Trait-guided selection for superior safflower genotypes: towards enhanced oil yield and composition

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is an important oilseed crop with potential for further improvement through breeding programs. However, there is a need to evaluate safflower genotypes for desirable traits and identify gaps in knowledge for an effective breeding strategy. In this study a total of 36 safflower genotypes were assessed for various traits, with a focus on the morphological, phenotypic, protein percent, oil percent and oil fatty acids profile. Analysis of variance and traits relationship analysis such as Pearson correlation analysis, path analysis and GT-biplot were conducted in this study. Significant diversity in the studied traits displayed notable variations, thus indicating potential for targeted improvement in safflower breeding programs. The genotypes exhibited adaptability to different environmental conditions, with pronounced variations in phenological traits under moderate-cold and warm-dry conditions. The correlation analysis revealed seed yield, as a crucial trait was affected by plant height, prickliness intensity, inflorescence diameter, and flower color. Path analysis exhibited that plant height, prickliness intensity, and days to end flowering exerted the most substantial direct positive effects on oil percent. This analysis also indicated the direct negative effects of Oleic acid and Linoleic acid. GT-biplot represented the smallest angle among Oleic acid, Palmitic acid, Stearic acid, Linolenic acid, and prickliness, signifying the highest correlation of this trait. The diverse genotypes analyzed in this study provides a valuable resource for selecting genotypes with desirable traits, including oil profile and adaptability. By targeting traits such as early maturation and favorable oil profiles, breeders can develop improved safflower cultivars with enhanced yield potential and resilience to challenging conditions.