Genetic variability and character association in tulip (Tulipa gesneriana) for various quantitative traits

Abstract

A study was conducted during 2009-11 to estimate the genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance and correlation in twenty one genotypes of tulip (Tulipa gesneriana L.). Tulip germplasm were evaluated for various vegetative, floral and bulb quality related traits. Blushing Apeldoorn was earliest to flower and Golden melody took maximum days to flower. The maximum scape length and flower size was recorded in Ganders Rhapsody and Montecarlo respectively. Golden Melody produced the maximum number of bulbs and bulblets. Ali Bi, Blushing Apeldoorn, Ganders Rhapsody, Pretty Women, Strong Gold and Tulip Hb were promising genotypes for cut flower production. The study revealed wide variation for all the characters indicating sufficient genetic variability to be exploited in breeding programme. The maximum value of PCV and GCV was recorded for number of bulbs per plant. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for spike length, plant height, and wrapper leaf area. Selection on the basis of these characters would be more effective for the improvement of tulip. Scape length, the economically important trait in tulip, revealed a highly significant and positive correlation with plant height and bulb size. Highly significant and positive correlation of number of bulbs was observed with number of leaves per plant and wrapper leaf area. Hence, direct selection from germplasm lines may be effective for improvement in closely associated traits.