Studies on Genetic Variability in Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii)

An a empt was made to study the extent of genetic variability present in gerbera grown under protected conditions in mid-hills of West Bengal. The values for GVC, in general, were in closer proximity to that of PCV for almost all the characters indicating that these can be utilized in breeding programme. The magnitude of heritability estimates were observed to be high in most of the characters except flower diameter and girth of stalk indicating substantial improvement can be made by using standard selection criteria. High genetic advance coupled with high heritability and comparable genotypic coefficient of variation were observed for number of leaves/plant, disc diameter, weight of harvested stalk and vase life indicating the preponderance of additive gene effects in controlling these characters.