2009 UTAH SAFFLOWER VARIETY, ROW SPACINGS AND PLANTING RATES TRIAL RESULTS
Proposed by: Michael Pace
Presenters: Pace,* M.G., Agriculture/Horticulture Agent, Utah State University, Brigham City, UT 84302
Israelsen, C., Agriculture/4-H Youth Agent, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84321
Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) is becoming an increasingly popular crop in Utah on irrigated and dryland farms. The first part of the study was to monitor the performance of 18 safflower varieties in comparison to the S-208 variety. Replicated plots were planted on May 7, 2009, in a Timpanogos silt loam soil at the Blue Creek Dryland Research Farm with a site elevation of 5,138 feet. Fertility followed soil test results. Plots were harvested with a small research plot combine on October 22, 2009. Pounds of dry matter (DM) produced per acre, color scores, oil content and gross income were evaluated. Gross income for the varieties ranged from $253 (1489 lb DM/acre) with Cal/West CW 1221 to $178 (1049 lb DM/acre) from STI 50. Parts 2 and 3 of the project evaluated safflower planting row spacing and planting rates. The seeding rates and row spacing trials were planted on May 13 in a Millville silt loam soil at the Greenville Irrigated Research Farm and harvested on October 12. Seeding rates were planted in 4 pound increments, ranging from 8 to 36 pounds and the row spacing trial was spaced in 6 inch increments from 6 to 30 inches. The plots were sprinkler irrigated July 2 and 9 for 5.5 hours each day (5 total inches applied). The highest yield came from 6 inch row spacing (3713 lbs). Results from the planting rate trial showed that planting the conventional S-208 variety at 20-24 lbs/acre yielded the best results with 4200 lbs/acre.