Effect of salinity on seed oil content and fatty acid composition of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) genotypes

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is a species moderately tolerant to salt stress and is cultivated in dry areas where salinity can be a serious threat. We examined effects of salinity stress on seed oil content and fatty acid composition in 64 safflower genotypes grown under saline and non-saline (control) field experiments in two growing seasons. The results showed significant effects of genotype, salinity and their interactions on most of the characteristics examined. Salt tolerant genotypes were less affected by salinity than salt-sensitive ones for oil quantity and quality. The overall reductions of 7.7% oil content and 29% oil yield were observed due to salinity stress. Salinity stress caused a significant increase in oleic acid (C18:1) and significant decreases in linoleic (C18:2) and linolenic (C18:3) acids. These results suggest inhibition of oleic acid desaturase and differential responses of salt-tolerant and salt-sensitive genotypes under salinity stress.