Safflower Production Guide: A Step-By-Step Cultivation Practices

Safflower Carthamus tinctorious . is an oilseed crop commonly grown in the western Great Plains, with an oil content of 24-36%. It is a thistle-like plant with a central stem, branches, and taproot system, producing 1-5 flower heads per branch with 15-20 seeds each. The seed oil content varies from 30-50% depending on environmental conditions and variety, and the flowers are typically yellow or orange. Safflower oil is commonly used for cooking, while the cake from decorticated seeds is used as cattle feed.

Safflower Production Guide

Best Package and Practices of High-Production Safflower

To achieve high-production safflower, best practices include selecting suitable varieties, timely planting, proper soil preparation, balanced nutrition, timely weed management, and pest control. Proper harvest and post-harvest handling are crucial.

Land/ Field Preparation and Soil Requirements for Safflower

High yields can be obtained under neutral soil reactions but can tolerate a wide pH range from 5 to 8. The seedling stage is highly sensitive to salinity and waterlogging. Poor drainage or prolonged rains, even for short periods (1-2 days), predispose the crop to damage from rots and wilts, leading to substantial yield loss.

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Temperature, Climatic, and Rainfall Requirements for Safflower

Safflower tolerates low temperatures during the seedling and vegetative stages but is sensitive to low temperatures during elongation, flowering, and post-flowering. It requires a minimum soil temperature of 15°C for germination, with early germination occurring at higher temperatures. The optimal soil temperature for growth and development is 16°C. The crop can withstand high atmospheric temperatures up to 49°C. Safflower thrives in relatively drier areas and is drought-resistant, with a preference for regions receiving 300 to 600 mm rainfall.

Propagation Method and Seed Quality for Safflower

Safflower is propagated through seeds. Seed quality is critical in determining the crop’s yield potential and success. High-quality seeds with high germination rates, genetic purity, and freedom from pests and diseases should be selected.

Seed Treatment for Safflower

To enhance germination, safflower seeds should be soaked overnight in water before sowing. Before sowing, the seeds must be treated with Captan or Agrosan GN at a rate of 3 gm/kg of seed to prevent disease and ensure healthy growth.

Seed Rate and Spacing for Safflower

A seed rate of 6 kg per acre should be used for sowing safflower. The recommended spacing is 15 cm between plants and 45 cm between rows. The seeds should be sown at a 5-7 cm depth in well-prepared soil. These measures can help ensure optimal crop establishment and yield.

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Sowing Method for Safflower

Establishment in safflower, improved seed drills, or ferti-seed drills can be used. Alternatively, seeds can be sown in plow furrows behind a country plow. The optimal depth of seeding is 5 cm, and immediately after seeding, the seed should be covered with a heavy plank. These measures can help ensure successful crop establishment.

Crop Rotation and Intercropping in Safflower

Safflower is often grown in rotation with small grains or fallow and annual legumes. Volunteer grain from the previous crop can be a problem when safflower follows cereals, but it can be controlled with registered grassy weed herbicides. However, safflower should not be grown in relative rotation with crops susceptible to the disease Sclerotinia, including dry bean, field pea, sunflower, mustard, and canola. Reduced tillage and chemical fallow is recommended to preserve residue and reduce erosion when summer follows after safflower.

Manure & Fertilizer Applications in Safflower

Safflower has an average nutrient removal rate of 60-65 kg N, 27-30 kg P2O5, and 40-45 kg K2O per hectare. One tonne of seed removes about 45 kg N. FYM at 5-6 t ha-1 is usually sufficient for rainfed safflower, but experts suggest the need for 20 to 40 kg N ha-1 depending on rainfall. Irrigated safflower can respond up to 60 kg N ha-1. Phosphorus requirements vary from 30 to 40 kg P2O5 ha-1 with an average response of 7 to 8 kg seed kg-1 of phosphorus applied. A response ranging from 4-5 kg seed kg-1 N applied has been obtained with up to 120 kg N ha-1 under irrigation.

Weed Management and Herbicide Application in Safflower

Weed control is crucial for safflower during the rosette phase, which lasts for around 25-30 days in Deccan areas and longer in other regions with extended winters. Regular weeding using intercultural methods is necessary to keep the area weed-free during this period. Additionally, herbicides such as Trifluralin, EPTC, Atrazine, or Alachlor are recommended for effective weed management. The pre-plant or pre-emergence application of these herbicides can help control weeds in safflower.

Water Management in Safflower

Safflower can grow in areas where irrigation is not needed if the soil is moist. During flowering, one irrigation is needed in 30 days. Heavy pre-sowing irrigation is recommended for less moist soil for better growth.

Disease Control in Safflower

Safflower is susceptible to wilt and heat rot caused by Sclerotinia fungus, which leads to yellowing, browning, and plant death. To control this disease, healthy seeds should be used, and soil should not be piled around the stem during the rainy season to prevent fungal growth.

Pest Control in Safflower

Green peach aphids and safflower aphids are common pests that affect safflower. They can be controlled by spraying 100 ml of Chlorpyriphos 20EC in 100 liters per acre. The spray can be repeated after 15 days if necessary. Green peach aphids can be identified by their burnt appearance on the plant, while safflower aphids can be found on tender shoots, leaves, and stems, causing weakness and drying up some areas.

Harvesting and Threshing of Safflower

Safflower crops can be harvested after 4 to 5 months when most of the bracteoles turn dry and brown except for a few on the last-formed flower heads. The best time for harvesting is early morning when the shattering is minimal, and the spines are soft. Threshing is done by beating with sticks or using a bullock-drawn stone roller or tractor, and winnowing clears the seeds. Power-operated threshers used for wheat and combine harvesters can also be used for safflower.

Safflower Yield per Acre

The Average yield that can be obtained from a one-acre safflower field is approximately 7-8 quintals.

Conclusion

Safflower cultivation requires proper planning, soil preparation, sowing, irrigation, pest and disease management, and harvesting. With proper care, safflower can be a profitable crop for farmers.

Safflower Production Guide: A Step-By-Step Cultivation Practices