Evaluation of Exotic Cultivars of Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii L.) under Naturally Ventilated Polyhouse in Western Odisha

An endeavor was made during 2014–16 to evaluate and identify superior and most promising commercial variety in respect of important morphological and economic trait amongst 18 exotic cultivars of gerbera under naturally ventilated Poly house in Western Odisha. Variations in different growth parameters were prominent. Among vegetative parameters, ‘Dreamer’ recorded least mean value in terms of plant height, leaf area, number of leaves per plant, length and breadth of leaf, plant spread, number of lobes per leaf, fresh weight, vase life and yield per sq. m among quality parameters. Higher leaf area was found in ‘Shimmer’ follower by ‘Paradiso’ while ‘Dune’ has intermediate plant height and plant spread. ‘Power Play’ exhibited more number of leaves per plant with higher petiole length and more number of suckers per clump. With respect to flower and quality characters, the cultivar ‘Diablo’ found superior with respect to plant height, disc diameter and neck thickness and higher fresh weight. Minimum number of ray florets per flower with thicker petals were recorded in ‘Colt’, while ‘Artist’ have recorded highest number of ray florets with lesser petal thickness. ‘Prime rose’ had maximum flower diameter with minimum disc diameter and maximum length of ray floret. ‘Universal’ and ‘Pink Power’ recorded longest and shortest stalk length respectively. ‘Amulet’ had maximum stalk diameter and longer vase life (19.5 days).The cultivar ‘Jaffer’ recorded highest number of flowers per sq.m. Followed by ‘Yucador’ and ‘Blind Date’. ‘Shimmer’ took lesser days from flower bud formation to flowering however ‘Alex’ and ‘Colt’ recorded maximum shelf life.