Effect of planting pattern on yield, yield components, oil and protein contents in winter safflower cv. Sina under rainfed conditions

To study the effect of planting pattern on yield, yield components, oil and protein contents in safflower cv.Sina in dryland condition, a field experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Research Field Station of Ilam, in the autumn of 2007-2008 cropping season. A split plot arrangement in randomized complete block design with three replications was employed. Three row spacing (30, 40 and 50 cm) were assigned to main plots and three plant spacing (10, 15 and 20 cm) were randomize in sub-plots. The main effect of row spacing on head.plant-1, grain.head-1, 1000 grain weight, head weight, days to flowering, days to maturity and protein content was significant. Mean comparison for row spacing showed that 30 cm row spacing had the highest head.plant-1 (12.1), 1000 grain weight (31.1g) and protein (17.1%). The effect of plant spacing on head.plant-1, 1000 grain weight, head weight, days to flowering, days to maturity and protein content was also significant.Mean comparison for plant spacing showed that the 10 cm plant spacing had the highest head.plant-1 (12.4), 1000 grain weight (30.5g) and protein content (16.9%). However, grain yield was affected by by neither row spacing nor by plant spacing, but the highest grain yield obtained from 30 cm row spacing (1124 kg.ha-1) and 10 cm plant spacing (1086 kg.ha-1). The highest oil content obtained from 40 cm row spacing (29.1%) and 20 cm plant spacing (29%). Results of the present experiment showed that the 30 × 10 cm planting pattern performed better in safflower cultivation.