ESTIMATION OF GENETIC VARIANCE-COMPONENTS AND HERITABILITIES FOR CUT-FLOWER YIELD IN GERBERA USING LEAST-SQUARES AND MAXIMUM-LIKELIHOOD METHODS

Genetic variance components and heritability were estimated for cut-fl ower yield of gerbera in the Davis population using ordinary least squ ares and maximum likelihood methods. The overall estimate of narrow-se nse heritability is 0.33 based on least squares (LS) and 0.31 based on maximum likelihood (ML). The results of the study indicate that (1) M L and LS provide very similar results if sample size is large enough, suggesting both are useful for plant breeding programs; (2) about one third of the variation in gerbera cut-flower yield is additive, implyi ng selection in cut-flower will be successful; and (3) although additi ve variation gradually decreased, heritability remained near 0.27 sugg esting there is still potential variation in the population for furthe r selection.