To evaluate seed germination and seedling growth of safflower in moisture stress, germination of 15 genotypes at four water potential levels (ψ: 0, -0.4, -0.8 and –1.2 Mpa) was tested by Polyethylene glycol (PEG6000). Maximum germination (Gmax), germination rate index (GRI), time length to reach 50% germination (T₅₀), rootlet length (RL) and shootlet length (SL) were investigated. Effects of water potential levels and genotypes were significant for all the characteristics studied. Minimum water potential for germination was estimated between –1.17 and –1.59 Mpa in Goshkhani and LRV-51-51 genotypes, respectively. Different responses to moisture stress were found for rootlet length. In lower potential levels, seedlings had longer, weaker and thiner rootlets in comparison to the zero water potential (control). An increase in stress to –1.2 Mpa led to a severe reduction in rootlet elongation. All stress levels decreased GRI and SL, while potentials lower than –0.4 Mpa decreased Gmax. With a decrease in water potential from 0 to –0.8 Mpa, the T₅₀�stage was delayed three-fold compared to the control. Exotic genotypes had longer T₅₀ stage than Iranian genotypes. The highest GRI was related to three Iranian genotypes LRV-51-51, Varamin 295, and Isfahan local, and the lowest was related to CW-74 exotic genotype. Some of genotypes were evaluated for seed yield, oil yield and seed oil percentage under rainfed condition in 2004-05. The highest oil yield average belonged to two exotic genotypes PI- 537598 and Lesaf (326.4 and 313.9 Kg/ha, respectively) and the least was related to Zarqhan 279 Iranian genotype (133.2 Kg/ha). Negative and significant correlation was observed between seed oil percentage and GRI in the 0, -0.8 Mpa potential levels. According to the results, the existing genetic variation for germination parameters can be used for genetic improvement of seed early vigor in safflower.

Keywords: Safflower, Moisture stress, Seed early vigor, Seed yield.

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