Agronomic and Quality Parameters and Yield Interactions of Various Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) Cultivars at Different Sowing Dates

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is cultivated across numerous nations for its oilseed and flower, as well as its fabric and food coloring properties. In the plain circumstances of Mardin Province (Türkiye), this study was conducted to determine the best date to sow six different safflower cultivars in the vegetation years of 2018 and 2019. Six safflower cultivars (Asol, Balcı, Dinçer, Linas, Olas, and Remzibey-05) were planted in the main plots on four different sowing dates (February 06, February 16, February 26, and March 05), located in the sub-plots. Safflower characteristics, including plant height, first branch height, number of branches, number of heads, head diameter, seed yield, protein ratio, oil ratio, and oil yield, were examined in the study. The first sowing date of the Remzibey-05 cultivar yielded the most seeds (4118 kg ha-1), and the second sowing date of the Remzibey-05 yielded the most oil (1197 kg ha-1). The Asol cultivar exhibited the highest protein content, however, no discernible pattern of increase or decrease was observed with respect to sowing dates. Early sowing enhanced seed production, and as sowing time was delayed, yield significantly decreased (on average by 30%). Further comprehensive research is required to tackle the deficiencies in vegetable and oil materials, not only in this locality but also in areas expressing equivalent weather and ecological features.