High Oleic Safflower as a Diesel Fuel Extender – A Potential New Market for Montana Safflower

 J.W. Bergman and C. R. Flynn

Abstract

High oleic safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) oil has promise as a pollutant-reducing diesel fuel additive to reduce smoke and particulate emissions.  High oleic safflower oil as a diesel fuel additive would also reduce acid rain, the greenhouse effect, and surface pollution because safflower oil is virtually free of sulfur, totally lacks fossil carbon dioxide, and is biodegradable.  High oleic safflower oil offers a promising technology for further research and development as a fuel extender and is adapted to Montana’s growing conditions.  Growing safflower in Montana and other northern Great Plains states is highly desirable as an alternative crop for inclusion in rotation with dryland wheat to break wheat disease and pest cycles.  Montana dryland farms have the potential to produce more oil on a per acre basis from high oleic safflower than Iowa farms can produce from soybeans.  Research in Montana is continuing to make high oleic safflower oil more economical for use as a biofuel by adding value to safflower meal through genetic breeding and improvement.

Key Words:  Safflower, biofuel, oil, fatty acids, high oleic, diesel fuel extender, Carthamus tinctorius L., safflower meal.