Impact of cycocel on grain yield and its components in safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) cv Isfahan

Field studies were conducted over two growing seasons to study the effects of foliar application of cycocel (CCC) at early growth stage on grain yield and its components of (Carthamus tinctorius L.) cv. Isfahan, at Agricultural Research Station of Kerman University, using randomized complete block design with three replications. In the first year, the effects of 0, 1000 and 2000 mgL-1 was studied. Compared with control treatment, CCC had no effects on stem diameter and length, but significantly increased total branches, leaf number, flower head biomass, flower head number, 1000-grain weight, seed yield and biological biomass, with no effect on seed oil, seed protein percentage and harvesting index. In the second year, the effects of 0, 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000 mgL-1 was studied. Compared with control treatment, cycocel up to 3000 mgL-1 increased total and lateral branches, flower head number, flower head biomass, 1000-grain weight, grain yield and biological biomass. In some cases, 3000 mgL-1 CCC was more effective than other concentrations. However, it can be concluded that, 1000 mg/lit cycocel applied at early growth stage significantly increases grains in safflower.