Evaluation of three cycle of recurrent selection for improvement of seed yield in safflower using genetic male sterility

Abstract

Three cycles of recurrent selection for seed yield were conducted in a genetically broad-based population of safflower segregating for genetic male sterility for development of safflower varieties with broad genetic base. Four families from C1, 26 families from C2 and 41 families from C3 were significantly out-yielded the check variety, Bhima. The percent increase in seed yield over check variety, Bhima ranged from 24.37 to 35.52%. The hlighest yield was recorded by half-sib 68 (2131 kg/ha) followed by half-sib 109 (2091 kg/ha) and half sib 92 (1985 kg/ha) in advanced yield trials. The application of recurrent selection procedure provides a better approach for development of higher yielding safflower varieties with a broad genetic base.