Screening of gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii) cultivars for quality, vase life and stem bending

The present study was conducted to evaluate the post harvest performance of ten commercial gerbera cultivars for quality, vase life and stem bending. There were significant differences among different cultivars with respect to floral traits, water relation parameters, and vase life. The maximum stalk length was observed in Dune (65.85 cm), while maximum stalk diameter was recorded in Sunway (8.13 mm). The highest flower diameter (13.17 cm) was recorded in Sunway while numbers of ray florets were found maximum in Rosalin (75.20). The length of ray florets was recorded highest in Salvadore (4.60 cm). In vase life study, maximum fresh weight change was recorded in Kayak (124.29%) on 8^th day and minimum fresh weight change (87.92%) in Scope on 16^th day. Among all the cultivars, Dune recorded maximum water uptake (50.24 g/flower) and water loss (38.84 g/flower). The water balance exhibited significant differences among the cultivars and recorded maximum (11.40 g/flower) in Dune. The longest vase life exhibited by Dune (15.67 days) followed by winter Queen (14.47 days) and Dana Ellen (14.40 days). The minimum stem bending incidence (0°- 15°) was recorded in cultivars Cacharell and winter Queen. Based on performance cultivars Dune, winter Queen, Dana Ellen, Carambola and Cacharell were found promising for commercial quality cut flower production.