Effect of magnesium sulphate on yield, economics and growth attributes of rainfed safflower (Carthamus tinctorious) in scarcity zone of Maharashtra

MgSO₄ application showed significant influence on productivity and quality of safflower. Among the various treatments tested, application of MgSO₄ @ 750 ppm at bud initiation (BI) and flower initiation (FI) recorded the higher seed yield (1143 kg/ha). The higher volume weight (728.4g/l) and 100 seed weight (6.04 g) was also observed under the same treatment. The effect of MgSO₄ @ 750 ppm at BI and FI was also found significantly superior in terms of SPAD index, RLWC, LAI on A and leaf area. Application of MgSO₄ @ 500 ppm was statistically at par with MgSO₄ @ 750 ppm at BI and FI in many other parameters under study. Numerically higher net monitory returns (Rs. 17667/ha) and B: C ratio (2.14) was realized with application of MgSO₄ @ 750 ppm at BI and FI.