Genetic variation of a safflower germplasm collection grown as a winter crop in southern Spain

A germplasm collection containing 23 accessions of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) was sown in 1993/94 as a winter crop in southern Spain to perform a comparative evaluation. Morphological, physiological and chemical characters were evaluated. Considerable diversity was found in the group. Only one Mexican accession was dwarf (40 cm tall). Most accessions were spiny but there were two spineless Iranian accessions and others with few spines. Variations were also evident for head and seed size. Seed yield per plant varied from 2.5 to 103.5 g and it was correlated with the number of heads, number of branches and plant height. Cultivars with oil content over 35% were identified. Most accessions were of the high linoleic type but there were two with high or intermediate levels of oleic acid, corresponding to the cultivars Ole and Oleic leed. Sowing in November in southern Spain has produced a long growing period (180-240 days) but earliness is common in Indian accessions. A Chinese phenotype with a prolonged rosette stage could be better adapted for cold tolerance. Red flowered spineless cultivars were present in the collection and will be preferred for ornamental or dye purposes.