Foliar application of Zn and Mn fertilizers on yield and yield components of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) cultivars

ABSTRACT: Agronomic practices management is important for increase of oilseeds yield. Uses micronutrients can be raises quality or quantity yield. Therefore, the effect of foliar application of Zn and Mn was conducted on yield and yield components of safflower at Education Complex of Jahad - Agriculture of Hamedan in 2012. This study carried out in factorial experiments based on a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Factors were foliar application with four levels (control (water spraying), Zn spraying, Mn spraying and Zn + Mn spraying) and three cultivars of safflower (Sina, Sofeh and Li111). Spraying was done at 50% flowering. Results showed that in the cultivars, there was significant difference (p < 0.01) for 1000 -grain weight, stem diameter, number of seeds per plant, number of bolls, plant height and harvest index. Sofeh had stem diameter and plant height higher than other cultivars and the minimum number of boll per plant. It seems that in Sofeh reduced capability of boll production, because of assimilates using for more thickness stem and plant height. The highest harvest index obtained in Li111 (44.05%). Sofeh had more number of seeds per plant than other cultivars. Sina had more 1000- seeds weight (48.28 g) than others. Mn spraying and Zn + Mn spraying had maximum grain yield, biological yield, 1000- seeds weight, stem diameter, number of seeds per plant and plant height.