kabotar Abad in 2004. A split plot layout within randomized complete block design with three replications was used in the experimentation. Eight sowing dates were in the main plots, consist March 6, March 21, April 6, April 21, May 6, May 21, June 6 and June 21 and two varieties (Isfahan 14 and I.L111) were in the sub plots. The results showed that the number of seed per capitulum and seed yield were decreased significantly as the sowings dates were delayed. The Isfahan 14 variety in comparison with I.L111 produced more fertile capitulum in square meter and also, respectively seed per capitulum. The second sowing date (March 21) produced the highest seed yield (2306.2 kg ha(-1)), whereas the 7th sowing date (June 6) produced the lowest seed yield (622 kg ha(-1)). The effect of variety for seed yield was not significant. Farmers in the Kabotar Abad of Isfahan and in other areas with similar conditions are recommended to plant the Isfahan 14 variety on March 21.
authors.affiliation: Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Islamic Azad University, Branch of Khorasgan, Isfahan, Iran.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nikabadi
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Soleimani
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Dehdashti
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Yazdanibakhsh
mesh_terms: D000383:Agriculture; D031187:Carthamus tinctorius / Q000254:growth & development*; D018556:Crops, Agricultural / Q000254:growth & development*; D007492:Iran; D012621:Seasons