Effect of Plant Density on Yield and Yield Components of Safflower in Rafsanjan Region

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of plant density on yield and yield components of different safflower cultivars. For this purpose, a factorial experiment based on randomized complete block design was conducted with four replication and two factors included cultivar (Esfahan, Goldasht and Sofeh) and plant density (40, 65 and 90 plants/m2). Results showed the main effect of cultivar on number of seed in head, 1000-grain weight and harvest index was significant. Also, the main effect of plant density on number of head in plant, number of seed in head, 1000-grain weight, harvest index and seed yield was significant. Mean comparison for cultivar showed that the highest number of seed in head (30.1) and 1000-grain weight (39.5) were obtained for Sofeh and Goldasht, respectively. The lowest harvest index (0.36) was obtained for Esfahan. There was no significant difference among cultivars seed yield. Mean comparison for plant density showed that the highest number of head in plant (5.33), number of seed in head (31.9) and harvest index (0.41) were obtained in density of 40 plants/m2. The highest 1000-grain weight was obtained in densities of 40 and 65 plants/m2 (31.7-31.9 g). The highest seed yield was obtained in density of 90 plants/m2 due to more plants per unit area.