The effects of plant densities on growth indices of Carthamus tinctorius L. under Damavand dryland condition

In order to study the effects of plant density on growth indices of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) an expriment was conducted in Homand Research Station of Pasture under a Completely Randamized Block Design with 5 repelications in 2004. The treatments were 29, 20 and 14 plants/m2. The effects of C. tinctorius plantlets densities on some growth indices including DM, LAI, RGR and CGR, according to Growing Degree Days were evaluated. The results showed that the max. DM and LAI were 684 gr/m2 and 1.3 in 29 plant/m2 treatment respectively. In the highest density the DM, LAI and CGR were high in the beginning and middle of growth periods but RGR was low in the lowest density. The maximum RGR and CGR were observed in low density. Growth potential of Carthamus tinctorius is considrable as an industrial and medicinal plant with the acceptable growth indices in Damavand dry farming system with the semi suitable rain fall and distribution.