Genetic diversity and parental selection for hybridisation in rose (Rosa hybrida)

The present study was conducted to analyse the potential of existing rose (Rosa hybrida) germplsm collection. Existence of wide variability in stalk length (16.86cm. to 103.17cm) and keeping quality (2.7 to 7 days) indicated the possibility of utilizing the germplasm to develop better cut flower varieties through recombination. All the varieties having stalk length of 42.36 cm or above and with keeping quality of 4.74 days or more were considered under selected group. Varieties of this selected group as well as distinct colour groups were analysed for their divergence. Based on the cluster centre values and distance between the clusters, clusters were identified for hybridization in rose breeding programme.