Assessment studies on genetic variability traits in different genotypes of gerbera in hill zone of West Bengal

Studies on various genetic parameters were conducted to assess the genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance in Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii). Evaluation of 12 genotypes of Gerbera i.e. Sangria, Sunway, Florence, Red Explosion, Salvadore, Intense, Goliath, Dana Ellen, Balance, Kalimpong White, Kalimpong Pink and Kalimpong Yellow was conducted for vegetative and flowering characters contributing to yield. All the genotypes exhibited a wide range of variability for traits under consideration. These traits were also found to be highly heritable. Phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was found to be greater than genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all the characters studied. High heritability was observed for days to bud burst followed by days to first flower opening while flower stalk length gave lowest heritability results. High heritability combined with high genetic advance was shown by days to bud burst suggesting, additive gene action playing a major role in governing these traits and these traits can be improved by simple selection.