HERITABILITY, GENETIC ADVANCE AND COVARIANCE STUDIES IN HYBRID TEA ROSES

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of genetic parameters in Hybrid Tea (HT) roses, examining 18 morphological and reproductive traits. Fifty varieties were evaluated during 2022-23 and 2023-24 in a randomized block design with three replications. The results were based on pooled data obtained from both years. The research evaluates phenotypic covariance, genotypic covariance, heritability, and genetic advance to assess the genetic potential for improvement in rose breeding programs. The results showed exceptionally high heritability (>90%) for key traits such as plant height (93.52%), flower bud diameter (94.85%), number of flowers per plant (90.64%), flower length (90.22%), flower diameter (90.64%), petal width (93.66%), and pollen viability (92.08%). Stem diameter (87.13%), flower weight (79.63%), number of petals (76.35%), and pollen sterility (76.24%) exhibited moderate to high heritability. The highest genetic advance as a percentage of the mean was observed for plant height (12.23%), followed by stem diameter (0.74%) and branch length (0.66%). These findings indicate substantial genetic variability and potential for selection in HT roses, with particular emphasis on plant architecture, flower characteristics, and reproductive traits. The study provides valuable insights for rose breeders to develop superior cultivars with enhanced ornamental and commercial value.