Variability Studies in Gladiolus Under Mid Hill Conditions of Uttarakhand

The present study was carried to evaluate 13 gladiolus genotypes for vegetative, floral, corm and cormel characters under rain-fed conditions of Uttarakhand hills. All the characters studied exhibited high variability. A large variability in number of cormels (9.75- 56.50 cormels per plant), size of cormel (0.82–3.32 cm), weight of cormels (4.61–21.33 g), plant height at spike emergence (31.0–62.25 cm), spike length (48.00–87.75) and number of florets (10.25–19.50 per spike) have been observed. High heritability coupled with high genetic advanced was observed for number of cormels per plant, size of cormel, weight of cormels, plant height at spike emergence and spike length. Cultivars like Candyman, White Prosperity, Summer Pearl, Red Majesty and Charm Flow were found most suitable for commercial production of cut flowers due to their thin long spikes, better quality flower, durability of spike and vase life. Whereas, genotypes like Candyman, Priscilla, Pacifica, White Prosperity, Summer Pearl and Charmflow were found suitable for corm and cormel production.