Genetic and Phenotypic Variabilities of Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii H. Bolus) Generated from Hybridization

Abstract

The novelty and superior new varieties of gerbera were required in floriculture industries. There were obtained by hybridization to produce variabilities in genotypic and phenotypic characters. The aim of the study was to describe genetic and phenotypic variabilities of 10 varieties of gerbera from hybridization. The study was conducted in Indonesian Ornamental Crops Research Institute, from March until August 2017. Design of the research was Random Completely Block Design. Observations were made for both quantitative and qualitative characters. The quantitative characters were consisted of leaf length, leaf width, petiole length, peduncle length, peduncle diameter, flower head diameter, diameter of first inner ray florets, disc floret diameter, outer ray floret length, outer ray floret width, and height of involucre flower head. Qualitative characters were consisted of intensity of anthocyanin coloration at base peduncle, anthocyanin coloration at top peduncle, flower head type, anthocyanin coloration at distal part of inner bracts flower head, outer ray floret shape. Other characters observed were profile in cross section of middle part of ray at outer ray floret, color of inner side at outer ray floret, number of color of outer ray floret, dark disc (before opening of disc floret), main color of perianth lobes at disc floret of outer rows, and color of top relative to other parts of pappus. The result indicated that value of genetic variabilities was high for flower head diameter, diameter of first inner ray florets, disc floret diameter, outer ray floret length, and outer ray floret width. Phenotypic variability value was high for all characters. The heritability value was about 1.47% until 94.63%. The heritability value was high for leaves width, petiole length, flower head diameter, diameter of first inner ray florets, disc floret diameter, outer ray floret length and outer ray floret width. While, the moderate heritability was obtained for peduncle length and height of involucre flower head. Characters obtained with low heritabilitywere leaves length and peduncle diameter.