Response of different cultivars of spring safflower to different sowing dates in Esfahan region

To evaluate the effects of different planting dates on cultivars of spring safflower, an experiment was conducted at Isfahan research farm in 2008. The experiment was conducted as a split plot design within randomized complete block design with 3 replications. Main plots were planting dates (6 Mar, 21 Mar, 4 Apr, 19 Apr, 5 May, 20 May, 5 June and 20 June), and sub plots were cultivars (IL111 and Isfahan 14). Sowing date had significant effect on plant height, stem diameter, height branch out, the number of node in main stem and the number of seed per main head. Cultivar had significant influence on plant height, height branch out, the number of node in main stem, the number of fertile head per plant, the number of infertile head per plant and the number of seed per main head. Sowing date and cultivar interaction just had significant influence on the number of fertile head per plant and the number of seed per main head. On the basis of the results the highest number of fertile head per plant and number of seed per main head was related to 21th Mar. Esfahan 14 also obtained the maximum plant hiehgt, stem diameter, height branch out, the number of node in main stem, main head diameter, the number of fertile head per plant and the number of seed per main head. So, cultivation of Esfahan 14 in 21th Mar is recommended.