Recently, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, in collaboration with the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences and Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, published a research paper titled "Whole genome and genome-wide association study improve key agricultural traits of safflower for industrial and medicinal use" in the journal "Horticultural Research." The study focused on the Sichuan local variety "Chuanhonghua 1" by conducting whole-genome sequencing and genomic association analysis, advancing the molecular mechanism research of important traits in safflower.

 

The research employed comprehensive sequencing methods to obtain 1.17 Gb of genomic data for safflower, comparing and analyzing it with 11 other sequenced plants. The study delved into the critical gene families associated with fatty acid and flavonoid composition. Additionally, resequencing was performed on 220 safflower varieties to acquire high-quality single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) sites, followed by population structure analysis. Furthermore, the research utilized these SNP sites to conduct genome-wide association analysis for eight agronomic traits.

 

This study systematically elucidated the genetic composition of safflower and the molecular mechanisms underlying important economic traits, laying the foundation for molecular breeding and quality improvement of safflower.