MSU Develops Safflower Varieties

BOZEMAN - Apr 9/07 - SNS -- Montana State University plant breeders have developed two new safflower varieties for the birdseed, specialty food oil and industrial oil markets.

Available for licensing by interested companies and entrepreneurs, the varieties provide improved seed yields and improved disease resistance against the fungus, Alternaria leaf spot disease.

The Cardinal High Linoleic Safflower Oil variety shows improved yield when compared to the Finch safflower variety. It has high test weight and the white-hulled seeds desired in specialty birdseed markets. The oil of the Cardinal is high in the polyunsaturated linoleic fatty acid.

Eight thousand pounds (8,000 lbs) of the foundation class of Cardinal are available for planting purposes. Under U.S. Plant Variety Protection, the variety shall only be sold for planting seed as a class of certified seed.

The MonDak High Oleic Safflower Oil variety shows improved yield, higher test weight, greater plant height and a lower seed oil content when compared to the Montola 2000 safflower variety. MonDak provides a higher test weight and the white-hulled seeds desired in the specialty birdseed markets. The oil of MonDak is high in the monounsaturated oleic fatty acid.

Three thousand pounds (3,000 lbs) of the foundation class of MonDak are available for planting purposes. Under U.S. Plant Variety Protection, the variety shall only be sold for planting seed as a class of certified seed.

Companies interested in licensing these varieties should contact Nick Zelver with the MSU Technology Transfer Office at (406) 994-7868 by April 20, 2007.