Evaluation of Different Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Bolus) Cultivars for Growth and Flower Characters under Assam Conditions

The present investigation was carried out to study the performance of twelve cultivars of Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Bolus) under open field conditions in Assam. Vegetative, flowering and flower characters varied significantly among the cultivars. Mean performance of the cultivars revealed that Pride of Sikkim attained the highest plant height (61.8 cm) and longest stalk length (49.5cm). Cultivar Red Gem produced maximum number of leaves per plant (46.6), plant spread (54.1 cm) and number of suckers per plant (24.0). Days taken to bud visibility and full bloom varied greatly. Cultivar Pink Melody took minimum days of 63.8 and 76.0 for bud visibility and full bloom, respectively. With respect to flower characters, Red Gem recorded the maximum number of flowers per plant (53.2) and possessed longest self life (19.9 d) and vase life (9.8 d). Largest flower diameter was found in Orange Gleam (11.2 cm) followed by Classic Beauty (10.9 cm). The maximum fresh weight of flower was recorded in Classic Beauty (16.7g). Flowering duration was longest in Red Gem (130 d). Wide variation in flower colour was also observed among the cultivars. Cultivar Red Gem exerted best performance on various growth and flower characters along with Orange Gleam, Classic Beauty and Pink Melody.