ABOUT PROJECT

Project Name

Exploiting Genetic Diversity for Improvement of Safflower through Genomics Assisted Discovery of QTLs/Genes Associated with Agronomic Traits

DBT Grant No./ Project No.: BT/Ag/Network/Safflower/2019-20

Overview

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius), an annual herbaceous plant, thrives in hot dry climates as a rain-fed crop surviving on residual moisture. It is the source of high-quality edible oil, rich in polyunsaturated fatty acid (linoleic acid) or monounsaturated fatty acid (oleic acid), which is good for human health. Despite its high potential, safflower remains an under-utilized oilseed crop. This project, formulated under the Mission Programme on “Minor Oilseeds of Indian Origin”, aims to develop genetic and genomic resources and identify QTLs/genes associated with important agronomic traits.

The project involves: development of a molecular core set of germplasm through GBS, discovery of putative QTLs via GWAS, draft genome sequencing, and construction of a high-resolution genetic linkage map. Pre-breeding efforts will also explore wild safflower species for tolerance to aphid, charcoal rot, and moisture stress traits. These resources will accelerate safflower breeding efforts and enhance edible oil production in India.

Sub-Projects and Institutional Objectives

Sub-Project 1: Development of Molecular Core Set through GBS

Objective:

  • Genotype entire collection of ~7000 safflower germplasm accessions using GBS
  • Develop molecular core collection using GBS data

Institutes: ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), New Delhi

Sub-Project 2: GWAS for Yield, Oil Traits and Stress Tolerance

Objective:

  • Phenotyping of molecular core set/MAGIC lines at multiple locations
  • Screening for resistance to biotic stresses
  • Characterization of physiological traits for moisture stress tolerance
  • Screening under rainfed situations
  • Perform GWAS for target traits

Institutes: ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi; ICAR-IIOR, Hyderabad; AICRP-Safflower Units (VNMKV-Parbhani, MPKV-Solapur); PAU Ludhiana

Sub-Project 3: Draft Genome Sequencing of Safflower and Wild Relatives

Objective:

  • Sequence reference genotypes of C. tinctorius, C. oxyacantha, and C. palaestinus through NGS

Institutes: University of Delhi; ICAR-IIOR, Hyderabad

Sub-Project 4: Development of High-Throughput SNP Markers

Objective:

  • Re-sequencing of reference safflower genotypes
  • Develop high-density linkage maps using SNP markers

Institutes: ICAR-IIOR, Hyderabad; University of Delhi

Sub-Project 5: Genetic Mapping of Agronomic Traits

Objective:

  • Map QTLs for seed yield, oil content and composition, and aphid tolerance

Institutes: University of Delhi; ICAR-IIOR, Hyderabad

Sub-Project 6: Development of Pre-bred Materials Using Wild Relatives

Objective:

  • Develop pre-bred materials using C. oxyacantha and C. palaestinus
  • Detect novel QTLs for agronomic traits

Institutes: ICAR-IIOR, Hyderabad; PAU Ludhiana

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