The main objective of the research was to study the biology, ecology and productivity of a less common species of agricultural crops – safflower (Carhtamus tinctorius L.), with the aim to evaluate the adaptability of the species on natural conditions of the Southern part of Romania and to the organic agriculture conditions. The experiment was organized in the Moara Domneasca Experimental Field, situated in reddish preluvosoil area from central part of Romanian Plain; it was organized based on the multi-stage block method with randomized variants in 4 replications. Sowing took place on 10 th of April 2008 and the sowing parameters were: 50 cm spacing between rows, with a density of 22 plants/m²; the sowing depth was of 3-4 cm. Carthamus tinctorius plants emerged 7 days after sowing, the beginning of inflorescences apparition was at 11 th of June, 56 days after emergence, the first seeds formed 77 days after emergence, and full maturity was attainig at 112 days after emergence. Upon harvest, the plants had a height of 75.8 cm and a number of 18 capitulum per plants, that contained around 293.17 seeds, which means an average of 15.43 seeds/capitula. The average value of the 1000‑seed weight was of 32.71 gand the yield was of 1917.91 kg/ha.

Carthamus tinctorius; morphology; biology

Presentation: oral