International Journal of Agriculture, Environment & Biotechnology

Citation: IJAEB: 7(3): 527-533 September 2014

DOI Number: 10.5958/2230-732X.2014.01357.6

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©2014 New Delhi Publishers. All rights reserved

Horticulture

Genetic variability, Heritability, Genetic Advance

and Correlation Coefficient for Vegetative and Floral

Characters of Gerbera ( Gerbera jamesonii )

Sunil Kumar

Department of Horticulture, North Rastern Hill University, Tura Campus, Chandmari-794 002, West Garo Hills District,

Meghalaya, INDIA.

Corresponding author: sunu159@yahoo.co.in

Paper No. 238

Received: August 3, 2014

Accepted: August 21, 2014

Published: September 14, 2014

Abstract

The study was conducted on genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance and correlation coefficient for vegetative and floral characters

of gerbera during April 2011 to March 2012. Nine varieties namely, Rionegro, Manizales, Galileo, Marinila, Palmira, Figaro, Teresa, Pia and

Tecala were selected for their evaluation. The range of variation was high for number of flowers per sq. m per year followed by number of ray

florets and plant spread. Highest phenotypic and genotypic variances were observed for number of flowers per sq. m per year. The estimates

of phenotypic coefficient of variation were higher than genotypic coefficient of variation for all the traits. Maximum phenotypic coefficient

of variation and heritability was observed for vase life. Genotypic coefficient of variance showed a range of variation from 2.58 to 32.01 for

diameter of neck and vase life, respectively. However, the maximum genetic advance was observed in number of flowers per sq. m per year.

The high heritability was associated with high genetic advance percentage of mean for vase life indicating 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 level, number of leaves per plant exhibited positive significant

correlation with diameter of flower and number of flowers per sq. m per year but highly significant and positive correlation with number of

flowers per sq. m per year at phenotypic level.

Highlights

Nine gerbera cultivars were selected for the study of genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance and correlation coefficient

Highest phenotypic and genotypic variances were observed for number of flowers per sq. m per year

Maximum heritability and genetic advance was recorded for vase life and number of flowers per sq. m per year, respectively

Cultivars Marinilla, Palmira and Figaro may have scope for evolving noble colour and elite varieties in Pasighat, East Siang

District, Arunachal Pradesh.

Keywords: Gerbera, polyhouse, genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance, correlation