Safflower is highly branched, herbaceous, thisle-like annual plant.

Safflower is native to parts of Asia and Africa.

In India, Safflower is grown over an area of 2.95 lakh hectares with a production of 1,89,000 tonnes

Maharashtra and Karnataka are two important Safflower growing states of India.

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Division: Magnoliophyta
• Class: Magnoliopsida
• Order: Asterales
• Family: Asteraceae
• Genus: Carthamus
• Species: tinctorius

• Seeds are the most economically important part of Safflower.
• Safflower meal, is mostly used as a protein ingredient for animal feeding.
• The hulls may be used in potting mixtures for plant nurseries, to make packing and insulation materials, and as filler for bricks

Safflower is a cool season crop.

Day temperatures in the range of 24˚- 32˚C at flowering is congenial for higher yields.

At all the stages of growth, excessive rainfall or humidity increases the infestation of fungal diseases.

Safflower grows well in areas having rainfall between 60-90 cm.

Safflower requires fairly deep, moisture retentive and well drained soils.

Safflower is fairly tolerant to saline conditions and grows well under residual moisture in paddy fallows.

• The major challenges involve Biotic and Abiotic causes.
• Biotic Causes:
  • Major Pests: Safflower Fly, Safflower Leaf Eating Caterpillar, Aphids and Sunflower Bud Fly.
  • Major Diseases: Rust, Bacterial Blight, Alternaria blight, Cercospora Leaf Spot and Wilt.
• Abiotic Causes:
  • Boron deficiency
  • Necrosis
  • Drought