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

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.