Effect of foliar application of Zn, Fe and Mn on seed yield and micronutrient contents of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.)

This experiment was conducted to determine the effect of zinc (Zn), iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) foliar application on seed yield and nutrient contents of irrigated safflower during three years (2010-2013) in a soil with low concentration of available Zn, Fe and Mn. The experiment was conducted in Chardavol field station in northern Ilam province, Iran. Experimental treatments included; control (without Zn, Fe and Mn application), foliar application of water, and foliar application of Zn, Fe, Mn, Zn, Zn, Fe and Znᗯ using randomized complete block design with three replications. Results indicated that the effect of foliar application of micronutrients on seed and oil yield of safflower was significant. Mean comparison showed that the highest seed yield was obtained from foliar application of Znᗯ with 1472 kg.ha-1which was 12.9 and 12.4 percent higher than seed yield in control (without foliar application) and foliar application of water, respectively.. Seed oil yield was significantly higher in foliar application of Znᗯ (421 kg.ha-1) and Zn (411 kg.ha-1) in comparison with control. It can be concluded that highest seed yield and seed oil yield were obtained from foliar applications of Znᗯ and Zn, respectively.