Biotech Studies 2012, Vol 21, Num, 2     (Pages: 075-080)

Flower Structure and Biology of Fertilization of Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.)

Fatma KAYAÇETİN 1 ,Duran KATAR 2 ,Yusuf ARSLAN 1

1 Tarla Bitkileri Merkez Araştırma Enstitüsü Müdürlüğü, Yenimahalle, Ankara
2 Osmangazi Üniversitesi Ziraat Fakültesi Tarla Bitkileri Bölümü, Eskişehir
- The safflower which belonging to Compositae family is oil annual plant. The stems, leaves, flowers and seeds of the safflower have been used in very different areas. Safflower which is more tolerant to cold, drought and salinity than other oil crops has an important potential which will contribute to the production edible oil in Turkey. For the reason, cultivation of safflower is very important for the national economy. Safflower cultivars which will be developed through crossing techniques in breeding and which have high genetic potential will increase edible oil production. Thus, to get better results from the crossing studies, it is necessary to know the flower structure and biology of fertilization of safflower. In this article, we will inform about the flower structure and biology of fertilization of safflower which has been adapted to the Central Anatolia region, the importance being felt more and more in the near future. Keywords : Safflower, Carthamus tinctorius L., Breeding, Crossing