Response of gladiolus (Gladiolus hybridus) genotypes to two diverse cultures of Fusarium and their agronomic performance

Abstract

A set of eight gladiolus genotypes, viz. Arka Amar, Arka Gold, Arka Kesar, Arka Naveen, Pink Friendship, Arka Aayush, IIHRG-12 and Psittacinus hybrid were tested for agronomic performance and resistance to Fusarium wilt under pot culture. The genotypes were assessed for resistance to two geographically diverse cultures of Fusarium, viz. IIHR culture (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. gladioli - culture 1) and Solan culture (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. gladioli - culture 2). Among the eight genotypes screened for resistance, Psittacinus hybrid was resistant to Fusarium inoculation as there was no disease incidence and mortality, whereas Arka Naveen was susceptible with 100 per cent disease incidence. The genotype IIHRG-12 followed by Arka Amar was early for spike emergence and opening of first floret. The Psittacinus hybrid followed by Arka Amar recorded highest number of flowers per corm. Arka Naveen produced significantly longest spike and rachis in control, however, susceptible to Fusarium. The genotypes Arka Gold, IIHRG-12, Arka Amar produced bigger sized florets. The present study concludes that the genotypes Psittacinus hybrid, Arka Amar and IIHRG-12 are superior gladiolus genotypes having best floral characteristics and resistance against Fusarium wilt.

Keywords

• Disease resistance
• Fusarium wilt
• Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. gladioli
• Gladiolus
• Screening