Safflower Lines Research Articles

Enhancement of oil content in safflower (Carthamus tinctorious L.)

A systematic breeding approach is applied to increase the oil content in safflower lines by crossing between elite GMU lines and Mexican lines. The range of oil content in elite GMU parental lines were 33-35% were as in Mexican lines the average oil content was 39%. The crosses were made, through transgressive segregation the oil content in F5-F6 generations was achieved up to 42%.

Whole-genome and genome-wide association studies improve key agricultural traits of safflower for industrial and medicinal use.

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) is widely cultivated around the world for its seeds and flowers. The presence of linoleic acid (LA) in its seeds and hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) in its flowers are the crucial traits that enable safflower to be used for industrial and medicinal purposes. Understanding the genetic control of these traits is essential for optimizing the quality of safflower and its breeding. To further this research, we present a chromosome-scale assembly of the genome of the safflower variety 'Chuanhonghua 1', which was achieved using an integrated strategy combining Illumina, Oxford Nanopore, and Hi-C sequencing. We obtained a 1.17-Gb assembly with a contig N50 of 1.08Mb, and all assembled sequences were assigned to 12 pseudochromosomes. Safflower's evolution involved the core eudicot γ-triplication event and a whole-genome duplication event, which led to large-scale genomic rearrangements. Extensive genomic shuffling has occurred since the divergence of the ancestor of dicotyledons. We conducted metabolite and transcriptome profiles with time- and part-dependent changes and screened candidate genes that significantly contribute to seed lipid biosynthesis. We also analyzed key gene families that participate in LA and HSYA biosynthesis. Additionally, we re-sequenced 220 safflower lines and carried out a genome-wide association study using high-quality SNP data for eight agronomic traits. We identified SNPs related to important traits in safflower. Besides, the candidate gene HH_034464 (CtCGT1) was shown to be involved in the biosynthesis of HSYA. Overall, we provide a high-quality reference genome and elucidate the genetic basis of LA and HSYA biosynthesis in safflower. This vast amount of data will benefit further research for functional gene mining and breeding in safflower.

Genotypic and environmental variability and stability of seed yield, oil content and fatty acids in high-oleic and high-linoleic safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) lines and cultivars

Genotypic and environmental variability and stability of seed yield, oil content and fatty acids in high-oleic and high-linoleic safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) lines and cultivars

Physiological Changes and Yield Components of Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) Lines as a Function of Water Deficit and Recovery in the Flowering Phase

Since climate changes have caused water restrictions, safflower stands out as an alternative crop due to its adaptability to restrictive soil and climate conditions. Thus, this research aimed to evaluate the physiological and yield performance of four safflower lines (IMA 02, IMA 04, IMA 14, and IMA 21) under two water regimes [without water deficiency—around 22% soil moisture content—100% of field capacity (FC); and with water deficiency—50% of FC]. The water regimes were imposed for 30 days during the flowering phase, followed by rehydration for 20 days. Water deficiency decreased relative water content, water potential, photosynthetic pigment contents, photosynthetic performance, maximum variable and potential quantum yield of PSII, electron transport rate, and photochemical quenching. In contrast, it increased electrolyte leakage, water use efficiency, and non-photochemical quenching. The decreases in photochemical efficiency and photosynthetic performance as a function of water deficiency caused reductions in the number of capitula, 100-grain mass, and harvest index, with more significant reductions in IMA 02, which was considered susceptible to soil water changes. IMA 04, IMA 14, and IMA 21 were considered tolerant because their physiological variables and yield components were less affected by water restriction, and they also showed recovery after rehydration compared to IMA 02. Thus, these lines can be recommended for commercial use, and safflower breeding programs aiming to select superior genotypes under drought conditions.

Overexpression of the CtWD40-6 gene enhances soil Pb2+ uptake and soil remediation in safflower

Lead (Pb2+) is one of the soil’s most toxic heavy metal pollutants. Herbaceous plants can produce a lot of bioenergy and grow rapidly, so it is an ideal choice for soil remediation. However, the regulatory mechanism of the Carthamus tinctorius on Pb2+ absorption is not clear. In this study, by analyzing the RNA-transcriptome of safflower under Pb2+ stress, we found that CtWD40–6 strongly responded to Pb2+ and subsequently cloned CtWD40–6. We showed that CtWD40–6 positively regulates lead tolerance and accumulation in safflower and Arabidopsis. We found that an SNP locus on the CtWD40–6 promoter was significantly related to the Pb tolerance of Carthamus tinctorius. And the safflower lines with the "G" allele have a higher transcriptional activity to CtWD40–6 than "A" lines, thus improving the tolerance of plant Pb. Finally, through yeast two-hybrid screening, we found that CtBB1 interacted with CtWD40–6 to degrade CtWD40–6 protein. We proposed a "CtWD40–6-CtBB1" module to regulate the tolerance of safflower lead. As a result, we found a herb for soil remediation: CtWD40–6 overexpression in safflower boosts its ability to absorb lead from the soil, allowing it to treat lead-contaminated soil.

A forward genetics approach identifies pathogenicity genes in Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. carthami, a fungus causing vascular wilt disease of safflower

Vascular wilt disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. carthami (Foc) is one of the biggest constraints for safflower production in India. Understanding the basis of pathogenicity and molecular dissection of its complex processes is of immense economic importance for the effective management of the wilt disease in safflower. In this study, a forward genetic approach was employed as an unbiased tool to identify the candidate pathogenicity-related genes. Agrobacterium mediated random T-DNA mutagenesis in Foc resulted in the generation of 178 Foc transformants. A hydroponics-based pathogenicity screening of generated mutants led to the identification of 12 avirulent mutants. Genome walking with two of the single insertion mutants revealed T-DNA insertion in the intergenic region of one mutant, while in the other mutant T-DNA was inserted in the coding region of a transcription factor. The genes identified in the present study can be targeted by host-delivered RNAi to generate transgenic safflower lines resistant to Foc.

Both Two CtACO3 Transcripts Promoting the Accumulation of the Flavonoid Profiles in Overexpressed Transgenic Safflower.

The unique flavonoids, quinochalcones, such as hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) and carthamin, in the floret of safflower showed an excellent pharmacological effect in treating cardiocerebral vascular disease, yet the regulating mechanisms governing the flavonoid biosynthesis are largely unknown. In this study, CtACO3, the key enzyme genes required for the ethylene signaling pathway, were found positively related to the flavonoid biosynthesis at different floret development periods in safflower and has two CtACO3 transcripts, CtACO3-1 and CtACO3-2, and the latter was a splice variant of CtACO3 that lacked 5’ coding sequences. The functions and underlying probable mechanisms of the two transcripts have been explored. The quantitative PCR data showed that CtACO3-1 and CtACO3-2 were predominantly expressed in the floret and increased with floret development. Subcellular localization results indicated that CtACO3-1 was localized in the cytoplasm, whereas CtACO3-2 was localized in the cytoplasm and nucleus. Furthermore, the overexpression of CtACO3-1 or CtACO3-2 in transgenic safflower lines significantly increased the accumulation of quinochalcones and flavonols. The expression of the flavonoid pathway genes showed an upward trend, with CtCHS1, CtF3H1, CtFLS1, and CtDFR1 was considerably induced in the overexpression of CtACO3-1 or CtACO3-2 lines. An interesting phenomenon for CtACO3-2 protein suppressing the transcription of CtACO3-1 might be related to the nucleus location of CtACO3-2. Yeast two-hybrid (Y2H), glutathione S-transferase (GST) pull-down, and BiFC experiments revealed that CtACO3-2 interacted with CtCSN5a. In addition, the interactions between CtCSN5a and CtCOI1, CtCOI1 and CtJAZ1, CtJAZ1 and CtbHLH3 were observed by Y2H and GST pull-down methods, respectively. The above results suggested that the CtACO3-2 promoting flavonoid accumulation might be attributed to the transcriptional activation of flavonoid biosynthesis genes by CtbHLH3, whereas the CtbHLH3 might be regulated through CtCSN5-CtCOI1-CtJAZ1 signal molecules. Our study provided a novel insight of CtACO3 affected the flavonoid biosynthesis in safflower.

Assessment of Genotype × Environment Interaction of Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) Genotypes by Parametric and Non-Parametric Methods


 
 
 
 Genotype-environment interaction is a significant factor for finding and selecting stable and productive varieties in safflower breeding programs. This study was conducted at three locations over two years (2016-2017) to determine the extent of genotype by environment (GE) interaction in seed and oil yield. 20 safflower lines and cultivars were evaluated in terms of stability in 3 environments. Considering the stability and performance, the most suitable genotypes were determined as Remzibey-05 and Genotype-125 in seed yield, Genotype-8 and Genotype-155 in oil yield.
 
 
 
 
 In terms of stability and performances of genotypes, the environment of Ikizce 2017 (E4) was prominent. Correlation analysis among parametric and nonparametric features was given only for seed yield. The following stability parameters were calculated: the coefficient of variation (CV), regression constant (ai), regression coefficient (bi), mean deviation squares from regression (S2di), coefficient of determination (Ri2), stability variance (σi2), ecovalance value (Wi), stability index (Pi) and as nonparametric stability measures Si(1) and Si(2) values. This analysis indicated that seed yield was significantly positively correlated only with Pi (P<0.01). CV showed a positively significant correlation with ai. S2di and ri2 had a positive association with Ri2, σi2, Wi, Pi, Si(1), Si(2), and between each other.

Evaluation of Agronomic Traits and Drought Tolerance of Safflower Lines Derived from Three Inter-Specific Crosses

Evaluation of Agronomic Traits and Drought Tolerance of Safflower Lines Derived from Three Inter-Specific Crosses

Integrating molecular characterization and metabolites profile revealed CtCHI1\u2019s significant role in Carthamus tinctorius L.

BackgroundAs a traditional Chinese herb, safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is valued for its florets to prevent cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Basing on previous chemical analysis, the main active compounds are flavonoids in its florets. Although flavonoid biosynthetic pathway has been well-documented in many model species, unique biosynthetic pathway remains to be explored in safflower. Of note, as an important class of transitional enzymes, chalcone isomerase (CHI) has not been characterized in safflower.ResultsAccording to our previous research, CHIs were identified in a safflower transcriptome library built by our lab. To characterize CHI in safflower, a CHI gene named CtCHI1 was identified. A multiple sequences alignment and phylogenetic tree demonstrate that CtCHI1 shares 92% amino acid identity and close relationship with CHI to Saussurea medusa. Additionally, subcellular localization analysis indicated CtCHI1-GFP fusion protein was mainly in the cell nucleus. Further, we purified CtCHI1 protein from E. coli which can effectively catalyze isomerization of 2′,4′,4,6′-tetrahydroxychalcone into naringenin in vitro. Via genetic engineer technology, we successfully obtained transgenic tobacco and safflower lines. In transgenic tobacco, overexpression of CtCHI1 significantly inhibited main secondary metabolites accumulation, including quercetin (~ 79.63% for ovx-5 line) and anthocyanins (~ 64.55% for ovx-15 line). As shown in transgenic safflower, overexpression of CtCHI1 resulted in upstream genes CtPAL3 and CtC4H1 increasing dramatically (up to ~ 3.9fold) while Ct4CL3, CtF3H and CtDFR2 were inhibited. Also, comparing the whole metabolomics database by PCA and PLS-DA between transgenic and control group, 788 potential differential metabolites were marked and most of them displayed up-regulated trends. In parallel, some isolated secondary metabolites, such as hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA), rutin, kaempferol-3-O-β-rutinoside and dihydrokaempferol, accumulated in transgenic safflower plants.ConclusionsIn this study, we found that CtCHI1 is an active, functional, catalytic protein. Moreover, CtCHI1 can negatively and competitively regulate anthocyanins and quercetin pathway branches in tobacco. By contrast, CtCHI1 can positively regulate flavonol and chalcone metabolic flow in safflower. This research provides some clues to understand CHI’s differential biochemical functional characterization involving in flavonoid pathway. More molecular mechanisms of CHI remain to be explored in the near future.

DOXC-class 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase in safflower: Gene characterization, transcript abundance, and correlation with flavonoids

DOXC is one of the 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases (2OGDs) classes, which is involved in the biosynthesis of colorful flavonoids and plant hormones. Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is a commonly used plant with flavonoids. Herein, we focused on analyzing the characterization, transcript abundance, and correlation of DOXC-class 2OGDs in safflower with flavonoids for the first time. TBLASTN analysis showed that they were implicated in the biosynthetic pathway of ethylene (DOXC1 and DOXC2), indole-3-acetic acid (DOXC3, DOXC4, and DOXC5), flavonoids (DOXC6, DOXC7, and DOXC8), and scopolamine (DOXC9 and DOXC10). The transcript abundance of DOXC1, DOXC2, DOXC6, DOXC7, and DOXC10 response to methyl jasmonate (MeJA) in two safflower lines (orange-yellow-flowered safflower line with major quinochalcones and minor flavonols, white-flowered safflower line with major flavonols and without quinochalcones) had converse transcript level accumulation. Coexpression analyses displayed that the transcript level of DOXC1, DOXC2 and DOXC8 was positively correlated with hydroxysafflor yellow A, a major quinochalcone in orange-yellow-flowered safflower line. DOXC3, DOXC4, DOXC5, DOXC7, and DOXC9 displayed a marked positive correlation with kaempferol-3-O-β-D-glucoside, a main flavonols in white-flowered safflower line. The response models of DOXC3, DOXC4, DOXC5 and DOXC9 showed amazing similarity in different safflower line, but the correlations with flavonoids were actually quite distinct. In orange-yellow-flowered safflower line, they might be implicated in the rutinoside modification of kaempferol and quercetin, but their functions were different and diversity in white-flowered safflower line. In sum, ten DOXC-class 2OGDs from safflower displayed different sequence features. Simultaneously, their expression pattern in two safflower lines in response to MeJA treatment, as well as their correlation with flavonoids, was different. These results implied the diversification of DOXC-class 2OGDs is partly responsible for the diversity and complexity of specialized metabolites in different phenotypes and chemotypes of safflower lines.

Agricultural Performances of Some Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) Lines Developed by Single Plant Selection Method

This study was carried out to determine seed and oil yield with their components of some safflower lines and varieties under Eskisehir ecological conditions. This research was conducted at the experimental fields of Transitional Zone Agricultural Research Institute (TZARI), during 2010, 2011 and 2012. Both twenty-one safflower lines and four varieties (Yenice, Dincer, Remzibey and Balci) originating from TZARI-Eskisehir were evaluated in this research. The lines used in this study are developed by using single plant selection method. Three years data were collected and analyzed according to randomized block design with three replications. Means of seed yield, number of head per plant, head diameter, 1000 seed weight, oil content, oil yield were found 1330.3-1990.9 and 1210.1 kg ha-1, 11.2-12.3 and 9.6 number plant-1, 2.28-2.42 and 2.54 cm, 41.6-45.7 and 44.1 g, 36.1-36.6 and 35.6%, 470.9-730.0 and 430.0 kg ha-1 in 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively. According to all years and combined analysis results of this study, lines GE-ESYA-36-36, GE-ES-YA-36-7 in terms of seed yield, lines GE-ES-YA-36-30, GE-ES-YA-36-25, GE-ES-YA-36-26, GEES-YA-36-27 in terms of oil content and lines GE-ES-YA-36-36, GE-ES-YA-36-7, GE-ES-YA-36-4 terms of oil yield were listed at the highest statistical group. As a result of this study, it was decided that these lines could be candidate varieties with regard to these different characteristics.

Physiological response and productivity of safflower lines under water deficit and rehydration.

Water deficit is one of the major stresses affecting plant growth and productivity worldwide. Plants induce various morphological, physiological, biochemical and molecular changes to adapt to the changing environment. Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.), a potential oil producer, is highly adaptable to various environmental conditions, such as lack of rainfall and temperatures. The objective of this work was to study the physiological and production characteristics of six safflower lines in response to water deficit followed by rehydration. The experiment was conducted in a protected environment and consisted of 30 days of water deficit followed by 18 days of rehydration. A differential response in terms of photosynthetic pigments, electrolyte leakage, water potential, relative water content, grain yield, oil content, oil yield and water use efficiency was observed in the six lines under water stress. Lines IMA 04, IMA 10, IMA 14 showed physiological characteristics of drought tolerance, with IMA 14 and IMA 16 being the most productive after water deficit. IMA 02 and IMA 21 lines displayed intermediate characteristics of drought tolerance. It was concluded that the lines responded differently to water deficit stress, showing considerable genetic variation and influence to the environment.

Expression Patterns of Three UGT Genes in Different Chemotype Safflower Lines and under MeJA Stimulus Revealed Their Potential Role in Flavonoid Biosynthesis.

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) has received a significant amount of attention as a medicinal plant in China. Flavonoids are the dominant active medical compounds. UDP-glycosyltransferase plays an essential role in the biosynthesis and storage of flavonoids in safflower. In this study, 45 UGT unigenes were screened from our transcriptomic database of safflower. Among them, 27 UGT unigenes were predicted to own a complete open reading frame with various pI and Mw. The phylogenetic tree showed that CtUGT3 and CtUGT16 were classified under the UGT71 subfamily involved in metabolite process, whereas CtUGT25 has high identities with PoUGT both catalyzing the glycosylation of flavonoids and belonging to the UGT90 subfamily. cDNA microarray exhibited that the three UGT genes displayed temporal difference in two chemotype safflower lines. To functionally characterize UGT in safflower, CtUGT3, CtUGT16 and CtUGT25 were cloned and analyzed. Subcellular localization suggested that the three UGTs might be located in the cell cytoplasm and chloroplast. The expression pattern showed that the three UGTs were all suppressed in two lines responsive to methyl jasmonate induction. The co-expression relation of expression pattern and metabolite accumulation demonstrated that CtUGT3 and CtUGT25 were positively related to kaempferol-3-O-β-D-glucoside and CtUGT16 was positively related to quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucoside in yellow line, whereas CtUGT3 and CtUGT25 were positively related to quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucoside in white line. This study indicates that the three CtUGTs play a significant and multiple role in flavonoids biosynthesis with presenting different functional characterization in two safflower lines.

Identification of reference genes for gene expression normalization in safflower (Carthamus tinctorius)

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L., Asteraceae) is an important oil crop and medicinal plant. Gene expression analysis is gaining importance in the research of safflower. Quantitative PCR has become a powerful method for gene study. Reference genes are one of the major qualification requirements of qPCR because they can reduce the variability. To identify the reference genes in safflower, nine candidate genes of the housekeeping genes were selected from the EST library of safflower constructed by our lab: CtACT (actin), CtGAPDH (glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase), CtE1F4A (elongation factor 1 alpha), CtTUA (alpha-tubulin), CtTUB (beta-tubulin), CtPP2A (serine/threonine-protein phosphatase), CtE1F4A (eukaryotic initiation factor 4A), CtUBI (Ubiquitin), and Ct60S (60S acidic ribosomal protein). Expression stability was examined by qPCR across 54 samples, representing tissues at different flowering stages and two chemotype of safflower lines. We assessed the expression stability of these candidate genes by employing four different algorithms (geNorm, NormFinder, ΔCt approach, and BestKeeper) and found that CtUBI and Ct60S were the highly ranked candidate genes. CtUBI and Ct60S were used as reference genes to evaluate the expression of CtFAD2-10 and CtKASII. Our data suggest CtUBI and Ct60S could be used as internal controls to normalize gene expression in safflower.

Molecular characterization of flavanone 3-hydroxylase gene and flavonoid accumulation in two chemotyped safflower lines in response to methyl jasmonate stimulation.

BackgroundAmong secondary metabolites, flavonoids are particularly crucial for plant growth, development, and reproduction, as well as beneficial for maintenance of human health. As a flowering plant, safflower has synthesized a striking variety of flavonoids with various pharmacologic properties. However, far less research has been carried out on the genes involved in the biosynthetic pathways that generate these amazing flavonoids, especially characterized quinochalcones. In this study, we first cloned and investigated the participation of a presumed flavanone 3-hydroxylase gene (F3H) from safflower (CtF3H) in a flavonoid biosynthetic pathway.ResultsBioinformation analysis showed that CtF3H shared high conserved residues and confidence with F3H from other plants. Subcellular localization uncovered the nuclear and cytosol localization of CtF3H in onion epidermal cells. The functional expressions of CtF3H in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3)pLysS cells in the pMAL-C5x vector led to the production of dihydrokaempferol when naringenin was the substrate. Furthermore, the transcriptome expression of CtF3H showed a diametrically opposed expression pattern in a quinochalcone-type safflower line (with orange-yellow flowers) and a flavonol-type safflower line (with white flowers) under external stimulation by methyl jasmonate (MeJA), which has been identified as an elicitor of flavonoid metabolites. Further metabolite analysis showed the increasing tendency of quinochalcones and flavonols, such as hydroxysafflor yellow A, kaempferol-3-O-β-D-glucoside, kaempferol-3-O-β-rutinoside, rutin, carthamin, and luteolin, in the quinochalcone-type safflower line. Also, the accumulation of kaempferol-3-O-β-rutinoside and kaempferol-3-O-β-D-glucoside in flavonols-typed safflower line showed enhanced accumulation pattern after MeJA treatment. However, other flavonols, such as kaempferol, dihydrokaempferol and quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucoside, in flavonols-typed safflower line presented down accumulation respond to MeJA stimulus.ConclusionsOur results showed that the high expression of CtF3H in quinochalcone-type safflower line was associated with the accumulation of both quinochalcones and flavonols, whereas its low expression did not affect the increased accumulation of glycosylated derivatives (kaempferol-3-O-β-rutinoside and rutin) in flavonols-typed safflower line but affect the upstream precursors (D-phenylalanine, dihydrokaempferol, kaempferol), which partly revealed the function of CtF3H in different phenotypes and chemotypes of safflower lines.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12870-016-0813-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Investigation of Oil Properties and Seed Composition in Some Safflower Lines and Cultivars

Fatty acid contents and physicochemical characteristics of a kind of oil extracted from seeds of 17 safflower genotypes from Iran along with three genotypes from Germany and Canada were studied. Oil content, refractivity index, specific gravity and peroxide, iodine, saponification, acid and tiobarbitoric acid values were measured according to AOCS official methods. These determinations were carried out in triplicate. Fatty acids composition was determined by gas chromatography. Results indicated that there was a significant difference (P < 0.01) in all characteristics among genotypes. The seeds contained 22.03–36.73% oil and 15.64–21.50% protein. Linoleic acid (C18:2) was the most abundant unsaturated fatty acid, followed by oleic acid (C18:1) and linolenic acid (18:3). Practical Applications Because safflower seeds are rich sources of unsaturated fatty acids and possess high nutritional and pharmaceutical values, it is necessary to study the physicochemical characteristics of various safflower lines to be commercially exploited for food applications. Moreover, different types of oil can be produced, depending on the genetics of safflower lines. In order to design an appropriate breeding program, it is important to know how much the phenotypic variation of a characteristic is heritable.

Dimension, Geometric, Agricultural and Quality Characteristics of Safflower Seeds

This research was carried out in the research field of Agricultural Faculty, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey. Field experiments were carried out in two growing seasons (2011 and 2012) according to “Randomized Complete Block Design” with three replications. In the study, a total of 13 promised safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) lines (A13, A29, C12, E12, F4, F5, F6, G16, H3, J19, Y1-8-14-1, AOL-2(2), DP 1.5.8-1) and 5 cultivars (Black Sun1, KS 06 and Oleic Leed, Dincer, Remzibey) were used as material. Oil content of the safflower genotypes were ranged in between 24.05-33.18%. The highest protein content value was obtained from J19 line (21.72%) while the lowest was found on the Turkish cultivar of Remzibey (16.03%). Negative correlations were found for oil content and hull thickness (r=-0.3152**), hull ratio (r=-0.7122**) and pappus ratio (r=-0.3408**). Protein content was found as significantly and negative correlated with some characters, similar to the seed widness (r = -0.2546**), seed thickness (r=-0.1918*), geometric diameter (r=-0.3194**), seed surface area (r=-0.3119**), pappus ratio (r=-0.3114**) and 100-seed weight (r=-0.2597), respectively. According to the results, increasing the dimension and geometrical values cause to a decrease in the oil and protein content of safflower seeds. Quality components (oil and protein content) showed negative correlations with both of pappus rate and hull features

Genetic analysis of seed yield and oil content in safflower using F1 and F2 progenies of diallel crosses

Improvement of seed yield and oil content in safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) as an oilseed crop is the main objective of its breeding programs. However, little genetic information is available for these traits. The main objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for seed yield and oil content. Six safflower lines each derived from different Iranian local populations and Saffire as a foreign cultivar were crossed in all combination as a diallel set without their reciprocals. Crosses were selfed to obtain seeds of F2 progenies. F1 and F2 progenies along with their parents were evaluated in two separate experiments to do F1 and F2 diallel analysis. The GCA mean squares were significant for all traits including seed yield per plant, heads per plant, seeds per head, 100-seed weight, days to flowering, plant height and oil content. In both analyses, positive GCA effects for seed yield were found for parental lines IUTE1449 and IUTH13, indicates that progeny with those genotypes as parents showed seed yields that were greater than the average of all crosses. The parental line IUTKH211 was the best combiner for developing genotypes with high oil content. For achieving genotypes with short time to flowering and plant height, Saffire was the best parent. GCA/SCA ratio indicated there were large additive effects for all the traits, except for seed yield per plant. Narrowsense heritability for seed yield per plant and oil content was 9.3 and 23.5%, receptively. However, seeds per head, 100-seed weight, days to flowering and plant height had moderate to high narrowsense heritability (79.8, 55.4, 65.6 and 89.4%, respectively). There was reasonable consistency for estimating genetic parameters from analysis of F1 and F2 progenies.

Salt‐induced modulation in inorganic nutrients, antioxidant enzymes, proline content and seed oil composition in safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.)

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) has gained considerable ground as a potential oil-seed crop. However, its yield and oil production are adversely affected under saline conditions. The present study was conducted to appraise the influence of salt (NaCl) stress on yield, accumulation of different inorganic elements, free proline and activities of some key antioxidant enzymes in plant tissues as well as seed oil components in safflower. Two safflower accessions differing in salt tolerance (Safflower-33 (salt sensitive) and Safflower-39 (salt tolerant)) were grown under saline (150 mmol L(-1) ) conditions and salt-induced changes in the earlier-mentioned physiological attributes were determined. Salt stress enhanced leaf and root Na(+) , Cl(-) and proline accumulation and activities of leaf superoxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidase, while it decreased K(+) , Ca(2+) and K(+) /Ca(2+) and Ca(2+) /Na(+) ratios and seed yield, 100-seed weight, number of seeds, as well as capitula, seed oil contents and oil palmitic acid. No significant effect of salt stress was observed on seed oil α-tocopherols, stearic acid, oleic acid or linoleic acid contents. Of the two safflower lines, salt-sensitive Safflower-33 was higher in leaf and root Na(+) and Cl(-) , while Safflower-39 was higher in leaf and root K(+) , K(+) /Ca(2+) and Ca(2+) /Na(+) and seed yield, 100-seed weight, catalase activity, seed oil contents, seed oil α-tocopherol and palmitic acid. Other attributes remained almost unaffected in both accessions. Overall, high salt tolerance of Safflower-39 could be attributed to Na(+) and Cl(-) exclusion, high accumulation of K(+) and free proline, enhanced CAT activity, seed oil α-tocopherols and palmitic acid contents.