Phule Ganesh: A promising gladiolus genotype

A gladiolus hybrid, GK-GL-1 (Phule Ganesh) from the cross between Sancerre x Oscar was evaluated with its parents and other genotypes for quantitative and qualitative characters from 1996 to 2000 in rabi at different locations in different trials conducted in gladiolus growing areas of Western Maharashtra. The genotype, GK-GL-1 recorded the maximum number of florets/spike (19.13) and spike length (116.67 cm). Florets with having thick textured petals with wide opening and attractive in colour. The opening of florets is slow and chronological resulted in longer vasa life (7.5 day). It has better corms and cormels producing ability (2.15 corms/plant and 69 cormels/plant, respectively). GK-GLrl is early in flowering (60 day) and is tolerant (5 % incidence) to a serious disease Fusarium wilt. The trend in performance in respect of all the characters studied in station trials was same in University multilocation trials, adopted trials on farmers' field.and All India Co-ordinated Floriculture Improvement Project trials. It is worm to note that it will fetch better market price due to its attractive floret colour.