Genetic variability in hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L)

Author: MS Gaikwad, AG Gaikwad and AA Bhagat

The study analyzed genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance in Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. Significant treatment differences were observed across all traits, with flower number per plant ranging from 13.00 to 74.00 (mean 33.67), plant height from 52.24 to 247.68 cm and flower weight per plant from 164.96 to 4,925.24 g. Phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) exceeded genotypic coefficient (GCV), indicating environmental influence. High GCV and PCV were recorded for flower weight per plant (GCV 94.94, PCV 96.65), petal number (GCV 81.26, PCV 82.33) and flower weight (GCV 76.67, PCV 77.25), signifying substantial genetic diversity. Heritability ranged from 47.32 per cent (secondary branches/plant) to 99.61 per cent (flower longevity), with high values for flower weight (98.51%), flowering initiation (98.34%) and petal number (97.43%). Genetic advance was highest for flower weight per plant (2,190.86), plant height (75.67) and flowering initiation (74.72). Traits like flower weight, pedicel length and plant spread exhibited high heritability and genetic advance, suggesting additive gene action and potential for improvement through simple selection. These findings highlight significant genetic variability and inform breeding strategies for H rosa-sinensis.