Growth Analysis Studies and Their Possible Use In Selection Work In Safflower (CARTHAMUS TINCTORIUS l.)

An intensive investigation showed that some physiological growth parametrers were determined for efficient selection work at early stages of crop growth in safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.). Plant samples were taken three times at 15 days interval starting from 38 days of seeding. Results revealed significant genotypic differences in respect of Crop Growth rate (CGR) and Leaf area Index (LAI) between 38 and 53 days of seeding, whereas Net Assimilation Rate (NAR), Relative Growth Rate (RGR) and Specific Leaf Weight (SLW) gained in importance in the interval between 53 and 68 days. The magnitude of total correlation among and of direct effects of most of these growth parameters on seed yield were low and insignificant suggesting that dry matter accumulation at earliest stages of crop growth (before anthesis) would have little impact on seed yield. The object of the present investigation was found that the growth analysis indicates that leaf area was more effective in dry matter accumulation at the earliest stage of crop development while in the later stage both leaf area and leaf mass (SLW) played significant role in crop growth.