Abstract

To evaluate growth physiological indices in spring cultivation of safflower in Isfahan region, an experiment was achieved in research and educational station of Islamic Azad University, Isfahan Branch during 2014 farming season. The strip plot with four replications was used as experimental design so three tillage methods as horizontal, whereas safflower cultivars as vertical. Total dry weight, leaf area index, net assimilation rate, crop growth rate and relative growth rate were measured as growth physiological indices. Moreover, 100-seed weight, seed yield per plant and oil yield per plant were recorded. Analysis of variance showed the significant difference among tillage methods and safflower cultivars for 100-seed weight and seed yield per plant. Interaction effect between tillage methods and cultivar was significant only for 100-seed weight. The findings revealed that low tillage method had the highest growth physiological indices, whereas no tillage had the lowest. Also, Soffeh cultivar showed the maximum amount of indices before heading so Goldasht cultivar had the maximum after heading stage. Therefore, conventional tillage method showed the best results for cultivation as well as improving sustainable agriculture in safflower. Goldasht cultivar had more potential than Soffeh so Goldasht was suggested to cultivate in Isfahan province.