Effect of row spacing and planting density on some agronomic characterisitics of safflower cv. Kooseh a local variety from Isfahan in summer planting

This study carried out to determine the effect of row spacing and planting density on some agronomic characteristics of safflower cv. Kooseh a local variety from Isfahan in summer planting. The experiment was conducted at the Research Field Station, Isfahan University of Technology in 2004- using a split plot arrangement in a randomized complete block design with four replications. The main plots were assigned to row spacings including; 20 and 30 cm in flat planting and 45 cm in bed planting and the sub-plots were planting densities including 40 and 50 plants.m-2. Plant height and 1000 seed weight were not significantly affected by row spacing. Number of stems.plant-1, number of heads. stem-1, number of heads.plant-1 and number of heads.m-2, number of seeds.head-1, seed yield.plant-1 and per unit area, harvest index and oil content (%) and oil yield were significantly reduced as row spacing increased. The effect of planting density on plant height, number of heads.stem-1, 1000 seed weight, seed yield per unit area, harvest index and oil content (%) and oil yield were not significant. Number of stem.plant-1 and per unit area, number of seeds.head-1, number of heads.plant-1 and number of heads per unit area and plant yield significantly decreased as planting density increased. The highest seed yield per unit area (3150 kg.ha-1) was obtained with 20 cm row spacing and 50 plants. m-2. It is concluded that this planting pattern would be suitable for summer planting of safflower cv. Kooseh a local variety from Isfahan, under conditions similar to this experiment.