East Azarbaijan - Researchers in East Azarbaijan , in the northwest of Iran,  have successfully identified superior canola and safflower genotypes suited to Iran's cold climates, advancing ongoing breeding programs.

 

Bahman Pasban-e-Islam, Deputy Director of Research at the East Azarbaijan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, reported that five research projects are currently underway. "Preliminary results have pinpointed elite genotypes with strong adaptability to cold conditions," he said.

 

He also noted that treating safflower seeds and soil with Trichoderma fungus has significantly improved cold tolerance in plants, especially in late sowings.

 

The spring safflower seed production field at the Khosrowshah Research Station is progressing well, with plants at the stem elongation stage and exhibiting healthy growth, the official said.