Germination, emergence and seedling growth are considerably restricted by salinity. The study aimed to compare safflower with sunflower during germination and seedling growth for tolerance to salinity. Four safflower cultivars (Asol, Balcı, Linas and Olas) and sunflower hybrids (Esbella, Oliva, Cartago and C-180) were subjected to various NaCl levels (control, 5, 10 and 15 dS m -1 ) and their seedling growth and ion concentration were investigated. Classification for salinity tolerance was performed by a combination of Principal Component (PCA) and Cluster Analysis considering germination percentage (GP), mean germination time (MGT), vigor index (VI), Na + and Na:K ratio in seedlings. The results elicited that genotypes exhibited varying responses to salinity, MGT significantly prolonged and a dramatic reduction in seedling growth of sunflower was observed. The highest seedling fresh weight was observed in Esbella among sunflower and Asol among safflower and, Na + concentration of seedlings increased with increasing salinity levels. The safflower seedlings absorbed a higher Na + than that of sunflower. Safflower cv. Balcı had the highest Na + concentration in seedling and it maintains its ion balance (Na:K ratio) at all levels of NaCl. Cluster analysis revealed that there were two groups for salinity tolerance, and the safflower cultivars were apparently more salt-tolerant than sunflower hybrids.

This study was carried out to determine the efficiency of nitrogen (N) doses (0, 30, 60, and 90 kg N ha −1 ) under supplemental potassium (K) application (50 kg K 2 O ha −1 ) on black cumin in 2011 and 2012. The results showed that increased N levels resulted in increasing seed yield and N and K contents in seed, while oil content decreased. The seed yield and oil yield were peaked at the doses of 60 kg N ha −1 and 50 kg K ha −1 . An increase in N doses caused a reduction in oil content regardless of K supply. Saturated fatty acids and oleic acid were slightly increased by K application, while minor changes in linoleic acid were detected. It was concluded that 60 kg N ha −1 with supplemental K application should be advised for enhancement in seed yield, oil yield, and N and K contents in seeds of black cumin without significant changes in fatty acid composition.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract