Varietal evaluation of gerbera (Gerblera jamesonii Bolus) under low cost green house

Abstract

Studies were conducted at the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara.: to evaluate the performance of five gerbera varieties, viz., Essandre, Juvena, Lindessa, Tamara and Yanara and to compare ground planting with pot culture under low cost green house. The varieties differed significantly with respect to vegetative and floral characters. Variety Essandre was found to have maximum plant height, number of leaves, petiole length and leaf area. Plant spread was maximum in variety Yanara and variety Lindessa had maximum number of lobes on leaves. Variety Essandre produced maximum number of flowers per plant whereas variety Tamara was very poor in flower production. Flower diameter and stalk length were maximum in variety Yanara, while maximum stalk girth was recorded in variety Lindessa. Variety Juvena took minimum number of days for the emergence of first flower bud and from flower bud emergence to flower opening. Field life was maximum in variety Tamara. No significant variation was observed in the vase life of flowers of different gerbera varieties. A significant negative correlation was observed between relative humidity and number of leaves. A significant positive correlation was observed between plant height and number of leaves, petiole length and leaf area. Correlation between number of leaves and leaf area was also positive. No significant correlation was observed between weather parameters and floral characters. Period from flower bud initiation to flower opening was significantly and positively correlated with flower diameter, stalk length, stalk girth and field life of flowers. A significant negative correlation was observed between number of flowers and flower diameter, whereas flower diameter had a positive correlation with stalk length. Field life had a significant positive correlation with stalk length and stalk girth. As far as method of planting was concerned, it could be observed that varieties recorded better plant height, number of leaves, leaf area and more number of flowers in ground planting than in pot planting. Regarding the incidence of pests and diseases attack of flower thrips was a major problem during flowering season, especially during March-April when temperature was high. Varieties Juvena and Tamara were more prone to the attack. Even though there was no severe incidence of pathogens leaf blight was observed during May-June.