Genetic Variability And Correlation Studies of Gerbera Jamesonii Bolus Under Protected Condition

Abstract

Sixty three lines of gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii) were evaluated to determine the genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance, genetic gain and correlation coefficients for seven flower contributing characters. Significant variations were recorded for the various characters studied. The flower stalk length was maximum (54.67 cm) in GA-34 followed by (53.50 cm) in GA-27, flower stalk thickness (10.23 mm) in GA-62 followed by (9.98 mm) in GA-34, the flower diameter (12.96 mm) in GA-14 followed by (12.66 mm) in GA- 32, the number of leaves were maximum (65.66) in GA-01 followed by (64.33) in GA-35, the flower disc diameter (36.29 mm) in GA-02 followed by (34.47 mm) in GA-44, Ray floret breadth (53.24 mm) in GA-26 followed by (51.05 mm) in GA-30. Highest number of total flower /plant/ year (45.13) in GA-35 followed by (41.17) in GA-29.Phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation were highest for the total flower yields per year (66.72 % and 66.00%), indicating presence of sufficient genetic variability for selection in these traits. Highest heritability recorded for total number of flower, number of leaves/plant (each 99.00%), flower disc diameter and flower stalk length (98.00%), respectively. The high genetic advance percentage of mean for ray floret breadth, total flower yields and flower disc diameter recorded as 99.50 %, 81.32% and 52.56 %, respectively. The coefficients values of simple correlation exhibited strong and positive association between all the traits, indicative of involvement of linked gene’s inheritance pattern in the traits of study. Further, presence of high genetic gain as well as strong positive association between the traits open the ways for the improvement of the traits in the present material through selection procedure. From the present study, it could be inferred that there is vide scope of gerbera for their good quality flower production for longer durations under poly house in agro-climatic conditions of Kumaun hills of Uttarakhand, which could fetch higher prices to the growers of the region. Further, all the sixty three lines assessed have shown their potential in one or more characteristics under poly house and there is need to study their performance in different growing medium and conditions for the development of production technology for better yield and quality of the produce round the year.