Evaluation of safflower genotypes for higher productivity in Kalaburgi district of noth Karnataka

Abstract

Safflower is a vital oilseed crop grown across the globe on approximately 6 lakh hectares. India is one of the leading producers, contributing significantly to global safflower production. Productivity of safflower was low Kalaburagi district mainly owing to use of local and old varieties under rainfed Rabi- season under residual soil moisture. Hence, on farm testing (OFT) of improved genotypes developed by IIOR-Hydrabad and VNMKV, Parbhani were compared with existing low yielding old variety, at ICAR-KVK, Kalaburgi-2 jurisdiction. OFT was conducted under farmers field in Kalburagi district two blocks i.e., Jewargi (Village, Rasanagi) and Sedam (Beeranahalli) during Rabi season 2022-23. Total number of trials conducted was three involving three genotypes viz., A-2, PNBS-12 and ISF-764. The results of the trial indicated that higher yield parameter like test weight (12.4 g) and capsules per plant (51.6) and higher seed yield (21.5 q ha-1) and gross returns (Rs.75,250), net returns (Rs.51,750) and BC ratio (3.20) were recorded with variety ISF-764 over PBNS-12 and A-2. From the results farmers can cultivate improved varietyISF-764 released from IIOR- Hyderabad for higher yield and economics.