Reaction of different safflower cultivars to safflower capsule fly, Acanthiophilus helianthi in different planting dates

Safflower capsule fly, Acanthiophilus helianthi</em> is a serious pest on safflower, could reduce crop yield up to 25 %. To study the reaction of different safflower cultivars to safflower capsule fly in different planting dates, an experiment was conducted during three consecutive years (2006-2009) in split-split plot design with three replications, in Kaboutar-Abad research station (Isfahan, Iran). The main plot was spraying in two levels (sprayed and unsprayed), subplot was sowing date in 8 levels (from early March to late June) and sub-sub plot was cultivar in three levels (Arak, Soffe and Goldasht). Sampling was carried out in 5 times, according to the growth stages of safflower. In each sampling, percentage of infested heads, percentage of damaged seeds and number of larvae per head were counted. The results showed significant difference among planting dates for above three factors. The highest and lowest percentage of infested heads were recorded on late (late May to late June) and early planting dates (early March to early May), respectively. The highest and lowest number of larvae per head and the highest and lowest percentages of damaged seeds were observed on last planting date (late June) and early planting dates (early March to early April), respectively. Significant differences were found for the three factors among the studied cultivars. Goldasht cultivar had the highest percentage of infested head and percentage of damaged seeds. In order to control safflower capsule fly in the region, cultivation of Arak and Soffe cultivars in early planting dates (early March to early April) is recommended.