The genus Phlox is the second largest of the family Polemoniaceae. Phlox drummondii and other species are extensively grown for ornamental purposes in gardens. They are universally cherished by horticulturists because of their foliage and beautiful flowers. Therefore, new varieties are needed to compete in floriculture industries. Methods like induced polyploidy, mutation, hybridization and selection of better genotypes were used in present study for genetic improvements. For genetic variablity systematic selection of different types of flower shapes, color and sizes from the natural population was individually collected over the period of three years(alomst 500 plants/year of diploids and colchitetraploids). The pattern of flowers indicated that it does not follow the parental type in most of the lines, with rare appearance of star type and the entire type and vice- versa. About 50% of progeny did not resemble the parent type, and had intersting new patterns(colors, shape and sizes). The variant seeds were then individually, collected and were successfully maintained in subsequent generations. The variations led to improved floral characteristics and new varieties of Phlox with different patterns and germ plasma collection of more than 100 types with systematic single plant selection. In some induced colchitetraploid plants white patches on maroon or red flowers could also be due to transposons, however it need further confirmation. In conclusion, the probable origin of variations in the natural population could be either due to cross-pollination by insects leading to hybridity of induced mutants and/or by recombination and/or by segregation. This study evolved new exciting varieties of Phlox drummondii of floricultural and industrial importance.

Key words: Genetic diversity, Phlox drummondii, Phlox, radiation