Evaluation of diversity through genetic variability and correlation in gladiolus (Gladiolus hybrida) genotypes

Abstract

Evaluation of diversity through genetic variability and correlation studies on vegetative and floral characters of gladiolus (Gladiolus hybrida) genotypes were undertaken at experimental farm, KVK, Sangsanggiri, Tura, West Garo Hills District, Meghalaya during 2014–16.Twenty two gladiolus cultivars, viz. The Queen, Red Majesty, Applause, Charm Glow, Candyman, Interpid, Eight Wonder, Pacifica, Tiger Flame, Souvenier, American Beauty, Oscar,White Prosperity, Wedding Bouquet, Poppy Tears, Morocco Beauty, Summer Sunshine, Wing Wang Sang, Her Majesty, Green Bay, Priscilla and Red Ginger were selected for their evaluation. The range of variation was high in days taken for floret opening (77.53-119.47). However, highest phenotypic (408.38), genotypic variances (404.45), PCV (53.62) and GCV (53.36) were associated with corm weight. The estimates of phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) were higher than genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all the traits. Maximum heritability was also noticed in corm weight (99.38), whereas minimum was observed in number of tillers/plant (40.34).The high heritability with genetic advance as percentage of mean for corm weight indicates the possible role of additive gene action. The magnitude of genotypic correlation was higher than their corresponding phenotypic correlation for most of the traits, indicating a strong inherent linkage between various traits under study. At genotypic and phenotypic level, days for sprouting of corms exhibited highly significant and positive correlation with days for spike initiation and days for floret opening.Vase life was highly significant and positively correlated with rachis length, number of florets/spike, fresh weight of spike, spike girth and field life.