RESPONSE OF SAFFLOWER TO ROW SPACING AND INTRA-ROW PLANT DISTANCE IN SEMI-WARM DRYLAND CONDITION

To achieve the highest safflower yield, in addition to optimum row spacing, suitable distribution of plants on the row has great importance. This research was conducted in strip plot arrangement with base of complete block design in three replications. Row spacing (15, 30, 45 and 60 cm) and intra-row plant density were located in vertical and horizontal plots respectively. It was done at Gachsaran Dryland Agricultural Research Station using PI537598 (Sina Cultivar). The highest yield (812 kg/ha) were obtained at 15cm row spacing, but the maximum number of capitula per plant (12.1 capitula) and number of grain per capitula (12.6 grain) that were significant specified to 60cm row spacing. Intra-row plant distance was significant on grain yield and most of its yield components. Plant distance of 10 cm had the highest grain yield (830 kg/ha), but, the maximum number of capitula per plant (11.7 capitula) and number of grain per capitula (12.9 grain) belonged to 40cm plant distance on the row. Thousand kernel weight were not affected under different treatments. Therefore, 10×15cm treatment showed the highest grain yield and there was no interaction effect between row spacing and plant distance on the row. It seems that high plant population can compensate reduction in yield components and finally produce more grain/oil yield.