Safflower Crop Research Articles

Wastewater silt sludge application in the case of <i>Carthamus tinctorius</i> cultivation on light chestnut soils of the Volgograd Region, Russia

Aim. The aim of research was to study various methods of basic soil cultivation and a domestic wastewater silt sludge application which could possibility be directed to soil fertility saving and increase in crop yields.Materials and Methods. The object of research was a safflower variety called Alexandrite. Experimental variants were carried out according to a 4-fold repetition. Experiment installation, observations and accounting were carried out in accordance with the field experiment methodology named after B.A. Dospehov.Results. Field research was undertaken in order to study the various methods of a basic tillage and a domestic wastewater silt sludge application possibility under arid conditions of the Volgograd region on light chestnut solonetz soils. The amino acid composition of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) seeds has been estimated. The data from the study of soil microbiological activity and the effect of non-traditional fertilizers on the increase in the activity of soil biota are presented. The crop yields and economic evaluation of the Carthamus tinctorius cultivation were determined.Conclusion. Modern resource-saving soil cultivation technologies and nontraditional fertilizers are required to: maintain the fertility of slightly humus soils in this arid climate zone, increase amino acids levels in plants, increase soil biological activity, as well to increase safflower crop yields. The proposed technical solutions, employing Rancho chisel tillage with as the basic tillage together with the introduction of non-traditional fertilizers-meliorants, provides structural restoration of soil aggregates, intensification of the humus formation process, increase in soil microbiological activity and - as a result - an increase in the yield of the cultivated Carthamus tinctorius crop.

Phytochemical Study of Safflower Roots (Carthamus tinctorius) on the Induction of Parasitic Plant Germination and Weed Control.

Weeds have been a major threat in agriculture for several generations as they lead to decreases in productivity and cause significant economic losses. Parasitic plants are a specific type of weed causing losses in crops of great relevance. A new strategy has emerged in the fight against parasitic plants, which is called 'suicidal germination' or the 'honey-pot strategy'. Regarding the problem of weed control from an ecological point of view, it is interesting to investigate new natural compounds with allelopathic activity with the aim of developing new natural herbicides that can inhibit the growth of weeds without damaging the environment. Safflower crops have been affected by parasitic plants and weeds and, as a consequence, the secondary metabolites exuded by safflower roots have been studied. The sesquiterpene lactone dehydrocostuslactone was isolated and characterised, and the structurally related costunolide was identified by UHPLC-MS/MS in safflower root exudates. These sesquiterpene lactones have been shown to stimulate germination of Phelipanche ramosa and Orobanche cumana seeds. In addition, these compounds were phytotoxic on three important weeds in agriculture, namely Lolium perenne, Lolium rigidum and Echinochloa crus-galli. The exudation of the strigolactones solanacol and fabacyl acetate have also been confirmed by UHPLC-MS/MS. The study reported here contributes to our knowledge of the ecological role played by some secondary metabolites. Moreover, this knowledge could help identify new models for the development of future agrochemicals based on natural products.

Management of safflower aphid (Uroleucon compositae) through newer insecticides

A field experiment was conducted for three years during rabi 2013-14 to 2015-16 to evaluate the efficacy and compatibility of insecticides, fungicides and bio-agents for the management of the insect pest, aphid (Uroleuconcompositae) and the diseases like Alternaria leafspot and Fusarium wilt in safflower. The pooled data of three years showed significant reduction in aphid infestation in terms of number of aphids per 5 cm apical twig in all thetreatments in comparison with the absolute control. The extent of aphid control in different treatments ranged from 70.2 to 88.0% after first spray and from 81.6 to 91.4% after second spray. Thus, all the treatments were capable of keeping the aphid population below the ETL level (35-40/5cm apical twig). There was no notable buildup of Alternaria leaf spot as the crop was sown during the normal recommended time. The Fusarium wilt incidence was also less which ranged from 1.2 to 7.6%. All the treatments recorded significant improvement in yield over the absolute control but they were at par with each other. However, the highest average seed yield of 907 kg/ha was recorded by T5 (Spray of thiamethoxam @ 0.25 g/l). The seed yield in other treatments ranged from 801 to 875 kg/ha as against only 292 kg/ha in the absolute control. The benefit-cost analysis of the treatments showed that the treatment T5 recorded the highest B:C ratio of 2.06 followed by T6 (1.94), T7 (1.89), T4 (1.62), T2 (1.44), T1 (1.40) and T3 (1.39). There was no phytotoxic effect on safflower crop in any of the treatments involving combination of different insecticides, fungicides and bio-agents. Therefore, seed treatment with T. asperellum TaDOR 7316 @ 10 g/kg and tank mixing of insecticides and fungicides together for need-based pest and disease management in safflower is recommended.

A novel chitosan biopolymer based Trichoderma delivery system: Storage stability, persistence and bio efficacy against seed and soil borne diseases of oilseed crops

Management of seed and soil borne fungal plant pathogens using fungal species belonging to the genus Trichoderma is gaining importance. Seed coating with powder based formulations of Trichoderma is most widely adopted by the researchers and farmers as well. Delivery system that leads to good adherence of fungal propagules on seed surface, minimizing the wastage of active ingredient, sustained and timely release during treatment process is very important for effective season long protection. Chitosan-PEG (Polyethylene glycol) (Cts-PEG) blend containing Trichoderma harzianum (Th4d) (Cts-PEG-Th) spores is developed and its storage stability, persistence in soil and bio efficacy against seed and soil borne pathogens of groundnut and safflower crops is studied. The blend was stable without much changes in pH throughout the storage period. Persistence studies conducted for 3 months revealed that Cts-PEG-Th amended soil, Trichoderma got released from polymer film slowly and reached a maximum of log 8 CFUs by 30 days and there after started declining to retain log 6 CFUs at 90 days. In shelf life study, the chitosan blend was able to maintain Trichoderma counts of log 10.0 and log 10.2 over a period of 6 months at storage temperatures of 30 °C and 4 °C, respectively and the antagonistic activity unaffected against three plant pathogens viz. Macrophomina phaseolina, Fusarium oxysporumf. sp.ricini and Aspergillus niger over a period of 6 months of storage. Bio efficacy testing in germination towels and green house pot studies revealed the effectiveness of seed treatment with Cts-PEG-Th blend significantly increasing the germination and seedling vigour and reducing the diseases in groundnut (peanut) and safflower.

Bio-stimulant, what is its promoting effect on the cultivation of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.)?

The present experimentation evaluated the potential of a bio-stimulant, made by indigenous strains of Trichoderma, on the performance of safflower plants cultivated in the region of Touggourt (Southeastern Algeria). The study was conducted according to seven (07) biometric measurements associated to growth and yield comparing treated and non-treated plants. Results revealed that the biological product has a stimulating efficiency towards all examined parameters. The percentage of germination in the treated plots (93.75%) was more than the non-treated (78.13%). After, it enhanced the growth of safflower plants either in the lifting, flowering, or the time of harvesting clumps and seeds. Furthermore, the treated plants were influenced by the applied bio-stimulant with significant differences in the diameter (2.6 cm; p = 0.01) and the number of principal branches (21.3 branch/plant; p = 0.07) comparing to the control plants. Besides, great efficiency of this bio-product was recorded with very highly significant differences on the weights of fresh (28.63 g; p = 0.000) and dry (1.31 g; p = 0.000) clumps per plant. Also, the statistical analyses applied on the productivity of safflower presented a significant difference (t 2.43, p = 0.018) between the treated plants (20.51 g/day) and the control (7.92 g/day). The present bio-stimulant was very efficient in promoting the growth of safflower crop so that it can be contributed in sustainable organic agriculture.

Influence of abiotic factors on seasonal abundance of natural enemies on safflower during rabi season

An experiment was conducted to observe the influence of abiotic factors on seasonal abundance of naturalenemies on safflower at oilseed research station, Latur, Maharashtra during rabi 2016-17. The incidence of lady bird beetle was recorded from 45th standard meteorological week (SMW) to 08th SMW. The incidence started at 21 days after germination of safflower crop i.e. 0.1 ladybird beetle/5 cm twig/plant during 48th standard meteorological week and reached to its peak (0.7 beetle/plant) during 2nd Standard meteorological week and recorded peak of 0.7 ladybird beetle/5 cm twig/plant and there after population decreased. The weather parameters viz., low temperature, high humidity showed significant role in multiplication ladybird beetle. The weather parameters during the peak incidence of ladybird beetle were maximum temperature-26.50C, minimum temperature-11.6°C, morning relative humidity of 82% and evening relative humidity of 38%.

Optimization of safflower sowing time in northern Karnataka

Three safflower genotypes (A-1, NARI-6 and NARI-57) were tested across three sowing times (1 to 30 October)at fortnight interval during 2014-15 and 2015-16 with an objective to find out the best sowing time for safflower crop and to identify best performing variety in northern dry zone of Karnataka. It was concluded that early sowing (first fortnight of October) as well as variety A1 were the best to give higher seed yield.

Symptomatology and pathogenic variability of Alternaria carthami isolates from Maharashtra state infecting safflower crop

The pathogen (Alternaria carthami) was isolated successfully from the naturally diseased safflower leaf specimens collected during survey and one each representative isolate from twenty districts of Maharashtra state were obtained, purified and maintained. The pathogenicity test attempted on susceptible safflower cv. Manjira in pot culture under screen house, clearly indicated that all the 20 isolates of A. carthami exhibited a wide range of pathogenic variability. However, the aggressive isolates (viz., AcHl, AcBl, AcAn, AcJg, etc.) showed least incubation period, highest leaf spot frequency with maximum sized leaf spots. Whereas, moderately virulent / aggressive isolates exhibited moderate incubation period, leaf spot frequency and their size. In less virulent isolates viz., AcAm, AcDl, AcNb and AcNs through incubation period was maximum (> 9 days), but leaf spot frequency and their size were of lower minimum. Based on symptomatology, cultural and morphological characteristics, microscopic and pathogenicity test, the test pathogen was identified as Alternaria carthami, compared with the descriptions of Alternaria spp. (Simmons, 2007) and finally confirmed as Alternaria carthami, the incitant of leaf spot / blight in safflower.

Temperature mediated extraction of oil from safflower seeds: modelling and optimization of extraction parameters by response surface methodology approach

Safflower seed oil reveals well known therapeutic values. Response surface methodology (RSM), an effective statistical tool was used to study the enhancement of its oil percentage. A central composite design was applied to evaluate effects of four independent parameters like seed amount, reaction time, volume of hexane and temperature on oil extraction from its seeds. Oil percentage has been estimated as 22.76%, 21.73% and 25.1% respectively after thermal pretreatment for 10, 20 and 30 min. The optimized parameters were obtained as 3 g for the amount of seeds, 30 min for extraction process, 30 ml for volume of hexane and 45 °C temperature after applying RSM. The predicted oil percentage was obtained as 31.968% by second order polynomial equation while the estimated oil percentage was 50.12% for the optimum parameters. The oil percentage has been enhanced almost two times by using RSM. Statistically, the optimization of extraction parameters for the maximum oil recovery may add a positive value in the safflower crop with world economy.

INFLUENCIA DE LA FECHA DE SIEMBRA SOBRE LOS DETERMINANTES FISIOLOGICOS Y NUMÉRICOS DEL RENDIMIENTO EN EL CULTIVO DE CÁRTAMO (Carthamus tinctorius L.) EN LA PAMPA

The sowing date of the safflower crop varies according to the area and is one of the most important factors in production. The main objective of the work was to establish an optimal planting season to reduce the days elapsed between sowing, germination and emergence, thus decreasing plant losses due to greater exposure to diseases, insects and herbivorous animals, without compromising the components of yield for a time of inadequate planting. The second objective was to expand the information on the harmful insect species as well as the beneficial ones. The study was a with three replications, treatments were Regarding the possible sowing dates in the semiarid Pampas region, the date of mid August (08/15/2014) and mid September (09/18/2014) are those with the highest yields. The date of mid August is recommended because later dates make it more difficult to control weeds due to the conditions of higher temperature and frequently higher level of precipitation. During the crop cycle, sixteen harmful species were identified belonging to the orders: Hemiptera (9 species), Thysanoptera (1 species), Lepidoptera (3 species) and Coleoptera (3 species). As for the beneficial species, seven were found belonging to the orders: Coleoptera (3 species) Hemiptera (1 species), Hymenoptera (2 species) and Araneae (1 species).

Reactive Natural Phosphate in Safflower Fertilization in Cerrado Oxisol

Fertilizer management has a direct influence on crop productivity, especially phosphorus, which is most limiting to the development of crops in tropical soils due to the genesis of these soils. In this sense, it is necessary to use nutrient sources that are agronomically efficient at reduced costs compared to conventional sources. Thus, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of reactive natural phosphate as a source of phosphorus on the development, growth, and yield of safflower in Cerrado Oxisol. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse at the Federal University of Mato Grosso, Campus of Rondonópolis. The completely randomized design consisted of the following treatments: 0, 100, 200, 400 and 600 mg dm-3 of reactive natural phosphate (Bayóvar reactive phosphate), with 6 replicates, consisting by pots with 2 dm3 of capacity. To the Oxisol used to fill the plots was incorporated dolomitic limestone to increase base saturation to60%. Safflower cultivar used was IMA 0213 with a final population of three plants per plot. Plant height, number of leaves and chlorophyll index were evaluated at 15, 30, 45 and 55 days after emergence. In the last evaluation plants were cut and the number and diameter of the chapters, shoot and chapters dry mass, volume and root dry mass were also evaluated. The results were submitted to analysis of variance and regression up to 10% probability. In general, safflower crop shows a positive response to application of reactive natural phosphate. Doses between 389 and 600 mg dm-3 promoted best results for development and safflower production in an Oxisol.

Correction of soil compaction using wood ash in safflower crop

Soil compaction is a big limitation to food production in agriculture. Wood ash is an agro-industrial residue generated by the burning of biomass in boilers for energy production. It can be used as a corrective agent and fertilizer of the soil. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the root system of safflower cultivated under bulk density levels and wood ash doses in dystrophic Oxisol. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse with a randomized block design under a 5x5 factorial scheme composed of 5 wood ash doses (0, 8, 16, 24, 32 g dm-3) and 5 bulk density levels (1.0, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8 Mg m-3) with 4 replicates. The soil was collected from 0-0.20 m depth layer. Later it was incubated with the respective wood ash doses. Each experimental unit consisted of a pot made of three PVC (polyvinyl chloride) rings, in which the layers of 0.1-0.2 m were compacted. At 75 days after emergence, the plants were cut, their roots washed and the volume and dry mass checked. The results were submitted to analysis of variance and subsequent regression test, both at 5% probability. Soil densities negatively influenced the root system development and culture of safflower. Application of wood ash doses of 20 to 24 g dm-3 significantly improved root development of plant.

Planting Density and Time of Safflower Relay Intercropping in Tef (Eragrostis Tef) at Sebatamit Kebele in Bahir Dar Zuria District, Amhara Region

On-farm factorial experiment was conducted during the main cropping season of 2015/16 in Bahir Dar Zuria District, at Sebatamit village to study the effect of planting density and time of safflower relay intercropping in tef on growth and yields of components crops. Factorial combinations of three time of safflower relay intercropping (42, 57 and 72 days after tef sowing DATS), two inter-row spacing (40 and 60 cm) and two intra-row spacing (20 and 30 cm), and two sole cropping of tef and safflower were laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) at three replications. “Kuncho” Tef and “Quihar” safflower cultivars were used as experimental planting materials. The ANOVA results showed that, except grain yield, all growth and yield parameters of tef were not significantly affected by main and interaction effects of planting density and time of safflower relay intercropping in tef. The main and interaction effects of time of relay cropping, inter- and intra- row spacing of safflower were significant on most growth and yield components of safflower crop. The highest grain yield of safflower was recorded in the treatment combination of relay intercropping after 42 days of tef sowing and 60cm by 20cm inter- and intra-row spacing of safflower (1307.19k.g/ha). Indeed, relay intercropping of safflower after 57 days of tef sowing had also similar effect on safflower grain yield as that of 42 days. The lowest grain yield of safflower was recorded in the treatment combination of relay cropping after 72 days of tef sowing and 60cm by 20cm inter- and intra-row spacing of safflower (163.39k.g/ha). The highest land equivalent ration-LER (1.79) and monetary advantage index-MAI (34563.28 birr ha-1) were obtained from the treatment combination of 42 DATS and 60cm by 20cm inter- and intra-row spacing of safflower. The result clearly showed that, with relay intercropping of safflower in tef, it is possible to produce additional yield of safflower without significant reduction in tef yield. As a result of this, safflower relay intercropping after 42 days of tef sowing, after three tef row with 20cm intra row spacing can be recommended as an efficient relay intercropping system to be used by the farmers around the study area. Keywords: Tef; safflower; relay intercropping; inter- and intra-row spacing; growth and yield components DOI : 10.7176/JBAH/9-7-04 Publication date : April 30 th 2019

Seletividade de herbicidas na cultura do cártamo

O cártamo (Carthamus tinctorius L.) é uma planta oleaginosa que apresenta elevado potencial de cultivo no Brasil. O controle das plantas daninhas na cultura é essencial para proteger o seu potencial produtivo. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a seletividade de herbicidas aplicados em pré-plantio incorporado (PPI), pré-plantio (PRÉ) e pós-emergência (PÓS) do cártamo. Ao todo, três estudos foram instalados em casa de vegetação, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com cinco repetições. Os herbicidas avaliados para aplicação em PPI (Experimento I) foram: diclosulam, metribuzin, pendimethalin e trifluralin; para aplicação em PRÉ (Experimento II) foram utilizados os herbicidas: 2,4-D, ametryn+clomazone, atrazine, carfentrazone, carfentrazone + sulfrentrazone, clomazone, diclosulam, flumioxazin, imazaqin, imazethapyr, isoxaflutole, lactofen, mesotrione, metribuzin, metsulfuron - methyl, pendimethalin, saflufenacil, s-metolachlor, sulfrentrazone e trifluralin e, para a aplicação em PÓS (Experimento III) foram avaliados: ametryn+clomazone, atrazine, bentazon, bentazon + imazamox, carfentrazone, chlorimuron, clethodim + fenoxaprop, clethodim, clodinafop, floroxypyr, fluazifop+fomesafen, fluazifopP, flumiclorac-pentyl, flumioxazin, fluroxipir, fomesafen, foramsulfuron + iodosulfuron, haloxyfop, imazethapyr, iodosulfuron, lactofen, mesotrione, nicosulfuron, tembotrione e tepraloxydim), comparados com a testemunha sem aplicação. A fitotoxicidade foi avaliada aos 7, 14, 21 e 28 dias após aplicação (DAA), usando a escala percentual de zero a 100, e a massa fresca e seca foram obtidas aos 35 DAA. Os dados foram submetidos a análise de variância e, as médias dos tratamentos foram comparadas pelo teste de Tukey (p≤0,05). O herbicida trifluralin apresenta seletividade a cultura do cártamo nas modalidades de PPI e PRÉ, enquanto que cletodim, fluazifop-p-butyl e haloxifope-p-metílico são seletivos para aplicação em PÓS.

Wood Ash as a Corrective and Fertilizer in Safflower Crop in Oxisol of Brazilian Cerrado

This study aimed at estimating the wood ash as a corrective and fertilizer in the safflower crop. This study was done with respect to the development, growth, and production of safflower in response to the wood ash doses applied to Oxisol of the Brazilian Cerrado biome. Adopting the completely randomized design and using five wood ash doses (0, 8, 16, 24, 32 g dm-3) and six replicates, the experiments were performed under greenhouse conditions. Each experimental unit included a 2 dm3 pot, filled with soil that had been incubated earlier for 30 days. The variables studied included soil pH, plant height (cm), stem diameter (mm), number of leaves (plant-1), SPAD index, internal and external diameters of the chapters (cm), number of chapters (plant-1), chapters dry mass (g pot-1), shoot dry mass (g pot-1), volume (cm3 pot-1) and root dry mass (g pot-1) Analysis of variance and subsequent regression test were performed for all the data using SISVAR software, at 5% probability for both. The variables internal and external diameter of the chapters and root volume showed no significant differences. The soil pH revealed a significant effect of the wood ash application tending towards linearity, as did the other vegetative variables of plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves and SPAD index. The productive constituents exhibited improved development when the wood ash was applied to the soil in doses of around 24 g dm-3 or more.

NITROGEN AND POTASSIUM IN SAFFLOWER: CHLOROPHYLL INDEX, BIOMETRIC CHARACTERISTICS AND WATER USE EFFICIENCY

ABSTRACT Safflower crops is usually intended for production of seeds to oil extraction. The objective of this work was to evaluate the chlorophyll index, biometric characteristics and water use efficiency of safflower plants grown under different nitrogen and potassium rates and controlled soil water tension. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, in pots containing 8 dm3 of a Oxisol. A complete randomized block experimental design in a 5x5 factorial arrangement was used, with four replications, consisting of five nitrogen rates (0, 60, 120, 180 and 240 mg dm-3) and five potassium rates (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mg dm-3). The safflower number of leaves, stem diameter, chlorophyll index, number of capitula, shoot, root and total dry weights, water consumption and water use efficiency were evaluated. Data were subjected to analysis of variance (F test) at 5% of probability and to polynomial regression. The nitrogen and potassium fertilization, as independent factors, affected the safflower plants. The chlorophyll index, biometric characteristics and water use efficiency of safflower showed better responses under nitrogen rates of 82 to 168 mg dm-3. The responses of chlorophyll index, biometric characteristics and water use efficiency of safflower increased 10 to 60% with potassium fertilization.

Comparison of Safflower Cultivation in Two Seasons in the South of Brazil

The objective of this work was to evaluate the production components, grain yield and safflower character correlations as a function of two sowing seasons (autumn and winter). Safflower culture was implanted in 2014 in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. The evaluation of safflower crop occurred in two seasons of the year, with the first growing season being characterized by sowing on April 30, 2014 (autumn), and the second growing season on July 30, 2014 (winter). The evaluations occur when the plants showed a 50% flowering and the following determination: plant height, number of branches per plant and chapters, stem diameter, dry weight of the stalk, dry mass of the branches dry mass of chapters and mass dry roots, grain yield, oil content and oil productivity. Growth stations were compared at 5% probability of error by the Student t test. For the study of correlations, Pearson’s linear correlation coefficient matrix (r) was estimated between the characters by means of the Student’s t-test, with a 5% probability of error. Except for the oil content and number of branches, safflower characters were benefited by early sowing in autumn. Safflower cultivated in autumn produced 3,820 kg ha-1 and in winter yielded 2,068 kg ha-1. For the early cultivation of autumn, the characters have greater correlation, favored by the climatic conditions. Grain and oil productivity obtained correlation higher than 97% in both seasons.

Seletividade de herbicidas aplicados em pré e pós-emergência da cultura do cártamo

O cultivo do cártamo tem aumentado nos últimos anos, principalmente para a produção de biodiesel. O controle de plantas daninhas a fim de evitar perdas na produtividade da cultura faz se necessário. Desta forma, uma alternativa que surge é o uso de herbicidas seletivos para a cultura. Objetivou-se verificar a seletividade de herbicidas em pré e pós-emergência para a cultura do cártamo. Foram conduzidos dois experimentos adotando-se delineamento em blocos casualizados com quatro repetições. Para o primeiro experimento com aplicações em pré-emergência os tratamentos foram arranjados em esquema fatorial 6 x 2 + 1, enquanto que para o segundo experimento, com as aplicações em pós-emergência os tratamentos foram dispostos em esquema fatorial 7 x 2 + 1. Em ambos experimentos, o fator A correspondeu aos diferentes herbicidas e o fator B às doses utilizadas, e o tratamento adicional consistiu de testemunha sem aplicação de herbicidas. Foram realizadas avaliações visuais de fitointoxicação nas plantas aos 7, 14 e 21 dias após a aplicação, altura de plantas, estande e produtividade. Os herbicidas chlorimuron-ethyl (20 e 40 g i.a. ha-1), flumioxazin (50 e 100 g i.a. ha-1), imazaquin (161 e 322 g i.a. ha-1), s-metolachlor (1440 e 24000 g i.a. ha-1) e sulfentrazone (300 g i.a. ha-1), aplicados em pré-emergência, e os herbicidas sethoxydim (184 g i.a. ha-1), fluazifop-p-butyl (375 e 750 g i.a. ha-1) haloxyfop-methyl (60 e 120 g i.a. ha-1) e clethodim (108 g i.a. ha-1), aplicados em pós-emergência foram seletivos para a cultura do cártamo.

Symptomatology and pathogenic variability of Alternaria carthami isolates from Maharashtra state infecting safflower crop

Symptomatology and pathogenic variability of Alternaria carthami isolates from Maharashtra state infecting safflower crop

Potassium Use Efficiency of Safflower and Sunflower Grown in Different Soils

Using alternative crops that use supplied nutrients efficiently is a possible approach in land use sustainability. Plant species vary in their potassium (K) use efficiency in soils of low K availability by using different strategies. Growing K efficient species to improve yield may be desirable if K efficiency mechanisms are illustrated. Therefore K use efficiency of the alternative oil crops safflower and sunflower was investigated under semi-controlled conditions in sandy and loamy soils using four K supplies. Both species reacted strongly to increasing K supplies in both soils and performed better in loamy soil, although they contained less K concentration in loamy soil. Under suboptimal K supply in both soils, safflower was superior over sunflower by having higher agronomic efficiency (greater relative yield), higher internal K concentration, better relative K accumulation in dry matter. Both species had similar K efficiency ratio (KER) in sandy soil, but sunflower was more efficient in loamy soil. Sunflower was superior over safflower in terms of utilization index (UI) in both soils. Sunflower had less external K requirement and recovered more K than safflower in both soil types. The K use efficiency of crops is based on different competitive components. Thus using different measures of utilization efficiency parameters to differentiate plant species and genotypes to superior and inferior could be in some cases misleading. Neither safflower nor sunflower showed a combination of high values of all K uptake and utilization efficiency components in both soils at studied K levels.