Genetic variation study for agro-morphological traits in safflower genotypes (Carthamus tinctorius L.)

Genotype safflower is scattered throughout the world from India and China to Africa and Europe. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between plant yield, yield components and morphological traits, as well as accurate recognition of traits affecting the yield on 32 safflower genotypes in a randomized complete block design with three replications at the research farm of Islamic Azad University, Karaj Branch. Among the studied genotypes, there was a significant difference in all studied traits such as plant yield, 1000-seed weight, number of branches, number of bolls per plant, boll weight, flowering time, flowering time, plant height and flowering time until there was an examination that indicated a high diversity in the germplasm studied. Among the yield components, the most heritability was attributed to 1000 seed weight and number of branches, and the lowest heritability was attributed to plant yield, which indicates that indirect modification of yield would be more beneficial. Plant height and number of branches can be used as an index of selection in breeding programs. Cluster analysis based on morphological traits categorized genotypes into five clusters. Based on the results of this study, it can be stated that by improving the traits of boll weights and number of bolls per plant, it is possible to achieve the desired grain yield in safflower genotypes.