Evaluation of new gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Bolus) genotypes under fan and pad polyhouse

This study was carried out to characterize the newly evolved hybrids/genotypes of gerbera during 2013–15. It was observed that vegetative characteristics were recorded maximum in RCGH-23 (59.27) for number of leaves, while leaf length was recorded maximum in RCGH-12 (30.44 cm), leaf width in Alesmera (10.75 cm), plant spread in RCGH-22 (55.38 cm) and number of suckers in RCGH-19 (13.32 per plant per year). With regard to flowering characteristics, maximum flower stalk length was maximum in Hybrid RCGH-22 (55.47 cm) and Alesmera gave maximum flower stalk diameter (6.46mm). Maximum flower diameter was noted in Hybrid RCGH-22 (10.73 cm) and number of flowers in RCGH-114 (4.89 per plant per month). RCGH-117 exhibited longest field life (24.06 days) which was at par with hybrid RCGH-113 (22.28 days). Vase life was maximum in Alesmera (7.33 days), which at par with RCGH-114 (6.97 days). Present results suggested that characterization of traits would be of great help to identify promising gerbera hybrids for domestic as well export market and assist in selection of potential parents for their further utilization in gerbera improvement programmes.