Introducing Superior Cultivars of Gladiolus by Important Quality and Quantity Indexes

Suitable selection of cultivars, is one of the important determinant factors that affects on quantity and quality of bulb flowers at the climate of Iran. In order to, introducing superior cultivars of gladiolus for cultivation in temperate regions of Iran, the experiment was carried out in a complete randomized block design (CRBD) in three replications with five cultivars of gladiolus including ‘Roma’, ‘Wiss Sensatiow’, ‘Nova Lux’, ‘Amsterdam’ and ‘White Prosperty’ in a greenhouse at the Ornamental Plants Research Center (OPRC) in Mahallat city of Iran. Results indicated that difference between cultivars was significant for all studied characteristics. As the plant height, highest number and weight of cormlets were observed in ‘Amsterdam’. The highest leaf length and width, number of florets, spike length and stem diameter were observed in ‘Wiss Sensatiow’. The highest vase life (9.66 days), main corm weight (40.80 g), main corm diameter (56 mm) and floret diameter (9.25 cm) were seen in the ‘Roma’ cultivar. The results of correlation analysis between variables were also shown, there was a positive and significant correlation between the diameter and weight of the main corm (r =+ 0.92), spike and leaf length (r =+ 0.98). ‘Roma’ and ‘Wiss Sensatiow’ cultivars had the highest flower and corm traits. So, they recommended as alternative to some oldest cultivars (like ‘White Prosperty’). These are very important for marketing in Iran.