Evaluation of Novel Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Bolus ex. Hooker F.) Hybrids for Flower Quality Traits under Polyhouse Condition

Abstract

The present study was carried out to evaluate the performance of two gerbera hybrids IIHR15-7 and IIHR16-8 along with their parents and a commercial check, for flower quality traits under polyhouse condition in completely randomized block design, during 2016-17 to 2018-19. The hybrids IIHR15-7 and IIHR16-8 had been developed through the half-sib method of breeding with IIHR9 and Arka Ashwa, respectively, as parents. Data for three years were pooled and analyzed statistically. In both hybrids IIHR15-7 and IIHR16-8, all the quantitative traits were found to be on par with the respective commercial checks. They had novel flower colour (as per RHS Colour Chart) i.e. NN155A, White Group for IIHR 15-7 and 65A Red Purple Group for IIHR16-8, with semi-double and double forms of flowers, respectively. These hybrids are suitable for cut-flower and flower arrangement purposes. Further, these hybrids will be useful for developing new gerbera hybrids with novel traits.