Genetic Variability Studies in Oncidium Orchids

An investigation was carried out with eighteen Oncidium orchid genotypes for the assessment of genetic variability and heritability in 2023. In this investigation, variation due to genotypes for all the traits under study was found significant indicating high amount of variability among different genotypes for different traits providing ample scope for selection and further evaluation as well as improvement in the shelf life and other traits. Number of base leaves per plant, length of inflorescence(cm), petal length (cm), petal width (cm), and lip length (cm) had high heritability estimates along with high genetic advance expressed as per cent of mean which implied that these traits are controlled by genes which are additive in nature. Simple selection for such characters would be rewarding. In addition, vase life of flowers (days) had moderate heritability estimates along with moderate genetic advance expressed as per cent of mean, it may require a sustained effort and might be enhanced by complementary strategies such as environmental management and advanced breeding techniques. GCV (%) was found high in petal width which is close to PCV (%) indicating that variability of the trait is largely due to genetic factors with minimal environmental influence. High heritability (>60%) combined with high genetic advance (>20%) was exhibited by majority of the characters under study indicating additive gene action for these characters and it provides a scope for further improvement of these traits in advance generations.