Genetic variability, Heritability, Genetic Advance and Correlation Coefficient for Vegetative and Floral Characters of Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii)

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.

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.