Nitrogen utilization efficiency of safflower hybrids and open-pollinated varieties under Mediterranean conditions |
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Authors: | Spyridon D Koutroubas Despo K Papakosta Alexandros Doitsinis |
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Institution: | 1. Democritus University of Thrace, School of Agricultural Development, 68200 Orestiada, Greece;2. Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, School of Agriculture, 54006 Thessaloniki, Greece;3. Regional Laboratory of Agricultural Extension and Fertilizer Analysis of Central Makedonia, Sindos-Thessaloniki, Greece |
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Abstract: | The identification of the factors determining nutrient utilization of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is useful for the successful introduction of the crop to the cropping system of a region. A field study was conducted to compare and analyze the relative importance of the various component traits causing variation in nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUE) of safflower under Mediterranean conditions. Ten genotypes, four hybrids and six open-pollinated varieties, were grown for two growing seasons without irrigation, on a silty clay (Typic Xerorthent) soil. Seed yield varied greatly among genotypes and ranged from 923 to 3391 kg ha−1. Hybrids showed a mean seed yield superiority of 12.5% against varieties. Seed yield was the most important component of seed N yield and its contribution to the total variation in seed N yield among genotypes was at least 53%. NUE for biomass production during the seed-filling period was lower compared to that during the vegetative period. Genotypes differed in NUE for seed production (NUEs) and the differences followed those of nitrogen harvest index (NHI). The contribution of NHI to the total variation in NUEs among genotypes was much greater compared to that of yield per unit seed nitrogen and accounted for more than 79%. NUEs is positively correlated with seed yield, suggesting that high yield was probably associated with more efficient exploitation of nitrogen. NUEs is negatively correlated with (leaf + stem) N concentration at maturity, meaning that low straw N concentration may be indication of higher NUEs. Results indicated that selection for NUE in safflower should be based on multiple criteria rather than just one criterion and also should be accompanied by evaluation for seed yield to ensure an improvement in both traits. |
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Keywords: | Carthamus tinctorius Nitrogen yield Seed yield Genotypes |
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