MSc

The present investigation, “Varietal evaluation and genetic improvement of anthurium (Anthurium andreanum Linden) through hybridization” was carried out at Coconut Research Station, Balaramapuram, during 2014 -16, to assess the genetic variability of commercial genotypes of anthurium and improve them through intervarietal hybridization.
Twenty five genotypes of anthurium were evaluated in completely randomized design with five replication to identify suitable parents with commercial qualities.There was wide variation among the qualitative as well as quantitative characters of anthurium. The number of flowers year-1 ranged from 1.2 (Lucia Pink, Mauritius Orange) to 4.8 (Cascade White and Lady Jane) and the spathe size ranged from 42.88 cm2 (Lady Jane) to 101 cm2 (Boroque).

The number of suckers plant-1 exhibited high genotypic coefficient of variation and phenotypic coefficient of variation followed by anthocyanin content, pollen fertility, number of flowers year-1 and leaf area. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance found in almost all the characters except days from emergence to maturity of leaves, days from emergence to maturity of inflorescence, number of suckers plant-1 and duration of female phase. It indicates additive gene effect and improvement could be made for that character by simple selection based on the phenotypic performance.

The number of flowers year-1 showed significant positive phenotypic association with characters like leaf area, spadix length and inclination of candle with the spathe.

Based on the availability of pollen as well as the receptivity of stigma, sixty two crosses were attempted among the fifteen parental genotypes, out of which twenty six were successful.
The percentage of candle bearing berries ranged from 0 to 100. The average number of fruits candle-1 was found to be high in the variety Liver Red and it was low in the genotypes, Vezuvious Red and Chekas. The percentage of fruit set was high in Liver Red x Dragon’s Tongue and it was low in Chikoos x Liver Red. The cross Hawaiian Orange x Dragon’s Tongue exhibited the maximum seed size among the single seeded berries and in double seeded berries, Hawaiian Orange x Chikoos found to had the highest seed size. The percentage of germination was high in Hawaiian Orange x Chikoos and low in Pistache x Chikoos.
The present investigation revealed that there was wide variation in characters among twenty five genotypes of anthurium evaluated. Cross compatibility analysis revealed that the cross Hawaiian Orange x Chikoos have medium fruit set and highest seed germination among all the successful crosses.