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

Gerbera is an important commercial fower crops and its climatic requirement is very suitably met in the northeast India for production of quality fowers 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 signifcant variation among genotypes for growth and fowering 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 fower diameter was noted in Alesmera (10.89±0.66 cm), RCGH-114, RCGH-97, RCGH-117 and RCGH-22. Highest number of fowers 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 signifcant correlation; leaf number had positive relationship with sucker number (0.770**) and fower number (0.488**), however, had negative correlation with fower 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 fower 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 fower production.