Genetic variability and character association in gladiolus (Gladiolus hybrida)

Abstract

Ten gladiolus (Gladiolus hybrida Hort.) cultivars were evaluated for 18 characters to estimate the genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance and correlation to identify suitable gladiolus cultivar for mid-hill conditions of Arunachal Pradesh. The magnitude of phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV). The high value of PCV along with GCV observed for plant height, leaf length, florets/spike, vase life, corm weight and cormels/plant indicated that there is variability in these characters. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean was recorded for plant height, leaf length, florets/spike, corm diameter, corm weight and number of cormels/plant. Positive highly significant correlation of days to heading with days to first floret showing colour and days to opening of first floret was observed. Spike length was also significant and positively correlated with flower diameter and number of cormels/plant. Corm diameter was positive and highly significantly correlated with corm weight and polar diameter. Spike length was recorded maximum in cv. Chantiler (85.23 cm), whereas number of florets/spike was recorded maximum in cv. Red Majesty (15.94) followed by cv. Pusa Jyotsna (15.81). Cultivars Chantiler and Red Majesty are very prolific in producing number of cormels/plant.