Abstract

In order to investigate the effects of micronutrient foliar application on quantitative traits and seed oil content of safflower, a field experiment was carried out in 2008 to 2009 growing season at Research Farm of Faculty of Agriculture, Zabol University, Iran. The experiment was done using randomized complete block design with three replications. The experiment treatments included of: F1: control, F2: Fe, F3: Zn, F4: B, F5: Mn, F6: Fe+B, F7: Fe+Mn, F8: Fe+Zn and F9: Zn+B. These micronutrient fertilizers were used in two times as: 60 days after planting and 80 days after planting. The results revealed that micronutrients foliar application had a significant effect on seed and biological yield, 1000-seed weight and seed oil percentage; but the harvest index and number of seed per head was not significantly influenced by applied treatments. The maximum seed yield and biological yield as well as 1000-seed weight obtained from F2 treatment and the maximum oil percentage was achieved from F6. Also, maximum number of seed per capitol was obtained from F3. Overall, we concluded that micronutrient had positive effects on quantitative and qualitative traits of safflower in conditions of studied area.

Key words: Micronutrient foliar application, yield, oil content, safflower.