1Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Kastamonu University, Kastamonu, Türkiye
*Corresponding Author: Fırat Sefaoglu, Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Kastamonu University, Kastamonu, Türkiye, Email: fsefaoglu@kastamonu.edu.tr
This study specifically investigated how different combinations of row spacing and sowing norms affect the yield and agronomic traits of the oilseed crop, safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.).
The study was conducted in 2017 and 2018 using the ‘Dinçer’ and ‘Yenice’ safflower genotypes. A factorial experiment was performed involving three different row spacing treatments (20, 40 and 60 cm) and three different sowing norm treatments (20, 40 and 60 kg ha-1. The parameters examined included plant height, number of branches, number of heads, number of seeds per head, 1000-seed weight, seed yield, oil content and oil yield. The effects of the treatments were statistically evaluated across different planting distances.
The row spacing treatment significantly affected all the examined parameters. The 40 cm row spacing was particularly effective, causing a decrease in plant height and branching while significantly increasing 1000-seed weight, seed yield, oil content and oil yield compared to the 20 and 60 cm spacings. Similarly, the sowing norms significantly affected all measured characteristics. The combination of 40 cm row spacing and 60 kg ha-1 sowing norm yielded the best results for seed yield, indicating that frequent sowing practices can significantly boost safflower productivity and optimize oil yield under irrigated, semi-arid conditions.
Carthamus tinctorius, Row spacing, Safflower, Seed yield, Sowing norm
