DETERMINATION OF QUALITY PERFORMANCES OF LOCAL SAFFLOWER (CARTHAMUS TINCTORIUS L.) VARIETIES IN TURKEY

This study was conducted in the May-September vegetation period in 2016 to determine some quality performances of the local safflower varieties in dry conditions. The study used seven local safflower varieties registered in Turkey. It employed a randomized block experimental design with four replications. Protein content, fat content, oil yield, and fatty acid composition were chosen as quality parameters. Apropos of fatty acids, the highest stearic acid was found in Balci and Göktürk varieties, the highest oleic acid was found in Olas, and the highest linoleic acid was in Yenice. Therefore, Olas and Yenice were found to be promising varieties in terms of fatty acids.