The objective of this study was to determine the relationships among yield, yield components and morpho-phenological traits using 64 genotypes of safflower. Days to budding, days to flowering, days to maturity, plant height, primary branches per plant, head diameter, heads per plant, seeds per head, 1000-seed weight and seed yield per plant were evaluated. Results showed that seed yield per plant correlated positively and significantly with heads per plant (r = 0.65**), seeds per head (r =0.76**) and primary branches per plant (r =0.38*). According to path analysis, days to maturity, primary branches per plant and seeds per head possessed the highest positive direct effect on seed yield, respectively. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis showed that 86% of the total variation in seed yield could be explained by variation in seeds per head, heads per plant and 1000-seed weight. Therefore, it could be concluded that seeds per head and head per plant are the most suitable selection indices for improving see yield in safflower.
