Journal of Crop Breeding

In order to assessment of grain yield and some of morphological characters in safflower genotypes under irrigated and rainfed conditions fifteen spring safflower genotypes were studied using two separate experiments based on randomized complete block design with three replications in 2010-2011 growing season at Miandoab Research Station, Iran. Analysis of variance for each conditions revealed significant differences among the genotypes for all characters except plant height, number of branch per plant and 100-seed weight in irrigated condition. Also, analysis of variance indicated significant differences among genotypes for all characters except number of branches per plant, in rainfed conditions Mean comparison between irrigated and rainfed conditions revealed that, water deficit stress reduced number of days to complete flowering, number of heads per plant, head diameter, number of seeds per head, 100-seed weight, grain yield and oil percentage. Significant positive correlations of grain yield with head diameter and number of grain per head were observed in both conditions. Cluster analysis based on all traits studied grouped genotypes into four groups under both conditions. In general under both conditions, “IL-111” have the most grain yield, number of seed per head and head diameter in comparison with the other genotypes and “Syrian”, “PI-537530” and “Dincer” genotypes were included the next in the ranked, respectively. Finally, it seems these genotypes are suitable for cultivation in marginal lands that constantly exposed to water deficit during the growing season, and areas with similar climatic conditions