Oil Quality and Yield of Different Carthamus tinctorius Cultivars: Promising Oilseeds for Biodiesel in Semi-Arid Regions

In this study, seed productivity and oil content of three safflower genotypes (IMAMT 1750, IMAMT 946 and IMAMT 894) cultivated in the Brazilian semi-arid region were evaluated to identify which genotype has the best in-field performance. The acidity and saponification index were evaluated, as well as the efficiency of lipid extraction through thermal analysis, aiming to estimate the species' potential for biofuel production in semi-arid regions. Field cultivation under semi-arid conditions lasted for similar to 75 days and no herbivory were observed on the plants. The IMAMT 894 genotype presented higher seed yield than the other genotypes, IMAMT 1750 presented 34% oil, and IMAMT 946 and IMAMT 894 presented 32% oil with efficient extraction in the Soxhlet system and high oil content and quality; higher than traditionally used crops such as soybean and cotton. The IMAMT 894 genotype showed higher seed productivity, but all three genotypes presented good oil yield and quality for biodiesel production. Oil extraction in the Soxhlet system was efficient since the thermogravimetric analysis showed no oil in the residual biomass after oil extraction.

Automated summary

This study evaluated seed productivity and oil content of three safflower genotypes cultivated in the Brazilian semi-arid region, with IMAMT 894 genotype showing higher seed yield and oil quality.