Journal of Experimental Agriculture International

Aims: To evaluate gerbera hybrids with respect to mass propagation under in vitro conditions and their characterization under field conditions for floral traits for selection of promising gerbera lines for commercial utilization.

Study Design: Field performance and differential response of micro-propagated gerbera were evaluated in randomized block design.

Place and Duration of Study: CSIR-IHBT, Palampur (HP), India 2012-2015.

Methodology: F₁ genotypes of gerbera were developed through controlled crossing program and subjected to in vitro micro-propagation to achieve quick multiplication. Mature seeds obtained from different cross combinations were used for the establishment of in vitro gerbera cultures. Seeds were cultured on Murashige & Skoog (MS) basal medium and the developing micro-shoots from seeds were further cultured on MS media supplemented with different doses of growth regulators to achieve shoot proliferation.

Results: Highest number of micro-shoots, number of leaves and leaf length were observed in M3 proliferation medium (MS supplemented with 1mg/l 6- Benzylaminopurine + 0.030 mg/l Indole Butyric Acid (IBA) + 0.025 mg/l Naphthalene Acetic acid) which gave best proliferation among the gerbera genotypes. The half strength MS medium supplemented with 0.4mg/l IBA was found best for in vitro rooting. Also, there was differential response of hybrid gerbera genotypes to micro-shoot proliferation.

Conclusion: Characterization of two hybrid F₁ genotypes (23-1 and E-3) under field conditions with respect to floral traits in comparison to parental genotypes provided information about new gerbera lines with high micro-propagation potential for commercial utilization.