Safflower, (Carthamus tinctorius) is an important oilseed crop with growing importance in many countries around the world. However, safflower fly (Acanthiophilus helianthi Rossi) is one of the main limiting factors to expand the production area of the crop in several countries. Since use of selective insecticides is one of the most important methods for pest management, we evaluated the efficacy of six insecticides against A. helianthi infesting safflower. Field studies were conducted at the farm of Agriculture Research Station Gachsaran, in 2008-2009, to determine the effects of six different insecticides on the damage and incidence of A. helianthi on safflower variety ‘Sina’. Among the treatments Endosulfan 35% EC at 0.03% proved more effective followed by Chlorpyriphos and Monochrotophos. The spraying of these insecticides on safflower resulted in significantly higher reduction of larval population. The field data showed that Endosulfan gave a significantly higher increase in yield (> 78%) over control followed by Chlorpyriphos. Endosulfan (0.03%) avoided 45% yield loss on safflower crop.
