Evaluation of Gerbera (gerbera Jamesonii bolus Ex. Hooker F.) Genotypes for Flower Quality Traits under Naturally Ventilated Polyhouse

The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the performance of ten genotypes for flower quality characters under naturally ventilated polyhouse in RBD with three replications during the year 2011-12 and 2012-13. Data of both the years were pooled and analyzed statistically. Significant differences were observed for all thirteen characters studied. The results revealed that genotype Soleada recorded earliest days to bud burst (61.88 days) and first flower opening (67.14 days). Maximum flower diameter (11.17 cm) and disc diameter (3.12 cm) was recorded in Kyllian. Maximum leaf breadth (19.80 cm) and flower stalk length was recorded in Vilassar (66.39 cm), whereas, maximum number of leaves/ plant (18.14) and number of suckers per plant (3.33) was recorded in Manizales. Longest leaf length (42.58 cm) and plant spread (E-W, 73.85 cm) was recorded in Laurance. Highest number of flowers/plant/ month was recorded in Renee (3.63), which was at par with Laurance and Kyllian. On the basis of pooled analysis, genotypes Kyllian and Vilassar were found promising for flower quality characters and recommended for growing under naturally ventilated polyhouse.