Evaluation of Oil Content and Fatty Acid Composition in Seeds of Different Genotypes of Safflower

Abstract

Evaluation of four safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) genotypes for oil content and fatty acid<br />composition showed that oil content varied from 22.16 to 34.39% and the highest seed oil<br />content was obtained from Isfahan14 genotype (34.39%, respectively). Among those fatty acids<br />were detected, linoleic acid (75.81- 77.86%) was the predominant fatty acid followed by oleic<br />(12.57–13.75%), palmitic (6.09–7.07%) and stearic (2.17–2.62%) acids while trace amounts of<br />other fatty acids were presented and the values of them did not exceed 0.81%. The oil content<br />and fatty acid composition of oil among the genotypes were significantly different (P<0.01),<br />indicating that synthesis of them is influenced by genotype and the lipids present in the<br />safflower are rich in premium grade high polyunsaturated essential fatty acids, linoleic acid<br />which makes the oil nutritionally and therapeutically valuable for human consumption.