Effect of drought stress and zeolite application on yield and yield components of winter safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.)

In order to evaluate the effect of water stress and zeolite application on yield and components yield of winter safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.), this study was carried out in field of Arak University in Markazi province in 2009. A split-plot arrangment of treatment in a randomized complete block design with three replications was used. Water stress (I0= Control irrigation, I1= Irriation about 85% plant requrment water, I2= Irriation about 70% of plant requrment water, I3= Irriation about 55% of plant requrment water, were assigned in the main plots and different levels of zeolite application (Z0= without zeolite application, Z1= 3 ton ha-1, Z1= 6 ton ha-1, Z1= 9 ton ha-1) in sub plots. Each sub plot consisted of 4 rows, 5 m long with 50 cm between rows space and 5 cm between plants on the rows. In this study characteristics such as: plant height, number of branches, number of boll per plant, number of grain per boll, 1000 grain weight, grain yield, leaf water percent, leaf eternity water and cell membrane instability were assessed. Results indicated that un-stress irrigation (control irrigation)with grain yield (2040 kg ha-1) and zeolite application (9 ton ha-1) variety with grain yield (1879 kg ha-1)were significantly superior to the other treatments.