Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) : Utilisation, Genetics and Agronomy

Abstract

Safflower is a deep rooted drought tolerant crop originating from Middle East deserts. It is an ancient but minor crop cultivated for its flowers (for coloring, flavoring foods, dyes, medicinal properties), for seeds (for livestock feed, biofuels and oil) in semiarid and temperate regions. 15 countries are producing safflower in the world where Kazakhstan, USA and Russia are top producers. Its oil is prefered due to higher amount of oleic and linoleic acids contents than any other oil seed crops. Safflower petals have been used for centuries as a spice and medicine in traditional Asian cultures. Safflower is poorly studied for genetics. It is a suitable oil crop for marginal areas with deep roots penetrating to uptake moisture and nutrients leached out of rhizosphere. It is also moderately tolerant to salt stress.