Bioenergetic Potential of Carthamus tinctorius L. in Reduced-Spine Cultivars: A Contribution to Family Farming
Oilseeds; Reduced spines; Safflower; Semi-arid; Spineless
Carthamus tinctorius L., commonly known as safflower, stands out in the global agricultural scenario as an oilseed crop with wide adaptability to adverse environmental conditions, such as high temperatures, water deficit, and low-fertility soils—characteristics that make it particularly promising for the Brazilian semi-arid region. In addition to its agronomic resilience, the species presents significant economic and industrial value, mainly due to the high oil content extracted from its seeds, which is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, positioning safflower among the main crops with potential for biofuel production. However, despite its productive advantages, the presence of rigid spines along the leaves and bracts represents a major constraint to the adoption of the crop by family farming systems, especially in low-mechanization contexts where management and harvesting are predominantly manual. In this regard, cultivars with reduced spines and spineless characteristics emerge as a strategic alternative, as they promote improved working conditions, reduced operational risks, and greater socioeconomic viability of cultivation. Within this context, the present study aims to evaluate the bioenergetic potential of two safflower cultivars, IMAMT 1470 and IMAMT 7329, with emphasis on the comparison among spiny, reduced-spine, and spineless individuals, considering morphological, physiological, productivity, and oil content parameters. In parallel, the research incorporates a social and educational approach, seeking to understand the perception and acceptability of safflower cultivation among students of Agricultural Sciences linked to family farming, as well as to analyze the role of the Social Biofuel Seal as an instrument for strengthening sustainable productive chains in the Brazilian semi-arid region. Thus, this study aims to contribute to productive diversification, the promotion of renewable energy sources, and the strengthening of family farming by articulating agronomic, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainable regional development.