Genetic diversity revealed by EST-SSR markers in cultivated and wild safflower

► Genetic diversity assessment in safflower using SSR markers is lagging behind other oilseed crops. ► Genetic variation of 48 genotypes belonging to three Carthamus species was assessed by EST-SSRs. ► The polymorphism based on EST-SSR markers divided interspecific and intraspecific variations. ► EST-SSRs also clearly divided cultivated genotypes belonging to different geographical origin. ► EST-SSR markers are effective for evaluation of genetic variation in the safflower species.