Varietal evaluation of gerbera as influenced by growing conditions

The study was conducted on evaluation of eight gerbera varieties to assess growth, flowering and yield parameters under low cost polyhouse and shade net (50 per cent) conditions at Model Floriculture Centre, of the university during 2007. Low cost polyhouse planting recorded significantly better growth and yield to shade net planting. Flower stalk length, diameter of flower, stalk diameter and yield of flower per square meter were more under low cost polyhouse conditions as compared to shade net conditions. The duration of flower, days taken to first floret opening and vase life were also more under low cost polyhouse conditions as compared to shade net conditions. Among the varieties evaluated, Ruby Red, Dalma, Essance and Dune were found promising for commercial cultivation under protected conditions.