Nature of association among some quantitative traits in F₄ generation of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.)

Character association and path coefficient were worked out in safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) using 25 hybrids on eight characters. Seed yield was positive and significantly associated with number of secondary branches and number of capitula per plant. Number of seeds per capitulum, followed by number of capitula per plant, number of secondary branches and number of primary branches exhibited the highest positive direct effect on seed yield. The character, number of secondary branches and number of primary branches also contributed indirectly through each other. These characters are to be considered as important parameters while formulating selection programme to improve grain yield in safflower.