Variability among genotypes of gerbera in the north eastern region of India

Abstract

Gerbera is an important commercial flower crops and its climatic requirement is very suitably met in the northeast India for production of quality flowers and suckers under natural open conditions. Out of several collections and hybridization attempts being made at ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, about 37 genotypes were evolved, conserved and evaluated (2013-18). Results showed significant variation among genotypes for growth and flowering characteristics (p≤0.05). Flower stalk length was highest in RCGH 117 (45.44±1.07 cm) which was at par with Alesmera, RCGH-22, RCGH-114 and RCGH-12. Maximum flower diameter was noted in Alesmera (10.89±0.66 cm), RCGH-114, RCGH-97, RCGH-117 and RCGH-22. Highest number of flowers was obtained in RCGH-2 (31.28±3.43/plant) and RCGH 114. Sucker production was highest in RCGH-3 (21.00/plant/year) and vase-life in Alesmera (5.95±0.69 days), RCGH-117, RCGH 12, RCGH-114 and RCGH-22. Quantitative traits analysis showed significant correlation; leaf number had positive relationship with sucker number (0.770**) and flower number (0.488**), however, had negative correlation with flower stalk length (-0.393*) and vase life (-0.350*). Flower number had negative correlation with stalk diameter (-0.498**) but positively correlated with sucker number (0.524**). Flower diameter showed positive correlation with stalk length (0.327*) and stalk diameter (0.351*). Vase-life exhibited negative relationship with number of leaves (-0.350*) and yield (-0.694**) but positively correlated with stalk diameter (0.732**). A diverse variation among the genotypes for flower quality and yield attributes can be further utilized in the crop improvement of gerbera. RCGH-12, RCGH-22, RCGH-114, RCGH-117 and Alesmera are potential genotypes for commercial flower production.