Breeding of Gerbera (Gerbera Jamesonii Bolus Ex. Hooker F) Lines Suitable for Open Field Cultivation

Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Bolus ex. Hooker F) is one of the important cut flowers grown in India. In the absence of suitable indigenous varieties, growers are importing exotic genotypes which are semi-crested types, highly susceptible to pests and diseases. At IIHR, Bangalore four lines which bear double flowers were developed using half sib selection from locals bearing single flowers. Scoring key for evaluation of these lines, was developed. Among the parameters 'quality' recorded the highest preferential score of 60. Among the individual traits, form of flower and yield recorded the highest score of 15, followed by flower diameter, vase life and pests with 10 each. Among different lines, IIHR 99-2 recorded the highest score X weightage of 96.1, followed by IIHR 99-1, IIHR 99-3 and 99-4 lines with 92.3, 83.1 and 81.1, respectively. Among pests, all the IIHR lines showed moderate resistance to thrips. From the present study it can be inferred that these lines are recommended for commercial cultivation under open conditions for cut flower, floral decoration and beatifying the landscape purposes.