Phenotypic variability and mutant selection in Gladiolus hybridus variety

Abstract

The present investigation was carried out to study impact of gamma rays on gladiolus variety ‘Punjab Glance’. A gradual decrease in the corm sprouting, plant height, spike length, and florets per spike was observed with increasing doses (150 to 200 Gy). The highest efficiency was achieved at 50 Gy that gave rise to the maximum spike length (66.25 cm), florets per spike (9.78), and survival rate (97.73 %). Leaf and floral abnormalities were also recorded at higher doses. The highest efficiency was achieved at 50 Gy that gave rise to a unique bright orange with a yellow blotch floret colour. In this context, mutation breeding emerges as a powerful and proven strategy for inducing genetic variability in ornamental crops, offering a viable pathway to develop novel and commercially desirable traits.

Bangladesh J. Bot. 55(2): 245-250, 2026 (June)