Analysis of tolerance indices for germplasm evaluation in safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) subjected to terminal drought stress

Abstract

In order to evaluate quantitative drought resistance criteria in some safflower genotypes, fiftheen genotypes were evaluated both under moisture stress and non-stress field environments using a randomized complete block design for each environment. The genotypes showed significant differences in grain yield and other traits. Grain yield under irrigated conditions was adversely correlated with water deficit condition, suggesting that high potential yield under optimal conditions does not necessarily result in improved yield under stress conditions. Genotypes G64, G92 and PI253527 showed lower yield reduction than the average of other genotypes. Surprisingly, most of the genotypes showed more than 30% yield reduction under drought stress. The positive correlation between TOL and irrigated yield (Yp) and the negative correlation between TOL and yield under stress (Ys) suggest that selection based on TOL will result in reduced yield under well-watered conditions. We conclude that GMP and STI are able to discriminate tolerant group of genotypes under both environments. Therefore, genotypes G47, G64, G42 and S411 are superior genotypes for both environments. Genotypes S310 , S149 and Almaneriz are more suitable for non-moisture stress than moisture-stress environment.