Effect of foliar applied manganese on the growth of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) and the diagnosis of manganese deficiency by plant tissue and seed analysis

Abstract

The efficacy of foliar applied manganese (Mn) in preventing Mn deficiency in safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L. cv. Gila) was assessed in a black clay soil in the South-East of South Australia. The application of Mn significantly increased seed yield? from 1040 to 1450 kg/ha, through an increase in the number of seeds per plant. Maximum yields were attained by a foliar application of 500 g/ha of Mn. In the youngest open leaf the critical nutrient range (CNR) for Mn was 9-13 8g/g, while for the upper primary stem a CNR of 2-3 8g/g was determined. The CNR for Mn in the seed was found to be 5-6 8g/g.