Responce of Safflower to Foliar Application of Micronutrient Mixture
Kirana Kumara *
Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur-584104, India.
K. Narayana Rao
Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur-584104, India.
H. Veeresh
Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur-584104, India.
Ashok Kumar Gaddi
Agricultural Research Station, Siruguppa, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur-584104, India.
A. S. Channabasavanna
Agricultural Research Station, Malnoor, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur-584104, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
A field experiment was conducted during Rabi, 2018 at Agricultural Research Station, Raichur on the effect of foliar application of micronutrient mixture on growth, yield and economics of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.). The Experiment was laid down completely randomized block design with nine treatments replicated thrice. The results revealed that foliar application of Grade-I multi micronutrient mixture (Fe-2%, Zn-3%, Mn-1% and B-0.5%) at 30 and 50 days after sowing @ 10 ml/litre and application of RDF (75:75:40 and 80 kg ha-1 of NPK and gypsum, respectively) along with soil application of zinc sulphate @ 6 kg ha-1 has recorded highest seed yield (1557 kg ha-1), stalk yield (2478 kg ha-1), harvest index (38.59%) and B:C and it is on par with the treatment receiving foliar application of Grade-I multi micronutrient mixture (Fe-2%, Zn-3%, Mn-1% and B-0.5%) at 30 and 50 days after sowing @ 10 ml/litre and application of RDF (75:75:40 and 80 kg ha-1 of NPK and gypsum, respectively). From the above experiment it is revealed that along with RDF supplying micronutrients in safflower through foliar nutrition is beneficial in terms of growth, yield and economics when compared to RDF sole.
Keywords: Safflower, micronutrients, yield, economics.