Research on yield and quality characteristics of some safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) lines and varieties under dry and irrigated conditions in Turkey

This research has been conducted in order to investigate yield and quality characteristics of some safflower lines, and varieties under dry and irrigated conditions in Eskisehir, Turkey. In this study, 15 safflower lines and varieties obtained by Dryland Agricultural Research Institute in Iran, and 3 varieties (Dincer, Remzibey, Balci) developed by Transitional Zone Agricultural Research Institute were used. The experiment was set up in randomized complete block design with four replications in 2010. Irrigations were applied at stem elongation and onset of flowering period. Plant height (cm), number of secondary branches per plant (unit), number of heads per plant (unit), 1000 seed weight (g), seed yield (kg/da) and oil content (%) were determined. Results of the statistical analysis revealed to significant differences among lines and varieties in all the traits studied under dry and irrigated conditions. Seed yields ranged between 158.1 and 85.9 kg/da under dry conditions, between 252.8 and 172.2 kg/da under irrigated conditions. Oil ratios varied between 38.7% and 30.6% under dry conditions and between 35.7% and 29.1% under irrigated conditions. According to the results, Balci variety showed high yield potential and oil content in dry condition. Considering the trial means, seed yields for irrigated conditions have increased around by 70% according to dry conditions. While Balci has the highest yield in dry condition, irrigated conditions highest yield was obtained from line 376. It was found that lines and varieties showed different reaction to irrigation. While irrigation increased seed yield, oil content decreased, but Balci is the highest oil content in two trials. Safflower is especially arid area crop, but it has been cultivated easily in places where irrigation facilities are available, but variety should be chosen carefully.