Evaluation of USDA core set of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) germplasm for identification of trait specific accessions

Abstract

Genetic resources form the basic components for enhancing important traits in crop improvement. For optimal utilization of germplasm, suitable characterisation and evaluation for target traits is essential. Augmentation of diverse trait specific germplasm into the Indian safflower breeding programme was undertaken through import of safflower core set developed at USDA-ARS, WRPIS, Pullman, USA during 2012 through NBPGR, New Delhi, India. The core set comprising 207 germplasm accessions from 51 countries was assigned the national identity EC 739346 to EC 739552. The accessions were raised in rabi 2012-13 at IIOR, Hyderabad for seed multiplication; prior to flower initiation, the plants were covered with white nylon nets to prevent the entry of bees/pollinators and facilitate self pollination. Observations for nine agro morphological descriptors were recorded and accessions with unique morphological traits were identified through scoring. Of these, a set of 22 accessions were evaluated along with national check (A-1) during 2013-14. Two accessions (EC 739535 and EC 739537) recorded seed yield on par to the check and seven accessions with more number of capitula (>30) were identified. EC 739547, 739531 and 739541 (40-42%) were confirmed as high oil sources out of the seven accessions evaluated. Non spiny accessions with orange-red corolla (8) were selected for suitability for petal harvest and their fatty acid profiling was done. Variability was recorded for lauric, myristic, palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, linolenic and arachidic acid. Unique accessions possessing no rosette period (EC 739358) and more bract number (EC 739435) were identified. Donors for important traits like seed yield, oil content, petal colour and quality were identified for utilization in breeding programmes.