Development and evaluation of novel gladiolus hybrid selections IIHRG-7 (IC620379) and IIHRG-11 (IC620380) for flower quality and Fusarium wilt resistance

The present study was carried out to evaluate the performance of two novel gladiolus hybrid selections IIHRG-7 and IIHRG-11 along with commercial checks, for flower quality traits and Fusarium wilt resistance in completely randomized block design, during 2012-13 to 2014-15. Three years data were pooled and analyzed statistically. The hybrid selections IIHRG-7 and IIHRG-11 had been developed through hybridization by crossing Arka Meera x Picardy and Gold Medal 412 x Arka Poonam, respectively followed by selection. IIHRG-7 has novel flower colour (as per RHS Colour Chart) i.e., Red-Purple (65.B) having Red-Purple (62.A) streaks with Red-Purple (67.B) splash and spike with variegated florets, while, IIHRG-11 has novel floret colour as Red (41.C) having Red (41.A) margin. Blotch Red (46.B) with yellow (13.C) border and resistance to Fusarium wilt disease. These hybrid selections are suitable for cut-flower and flower arrangement purposes. Further, these hybrid selections will be useful for developing new gladiolus hybrid selections with novel traits and resistance to Fusarium wilt disease.