Multiple criteria selection of crosses for improvement of yield in Safflower, Carthamus tinctorius L

The F1 along with parents of a 4 x 6 line x tester crosses in safflower were studied and seven parameters, i.e., D2 7 based on 7 characters and D2 4 based on yield and its 3 direct componenets and mid parent value (MP-Y), F1 mean (F1-Y), relative heterosis (RH-Y), biparental average GCA (MPGCA-Y) and SCA effect (SCA-Y) for yield were estimated. Twenty four selected crosses were studied for segregation for yield in F2. Thirteen combinations were as criteria for selection of crosses. The predictivity of a selection criteria was assessed by correlation and regression of F2DS7 on the DS of selection criteria. The usefulness of individual parental and F1 parameters as selection criteria was also assessed. Among the single parameter criteria, D2 4 based on yield and its direct components gave the highest R2 of 39.71%, followed by MP-Y (39.46%) and F1-Y (35.60%). Eight of the thirteen multiple criteria proved to be better predictor of F2DS7 than the best single parameter criterion MP-Y. The multiple criterion DS (2,4,6) based on D2 4 and F1 mean and biparental average GCA for yield was found to be the best criterion fro selection of crosses for yield improvement in safflower.