Harvest times and seed germination of three safflower genotypes

ABSTRACT: The safflower (Carthamus tinctoriusL.) has an uneven flowering and fruiting, which can cause problems in seed production and harvesting in regions with hot and humid climates. However, little is known about the optimal safflower harvest time. Therefore, this study evaluated the optimumtiming for seed harvest of three safflower genotypes (2106, S-325, and 7329).The experiment was a randomized complete block design with six replications. The harvest started 16 days after flowering (DAF) and ended at 52 DAF. Ten harvests were made in total. Seed water content, seeds fresh and dry matter, seed germination, and first germination counts were evaluated.Genotypes 2106 and 7329 had germination rates of 79% and 91%, respectively, at 34 and 38 DAF, while genotype S-325 had 90% germination at 37 DAF. Harvesting at 52 DAF combined with a rainy season impaired the germination of safflower seeds. The harvest time most suitable for safflower occurred between 34 and 42DAF, when the seeds have the seed water content between 26% and 33%.