ABSTRACT

Gerbera is a major and commercially grown cut flower crop, ranks fifth in the international flower trade, making it one of the top ten cut flowers globally. There is a continuous demand for new high yielding gerbera varieties to meet both export and domestic needs. Performance of each gerbera cultivars varies with the region, season and other growing conditions. Hence, the study was conducted to evaluate new cultivars for their quantitative and qualitative performance under naturally ventilated polyhouse at Hi-tech Horticulture Unit, Saidapur Farm, Main Agricultural Research Station, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad.
Among the seven varieties, Forbes exhibited the highest plant height (50.23 cm) and superior growth. Forbes and Snowball were early for flower bud initiation and had highest vase life (11.57 days). In contrast, Ritmo recorded the lower plant height (37.72 cm) and delayed flower bud initiation (51.86 days). The positive correlation between flower yield and vegetative traits underscores the importance of plant growth in maximizing flower production.
Varieties Snowball and Forbes produced larger flower size with longer stalks. Forbes produced maximum flower yield per plant (27.25) and per square meter (190.75) with B:C ratio of 2.42, while Ritmo produced lower yield. In general winter season produced higher yield of superior quality cut flowers with lower pest incidence than summer. Among the varieties, Memphis and Ritmo were susceptible to insect pest and disease. While, Forbes and Atlanta were resistant.
Based on the study it is concluded that Forbes, Snowball and Memphis were emerged as superior varieties and can be recommended for adoption as the consumer preference is for more than two colour variety for different flower arrangements and decorations.