Genetic variability, heritability, and trait associations in gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus L.) genotypes
Girish P. M., Sapna Panwar, Kanwar Pal Singh, Kishan Swaroop, Mast Ram Dhiman, Markandey Singh, Vignesh Muthusamy, Amitha Mithra Sevanthi and Saipriya Panigrahi
Abstract: This study evaluated genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance and trait associations among gladiolus genotypes at ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, India, from 2022 to 2024. The study implemented a randomized block design with three replications. ANOVA revealed highly significant differences among genotypes, with genotypic effects most contributing to the total variance. Phenotypic variation exceeded genotypic variation, although environmental influence was minimal. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for cormel weight per hill (94.56%, 206.55%), cormel number per hill (91.73%, 189.62%), plant height (87.39%, 41.23%), spike length, and rachis length, indicating additive gene action and scope for direct selection. Correlation and PCA analyses confirmed strong associations among key traits and clear genotype differentiation, with G. callianthus being distinct. Promising genotypes included Rose Supreme, Chirag, Snow Princess and Dhanvantri. These findings provide a foundation for targeted breeding to develop improved cultivars with enhanced yield and floral quality and guide future research.