The Effect of Zinc on Yield, Yield Components and Micronutrient Concentrations in the Seeds of Safflower Genotypes (<i>Carthamus tinctorius</i> L.)

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of zinc (Zn) on yield, yield components and Zn, manganese (Mn), copper (Cu) and iron (Fe) concentrations in seeds of four safflower (Carthamus tinctoriusL.) genotypes. The research was performed, in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Analysis of variance showed highly significant differences for all the examined traits except harvest index in both years of study. Zinc application significantly affected the plant height, seed weight per plant and 1000-seed weight in the first year and the plant height, seed weight per plant, biological yield per plant, 1000-seed weight and harvest index of the genotypes during the second year. The results of the study showed that Zn uptake differed substantially among the safflower genotypes tested. The Zn, Cu and Mn concentrations in the seeds were increased by Zn application.