129 Changes in physical properties of some proprietary safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) cultivars after film coating application eynep DUMANOĞLU Bingol University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Biosystem Engineering, Bingol, Turkey Abstract Safflower is one of the economically important oil plants. There are some studies on safflower, but none on its seed properties. This study was carried out in the Biosystem Engineering labora- tories of the Faculty of Agriculture of Bingöl University in 2021. The seeds of four different proprietary safflower cultivars were randomly sampled, and some of their physical properties were examined under two separate groups, that is, control and film-coated. The film coating material was applied in a single layer, and its effects on the seed size were compared between the study groups. The coating dose should be at a level that will not adversely affect the germination and emergence performance of the seed. As a result of the study, it was found that the safflower seeds were long and oval in shape. This study is important in that its results will help the researchers carry out mechanization and breeding studies on safflower. Keywords: Safflower; Carthamus tinctorius L.; Seed size; Film-coated *Corresponding author e-mail: chiranjitpal2010@gmail.com Introduction Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.), a valuable oil plant with an annual herbaceous structure, has been cultivated for about 3000 years (Koç et al. 2017; Culpan and Arslan, 2018; Baydar and Erbaş, 2020). It has a high tolerance to conditions such as drought and low temperature, thanks to its behaviour in the consumption of water and nutrients in the soil depending on its root structure. Due to these features, safflower is important in making use of fallow lands, controlling erosion control, and expanding cultivation areas (Baydar and Erbaş, 2020; Esendal, 1981; Bayraktar, 1991; Geçit et al. 2018; Köse et al. 2021). Safflower is sown in two seasons, summer and winter. Depending on the irrigation conditions, it can be thorny or thornless and has yellow, white, red, and orange flowers with a height of 50-150 cm. Its seeds can be white, brown, striped white, and rarely black (Culpan and Arslan, 2018; Nacar et al. 2016; Toprak and Tunçtürk, 2018). The flowers and seeds of the safflower plant are used in many sectors. Safflower oil is used in biodiesel production as well as in the food, medicine, textile, and paint industries (Kırıcı, 1998; Yılmaz and Tunçtürk, 2018). It is also used as animal feed and ornamental, medicinal, and aromatic plant (Koç and Güneş, 2021). The unsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid and linoleic acid) account for about 90% of the total fatty acid content of the safflower seed. It contains 32-34% carbohydrate, 14-15% protein, 5-8% moisture, and 2-7% ash (Weiss, 2000; Çoşge et al. 2007; Kalafat et al. 2009). Since safflower is economically valuable and durable, mecha- nization trials and breeding studies have been carried out to expand its cultivation areas. In these studies, it was aimed to place the seeds in the soil with the least product loss by choos- ing the appropriate tools, machines, and systems for the physi- cal properties of the seeds. In addition, in breeding studies, the characteristics of seeds are important in the development of new varieties. Seed technologies are used to increase the resistance of seeds to ecological conditions and increasing planting opportunities. Researches are being carried out to increase seed quality through methods such as the use of plant nutrients, film coating, and pelleting. In this study, the seeds of different safflower cultivars were examined separately under two groups, control and film-coated, and some physical properties of the seeds were determined. Material and method This study was carried out in the laboratories of the depart- ments of Biosystem Engineering and Field Crops, Faculty of Agriculture, Bingöl University in 2021. In this study, the seeds of four different Safflower cultivars (Balcı, Dinçer, Yektay, and Yenice) were used as plant material. The safflow- er seeds were obtained from the Transitional Zone Agricul- tural Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Republic of Türkiye. The seeds were examined in two groups, control group and the film-coated group. SPSS v.22 statistical packages was used to analyze the data, and the TUKEY test was used to determine the differences. The statistical significance was set at p<0.05. In the study, a water-based polymeric material from a commercially sold brand in the market was used in the film coating application. The safflower seeds were film coated (single layer) by spraying and then dried at room temperature (approximately 24°C) in a moisture-free, dry, and dark environment for 24 hours (ISTA, 2007). The length (mm), width (mm), and surface area (mm2) of the seeds were measured using a stereo microscope (Nikon SMZ 745T) (Dumanoğlu and Geren, 2020; Dumanoğlu et al. 2021). The obtained data were evaluated according to the seed classifica- tion criteria specified in Table I. The mean arithmetic diame- ter of the seeds (mm) (), their mean geometric diameter (mm) () and sphericity () [L: Seed length (mm) W: Seed width (mm)] were calculated using the data (Mohsenin, 1970; Alayunt, 2000; Kara, 2012). In addition, 1000-grain weight was measured in triplicate randomly for both groups (Dumanoğlu and Öztürk, 2021). Results and discussion We examined some physical properties of four different safflower cultivars under two separate groups (control and film-coated) and found that, in the control group, the seeds of the variety Balcı had the highest length and surface area (7.599 mm; 22.027 mm2) and those of the variety Yenice had the lowest values (6.502 mm; 18.792 mm2); the seeds of the variety Dinçer had the highest width (3.721 mm) and those of the variety Yektay had the lowest width (3.508 mm) (Table II) In the control group, the seeds of the variety Balcı had the highest mean of both arithmetic (5.572 mm) and geometric (79.738 mm) diameter and sphericity (10.700) and those of the variety Yenice had the lowest (5.062 mm; 56.458 mm; 8.589). The variety Balcı was found to have the highest 1000-grain weight (40.434 g) and the variety Yenice had the lowest (34.843 g) (Table II). As for the film-coated group of four different safflower varie- ties, it was found that the seeds of the variety Balcı had the highest length (7.427 mm) and those of the variety Yektay had the lowest length (6.452 mm); the seeds of the variety Yektay had the highest width (3.661 mm) and the seeds of the variety Yenice had the lowest width (3.503 mm); and the seeds of the variety Yenice had the highest surface area (21.248 mm2) and those of the variety Yektay had the lowest surface area (18.709 mm2). It was found that, in the film coated safflower cultivars, the seeds of the variety Yenice had the highest mean arithmetic diameter (5.480mm) and those of the variety Yektay had the lowest (5.056 mm); the seeds of the variety Yenice had the highest mean geometric diameter (76.184 mm) and those of the variety Yenice had the lowest (55.729 mm); and the seeds of the variety Yenice had the highest sphericity (10.082) and those of the variety Yektay had the lowest (8.561). In the film-coated group, the variety Balcı was found to have the highest 1000-grain weight (40.562 g) and the variety Yenice had the lowest (35.645 g) (Table I). Based on these results, it can be asserted that all the safflower seeds in the control group and the film-coated group had a long and oval seed structure. As a result of the measurement and calculation processes, it was found that the safflower varieties in the control and film coated groups had similar values in all parameters. This is primarily due to the application of a single layer film coating. There was not much difference between the coated and uncoated seeds in terms of size, and the film material did not cover the seed like a barrier. This is extremely important for germination and emergence performances. In addition, it should be noted that the seeds randomly selected for film coating were slightly smaller than those in the control group. The thousand grain weights found in this study were in agree- ment with those reported in previous studies. Koc et al. (2017) examined the yield components of five safflower lines (106-2, 11-1, 77-1-d, 89-1-c, BDYAS-9) developed by selec- tion between 2015 and 2016 in Konya and some standard safflower varieties (Göktürk, Balcı, Linas, Olas, Dinçer) and reported that the 1000-grain weights of the varieties ranged from 36.5 g to 43 g. On the other hand, in their study, Geçit et al. (2018) reported that the safflower varieties had a 1000-grain weight of 30-45 g. The 1000 grain weights of the safflower cultivars examined in the present study were similar to those reported in these studies.. The safflower seeds were also coated using a film coating material in order to improve their properties and quality, and the film coated seeds were compared with those in the control group. Measurement and calculation processes, which form the basis for mechanization and breeding research, were carried out in this study. Based on the results of the study, it can be asserted that the variety Balcı in the control group and the variety Yenice in the film coated group came to the fore. This study is important in that it will form a basis for future research on seeds of oil plants. Acknowledgement I would like to thank Assoc. Dr. Arzu KÖSE and the Forestry Transitional Zone Agricultural Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Republic of Turkiye for their support in the supply of the safflower seeds. Referances Alayunt FN (2000), Biyolojik Malzeme Bilgisi, Ege Üniver- sitesi Ziraat Fakültesi Tarım Makineleri Bölümü Ders Kitabı, Ege Üniv. Ziraat Fak. Yayınları No: 541. Baydar H and Erbaş S (2020), Our native and national safflower varieties: olein, zirkon and safir. Ziraat fakültesi Dergisi Türkiye. Ulusal 1. Uluslararası Tarla Bitkileri Kongresi (özel sayı): 13: 233-237. Bayraktar N (1991), Seçilmiş Bazı Aspir (Carthamus tincto- rius L.) Döllerinde Tohum verimi, Yan Dal Sayısı ve Tabla Sayısının Belirlenmesi. Ankara Üniversitesi Ziraat Fakültesi Yayınları, Ankara, 17 s. Culpan E and Arslan B (2018), Effects of applications salicylic acid on seed yield and some quality traits of safflower cultivars (Carthamus tinctorius L.). Akade- mik Ziraat Dergisi 7(2): 173-178. Çoşge B, Gürbüz B and Kıralan M (2007), Oil content and fatty acid composition of some safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) varieties sown in spring and winter, International Journal of Natural and Engineering Sciences. 1(3):11-15. Dumanoğlu Z and Geren H (2020), An Investigation on Determination of Seed Characteristics of Some Gluten-Free Crops (Amarantus mantegazzianus, Chenopodium quinoa Willd., Eragrostis tef [Zucc] Trotter, Salvia hispanica L.). Turkısh Journal of Agriculture-Food Science and Technology 8(8): 1650-1655. Dumanoğlu Z, Çaçan E and Kökten K (2021), Determination of Physical Properties Seeds of Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) Genotypes, Journal of Anatolian Environmental and Animal Sciences 6(1): 18-24. Dumanoğlu Z and Öztürk G (2021), A Research on Improv- ing Seed Quality (Pelleting) in True Potato of 101 (Nif) Genotype, Fresenius Environmental Bulletin 30(09): 10983-10968. Esendal E (1981), Aspir’de Değişik Sıra Aralıkları ile Farklı Seviyelerde Azot ve Fosfor Uygulamalarının Verim ve Verimle İlgili Bazı Özellikler Üzerine Etkileri. Tez. Atatürk Üniversitesi, Ziraat Fakültesi, Erzurum. Geçit HH, Çiftçi CY, Emeklier HY, İkincikarakaya SÜ, Adak MS, Kolsarıcı Ö, Ekiz H, Altınok S, Sancak C, Sevimay CS and Kendir H (2018), Field Crops. Ankara Universi- ty Faculty of Agriculture Publications. Publication No: 1643, Ankara. International Rules for Seed Testing (ISTA), (2007), Interna- tional Rules for Seed Testing Book. Koç H, Güneş A and Aydoğan S (2017), Evaluation of yield and yield components of Safflower lines developed by selection in Konya conditions. KSU J Nat. Sci. (Spesi- al ıssue) 181-185. Kırıcı S (1998), Effects Of gıbberellıc acıd (GA3) on agronomıc traıts, flower yıeld and dye content of Safflower cultıvars, Tarla Bakileri Merkez Araştırma Enstitüsü Dergisi. 7(1): 10-30. Köse A, Koşar FÇ and Bilir Ö (2021), Mutasyon ıslahı ile geliştirilmiş bazı aspir (Carthamus tinctorius L.) hatlarının tarımsal performansları, Turkısh journal of agricultural and Natural Sciences 8(2): 262-273. DOI: org/10.30910/turkjans.685982 Kalafat S, Karakaya A, Kaya M. and Bayramin S (2009), A preliminary study on the reactions of safflower geno- types to rüşt disease, Plant Protection Bulletin. 49(4): 183-187. Koç H and Güneş A (2021), Determining the Relationships between Flower Yield and Some Morphological Traits in Safflower Genotypes, Turkısh journal of Nature and Science 10(1): 90-95. Kara M (2012), Biyolojik Ürünlerin Fiziksel Özellikleri, Atatürk Üniv. Ziraat Fakültesi Yayınları No: 242. Mohsenin NN (1970), Physical Properties of Plant and Animal Materials. Gordon and Breach Science Publishers. Nacar AS, Değirmenci V, Hatipoğlu H, Taş M, Arslan H, Çıkman A and Şakak A (2016), Effects of Irrigation on Yield and Yield Components at Safflower Plant in Harran Plain Condition, Tarla bitkileri Merkez araştır- ma Enst. Dergisi 2(özel sayı-2): 149-154. Toprak T and Tunçtürk R (2018), Effect of salt stress on developmental performance of diffrent aspir (Cartha- mus tinctorius L.) cultivars, Journal of natural & applied sciences of East 1(1): 44-50. Weiss EA (2000), Safflower. In: Oilseed Crops, Blackwell Sci. Ltd., Victoria, Australia, pp 93-129. Yılmaz S and Tunçtürk M (2018), Determination of Yield and Yield Components of Some Safflower Cultivars in Soil with and without Tillage under Muş Ecological Conditions, Journal of the Instıtute of Natural & Applied Sciences 23(1): 69-78. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v58i2.60570 Received: 29 June 2022 Revised: 31 July 2022 Accepted: 04 August 2022 Available online at www.banglajol.info Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 58(2), 129-132, 2023 Short Communication Investigation of changes in physical properties of some proprietary safflower 58(2) 2023126 Researches are being carried out to increase seed quality through methods such as the use of plant nutrients, film coating, and pelleting. In this study, the seeds of different safflower cultivars were examined separately under two groups, control and film-coated, and some physical properties of the seeds were determined. Material and method This study was carried out in the laboratories of the depart- ments of Biosystem Engineering and Field Crops, Faculty of Agriculture, Bingöl University in 2021. In this study, the seeds of four different Safflower cultivars (Balcı, Dinçer, Yektay, and Yenice) were used as plant material. The safflow- er seeds were obtained from the Transitional Zone Agricul- tural Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Republic of Türkiye. The seeds were examined in two groups, control group and the film-coated group. SPSS v.22 statistical packages was used to analyze the data, and the TUKEY test was used to determine the differences. The statistical significance was set at p<0.05. In the study, a water-based polymeric material from a commercially sold brand in the market was used in the film coating application. The safflower seeds were film coated (single layer) by spraying and then dried at room temperature (approximately 24°C) in a moisture-free, dry, and dark environment for 24 hours (ISTA, 2007). The length (mm), width (mm), and surface area (mm2) of the seeds were measured using a stereo microscope (Nikon SMZ 745T) (Dumanoğlu and Geren, 2020; Dumanoğlu et al. 2021). The obtained data were evaluated according to the seed classifica- tion criteria specified in Table I. The mean arithmetic diame- ter of the seeds (mm) (), their mean geometric diameter (mm) () and sphericity () [L: Seed length (mm) W: Seed width (mm)] were calculated using the data (Mohsenin, 1970; Alayunt, 2000; Kara, 2012). In addition, 1000-grain weight was measured in triplicate randomly for both groups (Dumanoğlu and Öztürk, 2021). Results and discussion We examined some physical properties of four different safflower cultivars under two separate groups (control and film-coated) and found that, in the control group, the seeds of the variety Balcı had the highest length and surface area (7.599 mm; 22.027 mm2) and those of the variety Yenice had the lowest values (6.502 mm; 18.792 mm2); the seeds of the variety Dinçer had the highest width (3.721 mm) and those of the variety Yektay had the lowest width (3.508 mm) (Table II) In the control group, the seeds of the variety Balcı had the highest mean of both arithmetic (5.572 mm) and geometric (79.738 mm) diameter and sphericity (10.700) and those of the variety Yenice had the lowest (5.062 mm; 56.458 mm; 8.589). The variety Balcı was found to have the highest 1000-grain weight (40.434 g) and the variety Yenice had the lowest (34.843 g) (Table II). As for the film-coated group of four different safflower varie- ties, it was found that the seeds of the variety Balcı had the highest length (7.427 mm) and those of the variety Yektay had the lowest length (6.452 mm); the seeds of the variety Yektay had the highest width (3.661 mm) and the seeds of the variety Yenice had the lowest width (3.503 mm); and the seeds of the variety Yenice had the highest surface area (21.248 mm2) and those of the variety Yektay had the lowest surface area (18.709 mm2). It was found that, in the film coated safflower cultivars, the seeds of the variety Yenice had the highest mean arithmetic diameter (5.480mm) and those of the variety Yektay had the lowest (5.056 mm); the seeds of the variety Yenice had the highest mean geometric diameter (76.184 mm) and those of the variety Yenice had the lowest (55.729 mm); and the seeds of the variety Yenice had the highest sphericity (10.082) and those of the variety Yektay had the lowest (8.561). In the film-coated group, the variety Balcı was found to have the highest 1000-grain weight (40.562 g) and the variety Yenice had the lowest (35.645 g) (Table I). Based on these results, it can be asserted that all the safflower seeds in the control group and the film-coated group had a long and oval seed structure. As a result of the measurement and calculation processes, it was found that the safflower varieties in the control and film coated groups had similar values in all parameters. This is primarily due to the application of a single layer film coating. There was not much difference between the coated and uncoated seeds in terms of size, and the film material did not cover the seed like a barrier. This is extremely important for germination and emergence performances. In addition, it should be noted that the seeds randomly selected for film coating were slightly smaller than those in the control group. The thousand grain weights found in this study were in agree- ment with those reported in previous studies. Koc et al. (2017) examined the yield components of five safflower lines (106-2, 11-1, 77-1-d, 89-1-c, BDYAS-9) developed by selec- tion between 2015 and 2016 in Konya and some standard safflower varieties (Göktürk, Balcı, Linas, Olas, Dinçer) and reported that the 1000-grain weights of the varieties ranged from 36.5 g to 43 g. On the other hand, in their study, Geçit et al. (2018) reported that the safflower varieties had a 1000-grain weight of 30-45 g. The 1000 grain weights of the safflower cultivars examined in the present study were similar to those reported in these studies.. The safflower seeds were also coated using a film coating material in order to improve their properties and quality, and the film coated seeds were compared with those in the control group. Measurement and calculation processes, which form the basis for mechanization and breeding research, were carried out in this study. Based on the results of the study, it can be asserted that the variety Balcı in the control group and the variety Yenice in the film coated group came to the fore. This study is important in that it will form a basis for future research on seeds of oil plants. Acknowledgement I would like to thank Assoc. Dr. Arzu KÖSE and the Forestry Transitional Zone Agricultural Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Republic of Turkiye for their support in the supply of the safflower seeds. Referances Alayunt FN (2000), Biyolojik Malzeme Bilgisi, Ege Üniver- sitesi Ziraat Fakültesi Tarım Makineleri Bölümü Ders Kitabı, Ege Üniv. Ziraat Fak. Yayınları No: 541. Baydar H and Erbaş S (2020), Our native and national safflower varieties: olein, zirkon and safir. Ziraat fakültesi Dergisi Türkiye. Ulusal 1. Uluslararası Tarla Bitkileri Kongresi (özel sayı): 13: 233-237. Bayraktar N (1991), Seçilmiş Bazı Aspir (Carthamus tincto- rius L.) Döllerinde Tohum verimi, Yan Dal Sayısı ve Tabla Sayısının Belirlenmesi. Ankara Üniversitesi Ziraat Fakültesi Yayınları, Ankara, 17 s. Culpan E and Arslan B (2018), Effects of applications salicylic acid on seed yield and some quality traits of safflower cultivars (Carthamus tinctorius L.). Akade- mik Ziraat Dergisi 7(2): 173-178. Çoşge B, Gürbüz B and Kıralan M (2007), Oil content and fatty acid composition of some safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) varieties sown in spring and winter, International Journal of Natural and Engineering Sciences. 1(3):11-15. Dumanoğlu Z and Geren H (2020), An Investigation on Determination of Seed Characteristics of Some Gluten-Free Crops (Amarantus mantegazzianus, Chenopodium quinoa Willd., Eragrostis tef [Zucc] Trotter, Salvia hispanica L.). Turkısh Journal of Agriculture-Food Science and Technology 8(8): 1650-1655. Dumanoğlu Z, Çaçan E and Kökten K (2021), Determination of Physical Properties Seeds of Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) Genotypes, Journal of Anatolian Environmental and Animal Sciences 6(1): 18-24. Dumanoğlu Z and Öztürk G (2021), A Research on Improv- ing Seed Quality (Pelleting) in True Potato of 101 (Nif) Genotype, Fresenius Environmental Bulletin 30(09): 10983-10968. Esendal E (1981), Aspir’de Değişik Sıra Aralıkları ile Farklı Seviyelerde Azot ve Fosfor Uygulamalarının Verim ve Verimle İlgili Bazı Özellikler Üzerine Etkileri. Tez. Atatürk Üniversitesi, Ziraat Fakültesi, Erzurum. Geçit HH, Çiftçi CY, Emeklier HY, İkincikarakaya SÜ, Adak MS, Kolsarıcı Ö, Ekiz H, Altınok S, Sancak C, Sevimay CS and Kendir H (2018), Field Crops. Ankara Universi- ty Faculty of Agriculture Publications. Publication No: 1643, Ankara. International Rules for Seed Testing (ISTA), (2007), Interna- tional Rules for Seed Testing Book. Koç H, Güneş A and Aydoğan S (2017), Evaluation of yield and yield components of Safflower lines developed by selection in Konya conditions. KSU J Nat. Sci. (Spesi- al ıssue) 181-185. Kırıcı S (1998), Effects Of gıbberellıc acıd (GA3) on agronomıc traıts, flower yıeld and dye content of Safflower cultıvars, Tarla Bakileri Merkez Araştırma Enstitüsü Dergisi. 7(1): 10-30. Köse A, Koşar FÇ and Bilir Ö (2021), Mutasyon ıslahı ile geliştirilmiş bazı aspir (Carthamus tinctorius L.) hatlarının tarımsal performansları, Turkısh journal of agricultural and Natural Sciences 8(2): 262-273. DOI: org/10.30910/turkjans.685982 Kalafat S, Karakaya A, Kaya M. and Bayramin S (2009), A preliminary study on the reactions of safflower geno- types to rüşt disease, Plant Protection Bulletin. 49(4): 183-187. Koç H and Güneş A (2021), Determining the Relationships between Flower Yield and Some Morphological Traits in Safflower Genotypes, Turkısh journal of Nature and Science 10(1): 90-95. Kara M (2012), Biyolojik Ürünlerin Fiziksel Özellikleri, Atatürk Üniv. Ziraat Fakültesi Yayınları No: 242. Mohsenin NN (1970), Physical Properties of Plant and Animal Materials. Gordon and Breach Science Publishers. Nacar AS, Değirmenci V, Hatipoğlu H, Taş M, Arslan H, Çıkman A and Şakak A (2016), Effects of Irrigation on Yield and Yield Components at Safflower Plant in Harran Plain Condition, Tarla bitkileri Merkez araştır- ma Enst. Dergisi 2(özel sayı-2): 149-154. Toprak T and Tunçtürk R (2018), Effect of salt stress on developmental performance of diffrent aspir (Cartha- mus tinctorius L.) cultivars, Journal of natural & applied sciences of East 1(1): 44-50. Weiss EA (2000), Safflower. In: Oilseed Crops, Blackwell Sci. Ltd., Victoria, Australia, pp 93-129. Yılmaz S and Tunçtürk M (2018), Determination of Yield and Yield Components of Some Safflower Cultivars in Soil with and without Tillage under Muş Ecological Conditions, Journal of the Instıtute of Natural & Applied Sciences 23(1): 69-78. Table I. Classification of the seeds by their geometric haracteristics and shapes (23) Geometric characteristics Grain width/ Grain length (b/a) (mm) Long < 0.6 Medium 0.6 – 0.7 Short > 0.7 Shapes Length (a), Width (b), Thickness (c) (mm) Round a ≈ b ≈ c Oval a/3 < b ≈ c Long c < b < a/3 Zeynep DUMANOĞLU 127 Researches are being carried out to increase seed quality through methods such as the use of plant nutrients, film coating, and pelleting. In this study, the seeds of different safflower cultivars were examined separately under two groups, control and film-coated, and some physical properties of the seeds were determined. Material and method This study was carried out in the laboratories of the depart- ments of Biosystem Engineering and Field Crops, Faculty of Agriculture, Bingöl University in 2021. In this study, the seeds of four different Safflower cultivars (Balcı, Dinçer, Yektay, and Yenice) were used as plant material. The safflow- er seeds were obtained from the Transitional Zone Agricul- tural Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Republic of Türkiye. The seeds were examined in two groups, control group and the film-coated group. SPSS v.22 statistical packages was used to analyze the data, and the TUKEY test was used to determine the differences. The statistical significance was set at p<0.05. In the study, a water-based polymeric material from a commercially sold brand in the market was used in the film coating application. The safflower seeds were film coated (single layer) by spraying and then dried at room temperature (approximately 24°C) in a moisture-free, dry, and dark environment for 24 hours (ISTA, 2007). The length (mm), width (mm), and surface area (mm2) of the seeds were measured using a stereo microscope (Nikon SMZ 745T) (Dumanoğlu and Geren, 2020; Dumanoğlu et al. 2021). The obtained data were evaluated according to the seed classifica- tion criteria specified in Table I. The mean arithmetic diame- ter of the seeds (mm) (), their mean geometric diameter (mm) () and sphericity () [L: Seed length (mm) W: Seed width (mm)] were calculated using the data (Mohsenin, 1970; Alayunt, 2000; Kara, 2012). In addition, 1000-grain weight was measured in triplicate randomly for both groups (Dumanoğlu and Öztürk, 2021). Results and discussion We examined some physical properties of four different safflower cultivars under two separate groups (control and film-coated) and found that, in the control group, the seeds of the variety Balcı had the highest length and surface area (7.599 mm; 22.027 mm2) and those of the variety Yenice had the lowest values (6.502 mm; 18.792 mm2); the seeds of the variety Dinçer had the highest width (3.721 mm) and those of the variety Yektay had the lowest width (3.508 mm) (Table II) In the control group, the seeds of the variety Balcı had the highest mean of both arithmetic (5.572 mm) and geometric (79.738 mm) diameter and sphericity (10.700) and those of the variety Yenice had the lowest (5.062 mm; 56.458 mm; 8.589). The variety Balcı was found to have the highest 1000-grain weight (40.434 g) and the variety Yenice had the lowest (34.843 g) (Table II). As for the film-coated group of four different safflower varie- ties, it was found that the seeds of the variety Balcı had the highest length (7.427 mm) and those of the variety Yektay had the lowest length (6.452 mm); the seeds of the variety Yektay had the highest width (3.661 mm) and the seeds of the variety Yenice had the lowest width (3.503 mm); and the seeds of the variety Yenice had the highest surface area (21.248 mm2) and those of the variety Yektay had the lowest surface area (18.709 mm2). It was found that, in the film coated safflower cultivars, the seeds of the variety Yenice had the highest mean arithmetic diameter (5.480mm) and those of the variety Yektay had the lowest (5.056 mm); the seeds of the variety Yenice had the highest mean geometric diameter (76.184 mm) and those of the variety Yenice had the lowest (55.729 mm); and the seeds of the variety Yenice had the highest sphericity (10.082) and those of the variety Yektay had the lowest (8.561). In the film-coated group, the variety Balcı was found to have the highest 1000-grain weight (40.562 g) and the variety Yenice had the lowest (35.645 g) (Table I). Based on these results, it can be asserted that all the safflower seeds in the control group and the film-coated group had a long and oval seed structure. As a result of the measurement and calculation processes, it was found that the safflower varieties in the control and film coated groups had similar values in all parameters. This is primarily due to the application of a single layer film coating. There was not much difference between the coated and uncoated seeds in terms of size, and the film material did not cover the seed like a barrier. This is extremely important for germination and emergence performances. In addition, it should be noted that the seeds randomly selected for film coating were slightly smaller than those in the control group. The thousand grain weights found in this study were in agree- ment with those reported in previous studies. Koc et al. (2017) examined the yield components of five safflower lines (106-2, 11-1, 77-1-d, 89-1-c, BDYAS-9) developed by selec- tion between 2015 and 2016 in Konya and some standard safflower varieties (Göktürk, Balcı, Linas, Olas, Dinçer) and reported that the 1000-grain weights of the varieties ranged from 36.5 g to 43 g. On the other hand, in their study, Geçit et al. (2018) reported that the safflower varieties had a 1000-grain weight of 30-45 g. The 1000 grain weights of the safflower cultivars examined in the present study were similar to those reported in these studies.. The safflower seeds were also coated using a film coating material in order to improve their properties and quality, and the film coated seeds were compared with those in the control group. Measurement and calculation processes, which form the basis for mechanization and breeding research, were carried out in this study. Based on the results of the study, it can be asserted that the variety Balcı in the control group and the variety Yenice in the film coated group came to the fore. This study is important in that it will form a basis for future research on seeds of oil plants. Acknowledgement I would like to thank Assoc. Dr. Arzu KÖSE and the Forestry Transitional Zone Agricultural Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Republic of Turkiye for their support in the supply of the safflower seeds. Referances Alayunt FN (2000), Biyolojik Malzeme Bilgisi, Ege Üniver- sitesi Ziraat Fakültesi Tarım Makineleri Bölümü Ders Kitabı, Ege Üniv. Ziraat Fak. Yayınları No: 541. Baydar H and Erbaş S (2020), Our native and national safflower varieties: olein, zirkon and safir. Ziraat fakültesi Dergisi Türkiye. Ulusal 1. Uluslararası Tarla Bitkileri Kongresi (özel sayı): 13: 233-237. Bayraktar N (1991), Seçilmiş Bazı Aspir (Carthamus tincto- rius L.) Döllerinde Tohum verimi, Yan Dal Sayısı ve Tabla Sayısının Belirlenmesi. Ankara Üniversitesi Ziraat Fakültesi Yayınları, Ankara, 17 s. Culpan E and Arslan B (2018), Effects of applications salicylic acid on seed yield and some quality traits of safflower cultivars (Carthamus tinctorius L.). Akade- mik Ziraat Dergisi 7(2): 173-178. Çoşge B, Gürbüz B and Kıralan M (2007), Oil content and fatty acid composition of some safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) varieties sown in spring and winter, International Journal of Natural and Engineering Sciences. 1(3):11-15. Dumanoğlu Z and Geren H (2020), An Investigation on Determination of Seed Characteristics of Some Gluten-Free Crops (Amarantus mantegazzianus, Chenopodium quinoa Willd., Eragrostis tef [Zucc] Trotter, Salvia hispanica L.). Turkısh Journal of Agriculture-Food Science and Technology 8(8): 1650-1655. Dumanoğlu Z, Çaçan E and Kökten K (2021), Determination of Physical Properties Seeds of Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) Genotypes, Journal of Anatolian Environmental and Animal Sciences 6(1): 18-24. Dumanoğlu Z and Öztürk G (2021), A Research on Improv- ing Seed Quality (Pelleting) in True Potato of 101 (Nif) Genotype, Fresenius Environmental Bulletin 30(09): 10983-10968. Esendal E (1981), Aspir’de Değişik Sıra Aralıkları ile Farklı Seviyelerde Azot ve Fosfor Uygulamalarının Verim ve Verimle İlgili Bazı Özellikler Üzerine Etkileri. Tez. Atatürk Üniversitesi, Ziraat Fakültesi, Erzurum. Geçit HH, Çiftçi CY, Emeklier HY, İkincikarakaya SÜ, Adak MS, Kolsarıcı Ö, Ekiz H, Altınok S, Sancak C, Sevimay CS and Kendir H (2018), Field Crops. Ankara Universi- ty Faculty of Agriculture Publications. Publication No: 1643, Ankara. International Rules for Seed Testing (ISTA), (2007), Interna- tional Rules for Seed Testing Book. Koç H, Güneş A and Aydoğan S (2017), Evaluation of yield and yield components of Safflower lines developed by selection in Konya conditions. KSU J Nat. Sci. (Spesi- al ıssue) 181-185. Kırıcı S (1998), Effects Of gıbberellıc acıd (GA3) on agronomıc traıts, flower yıeld and dye content of Safflower cultıvars, Tarla Bakileri Merkez Araştırma Enstitüsü Dergisi. 7(1): 10-30. Köse A, Koşar FÇ and Bilir Ö (2021), Mutasyon ıslahı ile geliştirilmiş bazı aspir (Carthamus tinctorius L.) hatlarının tarımsal performansları, Turkısh journal of agricultural and Natural Sciences 8(2): 262-273. DOI: org/10.30910/turkjans.685982 Kalafat S, Karakaya A, Kaya M. and Bayramin S (2009), A preliminary study on the reactions of safflower geno- types to rüşt disease, Plant Protection Bulletin. 49(4): 183-187. Koç H and Güneş A (2021), Determining the Relationships between Flower Yield and Some Morphological Traits in Safflower Genotypes, Turkısh journal of Nature and Science 10(1): 90-95. Kara M (2012), Biyolojik Ürünlerin Fiziksel Özellikleri, Atatürk Üniv. Ziraat Fakültesi Yayınları No: 242. Mohsenin NN (1970), Physical Properties of Plant and Animal Materials. Gordon and Breach Science Publishers. Nacar AS, Değirmenci V, Hatipoğlu H, Taş M, Arslan H, Çıkman A and Şakak A (2016), Effects of Irrigation on Yield and Yield Components at Safflower Plant in Harran Plain Condition, Tarla bitkileri Merkez araştır- ma Enst. Dergisi 2(özel sayı-2): 149-154. Toprak T and Tunçtürk R (2018), Effect of salt stress on developmental performance of diffrent aspir (Cartha- mus tinctorius L.) cultivars, Journal of natural & applied sciences of East 1(1): 44-50. Weiss EA (2000), Safflower. In: Oilseed Crops, Blackwell Sci. Ltd., Victoria, Australia, pp 93-129. Yılmaz S and Tunçtürk M (2018), Determination of Yield and Yield Components of Some Safflower Cultivars in Soil with and without Tillage under Muş Ecological Conditions, Journal of the Instıtute of Natural & Applied Sciences 23(1): 69-78. Table II. Some physical characteristics of the seeds of the safflower varieties Varieties Length (mm) Width (mm) Surface area (mm2) Avg. Arithmetic Diameter Avg. Geometric Diameter Sphericity Thousand grain weight (g) Balcı 7.599a 3.545b 22.027a 5.572a 79.738a 10.700a 40.434 Dinçer 6.767b 3.721a 20.485bc 5.244b 62.876b 9.209b 38.692 Yektay 7.460a 3.508b 21.247ab 5.479a 75.955a 10.072a 38.473 Yenice 6.502cd 3.622ab 18.792d 5.062c 56.458cd 8.589c 34.843 Avg. 7.082 3.599 20.638 5.339 68.757 9.643 38.111 Stdv. 0.531 0.094 1.382 0.231 10.928 0.931 2.348 Film coated Balcı 7.427a 3.536b 21.151ab 5.482a 75.705a 10.075a 40.562 Film coated Dinçer 6.702bc 3.643ab 19.758cd 5.173bc 60.491bc 8.959bc 39.456 Film coated Yektay 6.452a 3.661b 18.709ab 5.056a 55.729a 8.561a 38.803 Film coated Yenice 7.458d 3.503ab 21.248d 5.480c 76.184d 10.082c 35.645 Avg. 7.010 3.586 20.217 5.298 67.027 9.419 38.617 Stdv. 0.510 0.078 1.214 0.217 10.480 0.778 2.110 Investigation of changes in physical properties of some proprietary safflower 58(2) 2023128 Researches are being carried out to increase seed quality through methods such as the use of plant nutrients, film coating, and pelleting. In this study, the seeds of different safflower cultivars were examined separately under two groups, control and film-coated, and some physical properties of the seeds were determined. Material and method This study was carried out in the laboratories of the depart- ments of Biosystem Engineering and Field Crops, Faculty of Agriculture, Bingöl University in 2021. In this study, the seeds of four different Safflower cultivars (Balcı, Dinçer, Yektay, and Yenice) were used as plant material. The safflow- er seeds were obtained from the Transitional Zone Agricul- tural Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Republic of Türkiye. The seeds were examined in two groups, control group and the film-coated group. SPSS v.22 statistical packages was used to analyze the data, and the TUKEY test was used to determine the differences. The statistical significance was set at p<0.05. In the study, a water-based polymeric material from a commercially sold brand in the market was used in the film coating application. The safflower seeds were film coated (single layer) by spraying and then dried at room temperature (approximately 24°C) in a moisture-free, dry, and dark environment for 24 hours (ISTA, 2007). The length (mm), width (mm), and surface area (mm2) of the seeds were measured using a stereo microscope (Nikon SMZ 745T) (Dumanoğlu and Geren, 2020; Dumanoğlu et al. 2021). The obtained data were evaluated according to the seed classifica- tion criteria specified in Table I. The mean arithmetic diame- ter of the seeds (mm) (), their mean geometric diameter (mm) () and sphericity () [L: Seed length (mm) W: Seed width (mm)] were calculated using the data (Mohsenin, 1970; Alayunt, 2000; Kara, 2012). In addition, 1000-grain weight was measured in triplicate randomly for both groups (Dumanoğlu and Öztürk, 2021). Results and discussion We examined some physical properties of four different safflower cultivars under two separate groups (control and film-coated) and found that, in the control group, the seeds of the variety Balcı had the highest length and surface area (7.599 mm; 22.027 mm2) and those of the variety Yenice had the lowest values (6.502 mm; 18.792 mm2); the seeds of the variety Dinçer had the highest width (3.721 mm) and those of the variety Yektay had the lowest width (3.508 mm) (Table II) In the control group, the seeds of the variety Balcı had the highest mean of both arithmetic (5.572 mm) and geometric (79.738 mm) diameter and sphericity (10.700) and those of the variety Yenice had the lowest (5.062 mm; 56.458 mm; 8.589). The variety Balcı was found to have the highest 1000-grain weight (40.434 g) and the variety Yenice had the lowest (34.843 g) (Table II). As for the film-coated group of four different safflower varie- ties, it was found that the seeds of the variety Balcı had the highest length (7.427 mm) and those of the variety Yektay had the lowest length (6.452 mm); the seeds of the variety Yektay had the highest width (3.661 mm) and the seeds of the variety Yenice had the lowest width (3.503 mm); and the seeds of the variety Yenice had the highest surface area (21.248 mm2) and those of the variety Yektay had the lowest surface area (18.709 mm2). It was found that, in the film coated safflower cultivars, the seeds of the variety Yenice had the highest mean arithmetic diameter (5.480mm) and those of the variety Yektay had the lowest (5.056 mm); the seeds of the variety Yenice had the highest mean geometric diameter (76.184 mm) and those of the variety Yenice had the lowest (55.729 mm); and the seeds of the variety Yenice had the highest sphericity (10.082) and those of the variety Yektay had the lowest (8.561). In the film-coated group, the variety Balcı was found to have the highest 1000-grain weight (40.562 g) and the variety Yenice had the lowest (35.645 g) (Table I). Based on these results, it can be asserted that all the safflower seeds in the control group and the film-coated group had a long and oval seed structure. As a result of the measurement and calculation processes, it was found that the safflower varieties in the control and film coated groups had similar values in all parameters. This is primarily due to the application of a single layer film coating. There was not much difference between the coated and uncoated seeds in terms of size, and the film material did not cover the seed like a barrier. This is extremely important for germination and emergence performances. In addition, it should be noted that the seeds randomly selected for film coating were slightly smaller than those in the control group. The thousand grain weights found in this study were in agree- ment with those reported in previous studies. Koc et al. (2017) examined the yield components of five safflower lines (106-2, 11-1, 77-1-d, 89-1-c, BDYAS-9) developed by selec- tion between 2015 and 2016 in Konya and some standard safflower varieties (Göktürk, Balcı, Linas, Olas, Dinçer) and reported that the 1000-grain weights of the varieties ranged from 36.5 g to 43 g. On the other hand, in their study, Geçit et al. (2018) reported that the safflower varieties had a 1000-grain weight of 30-45 g. The 1000 grain weights of the safflower cultivars examined in the present study were similar to those reported in these studies.. The safflower seeds were also coated using a film coating material in order to improve their properties and quality, and the film coated seeds were compared with those in the control group. Measurement and calculation processes, which form the basis for mechanization and breeding research, were carried out in this study. Based on the results of the study, it can be asserted that the variety Balcı in the control group and the variety Yenice in the film coated group came to the fore. This study is important in that it will form a basis for future research on seeds of oil plants. Acknowledgement I would like to thank Assoc. Dr. Arzu KÖSE and the Forestry Transitional Zone Agricultural Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Republic of Turkiye for their support in the supply of the safflower seeds. Referances Alayunt FN (2000), Biyolojik Malzeme Bilgisi, Ege Üniver- sitesi Ziraat Fakültesi Tarım Makineleri Bölümü Ders Kitabı, Ege Üniv. Ziraat Fak. Yayınları No: 541. Baydar H and Erbaş S (2020), Our native and national safflower varieties: olein, zirkon and safir. Ziraat fakültesi Dergisi Türkiye. Ulusal 1. Uluslararası Tarla Bitkileri Kongresi (özel sayı): 13: 233-237. Bayraktar N (1991), Seçilmiş Bazı Aspir (Carthamus tincto- rius L.) Döllerinde Tohum verimi, Yan Dal Sayısı ve Tabla Sayısının Belirlenmesi. Ankara Üniversitesi Ziraat Fakültesi Yayınları, Ankara, 17 s. Culpan E and Arslan B (2018), Effects of applications salicylic acid on seed yield and some quality traits of safflower cultivars (Carthamus tinctorius L.). Akade- mik Ziraat Dergisi 7(2): 173-178. Çoşge B, Gürbüz B and Kıralan M (2007), Oil content and fatty acid composition of some safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) varieties sown in spring and winter, International Journal of Natural and Engineering Sciences. 1(3):11-15. Dumanoğlu Z and Geren H (2020), An Investigation on Determination of Seed Characteristics of Some Gluten-Free Crops (Amarantus mantegazzianus, Chenopodium quinoa Willd., Eragrostis tef [Zucc] Trotter, Salvia hispanica L.). Turkısh Journal of Agriculture-Food Science and Technology 8(8): 1650-1655. Dumanoğlu Z, Çaçan E and Kökten K (2021), Determination of Physical Properties Seeds of Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) Genotypes, Journal of Anatolian Environmental and Animal Sciences 6(1): 18-24. Dumanoğlu Z and Öztürk G (2021), A Research on Improv- ing Seed Quality (Pelleting) in True Potato of 101 (Nif) Genotype, Fresenius Environmental Bulletin 30(09): 10983-10968. Esendal E (1981), Aspir’de Değişik Sıra Aralıkları ile Farklı Seviyelerde Azot ve Fosfor Uygulamalarının Verim ve Verimle İlgili Bazı Özellikler Üzerine Etkileri. Tez. Atatürk Üniversitesi, Ziraat Fakültesi, Erzurum. Geçit HH, Çiftçi CY, Emeklier HY, İkincikarakaya SÜ, Adak MS, Kolsarıcı Ö, Ekiz H, Altınok S, Sancak C, Sevimay CS and Kendir H (2018), Field Crops. Ankara Universi- ty Faculty of Agriculture Publications. Publication No: 1643, Ankara. International Rules for Seed Testing (ISTA), (2007), Interna- tional Rules for Seed Testing Book. Koç H, Güneş A and Aydoğan S (2017), Evaluation of yield and yield components of Safflower lines developed by selection in Konya conditions. KSU J Nat. Sci. (Spesi- al ıssue) 181-185. Kırıcı S (1998), Effects Of gıbberellıc acıd (GA3) on agronomıc traıts, flower yıeld and dye content of Safflower cultıvars, Tarla Bakileri Merkez Araştırma Enstitüsü Dergisi. 7(1): 10-30. Köse A, Koşar FÇ and Bilir Ö (2021), Mutasyon ıslahı ile geliştirilmiş bazı aspir (Carthamus tinctorius L.) hatlarının tarımsal performansları, Turkısh journal of agricultural and Natural Sciences 8(2): 262-273. DOI: org/10.30910/turkjans.685982 Kalafat S, Karakaya A, Kaya M. and Bayramin S (2009), A preliminary study on the reactions of safflower geno- types to rüşt disease, Plant Protection Bulletin. 49(4): 183-187. Koç H and Güneş A (2021), Determining the Relationships between Flower Yield and Some Morphological Traits in Safflower Genotypes, Turkısh journal of Nature and Science 10(1): 90-95. Kara M (2012), Biyolojik Ürünlerin Fiziksel Özellikleri, Atatürk Üniv. Ziraat Fakültesi Yayınları No: 242. Mohsenin NN (1970), Physical Properties of Plant and Animal Materials. Gordon and Breach Science Publishers. Nacar AS, Değirmenci V, Hatipoğlu H, Taş M, Arslan H, Çıkman A and Şakak A (2016), Effects of Irrigation on Yield and Yield Components at Safflower Plant in Harran Plain Condition, Tarla bitkileri Merkez araştır- ma Enst. Dergisi 2(özel sayı-2): 149-154. Toprak T and Tunçtürk R (2018), Effect of salt stress on developmental performance of diffrent aspir (Cartha- mus tinctorius L.) cultivars, Journal of natural & applied sciences of East 1(1): 44-50. Weiss EA (2000), Safflower. In: Oilseed Crops, Blackwell Sci. Ltd., Victoria, Australia, pp 93-129. Yılmaz S and Tunçtürk M (2018), Determination of Yield and Yield Components of Some Safflower Cultivars in Soil with and without Tillage under Muş Ecological Conditions, Journal of the Instıtute of Natural & Applied Sciences 23(1): 69-78.