Genetic Studies for Yield and Component Characters in Germplasm Lines of Safflower

Variability and association studies were conducted in a set of 75 germplasm lines of safflower received from DOR, Hyderabad. Sufficient variability was present in the germplasm for number of capitula per plant, number of seeds per capitulum and seed yield (kg/ha). The 100 seed weight (g) had high heritability coupled with high genetic advance whereas plant height and number of capitula per plant had high heritability with moderate genetic advance. Number of capitula per plant and number of seeds per capitulum showed positive significant correlation whereas, the remaining characters showed significant negative correlation with seed yield. Number of capitula per plant had maximum direct effect on seed yield and rest of the traits had negative direct effect on seed yield. Number of capitula per plant and number of seeds per capitulum were identified as important yield components; hence, selection should be focused on these traits to improve yield in germplasm lines of safflower.