Spartak

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) – an annual plant of the aster family, known for its bright orange petals and high fat content in the seed kernel (46.7%). The plant reaches a significant height with a sturdy primary branch, the leaves are green, long, and wide. The inflorescence consists of a spherical head, and the large white seeds are the main product.

Safflower has a short growing season – 107 days, which allows for harvesting as early as July-August and minimizes risks of losses from adverse weather conditions. Seed yield is about 12 c/ha, and protein content reaches 19.4%. The plant is drought-resistant and not affected by infectious wilting to a weak degree, making it attractive for crop rotation.

Oil from safflower seeds is similar in composition to sunflower oil: it contains polyunsaturated fatty acids, so it is widely used in cooking (margarine, dressings, frying), as well as in the production of varnishes and paints. The residue after pressing serves as a protein additive for animal feed. Petals contain the natural dye carthamin, used in the food industry and manufacturing of natural paints. Safflower is also a good honey plant, providing up to 100 kg of honey per hectare.

Introducing safflower into the agrarian rotation cycle reduces the spread of dangerous sunflower parasites and improves the phytosanitary condition of fields. Due to high export figures (in the previous season exports amounted to 73 thousand tons, with a forecast of 75 thousand tons in the current season), safflower is becoming a promising crop for domestic farmers.