Abstract

SAFFLOWER CROP: COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW WITH INTERNATIONAL AND NATIONAL STATUS

Gauri Singhal, Priyanka Singh*, Sameer Suresh Bhagyawant and Nidhi Srivastava*

ABSTRACT

Safflower is known since ancient times for its various purposes regardless its relatively minor significance in agriculture. As early as 4500 B.C., safflower has been cultivated in Morocco, Egypt, China and India for its red yellow coloured dye and shows long history as an oilseed crop especially in India and Ethiopia. Safflower is also known for its importance in medical field such as anti-inflammatory agent, treatment of circulatory system and other related diseases. In many countries, the recognition of safflower cultivation and its potential has been increased recently. Linoleic and oleic acid present in safflower oil showed industrial potential for the manufacturing of surfactants and varnishes as well bio lubricants and biofuels respectively. Safflower meal, the remaining seed part received after oil extraction has been identified as good source of animal feed particularly for polygastric animals. This review provides an update on various seed varieties and hybrids, morphological features of safflower with their applications, chemical constituents, anti-nutritional factors, treatment system for maximum oil recovery with national and international status.

Keywords: Safflower; seed Varieties and Hybrids; morphological features; chemical constituents; processing methods.