Characterization of variability in F₁ progeny of inter-varietal cross of gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Bolus ex. Hooker F)

Variability was generated and characterized for improvement of floral traits in Gerbera jamesonii Bolus ex. Hooker F through a hybridization program. Considerable variation were observed for the floral traits viz., flower colour, shape, diameter, disc colour, scape length, disc diameter, ray floret width and ray floret number among the parental genotypes and 46 F₁ progeny of an inter-varietal cross IHBT Gr4 x IHBT Gr5. Flower shape and disc colour were observed to be qualitative traits while flower colour, scape length, flower diameter, disc diameter, ray floret width and ray floret number had quantitative inheritance. Analysis of variation revealed high heritability for scape length, flower diameter, disc diameter and ray floret number and moderate heritability for ray floret width. Some of the F₁ genotypes (Gr-05-01-11, Gr-05-01-37, Gr-05-01-42 and Gr-05-01-43) have suitable traits and constitute important germplasm lines to be used in breeding program for development of new varieties.