Abstract

Gerbera is one of the important high values cut flower crops and occupied an important place among the elite top ten cut flowers in the international market. There are more than 300 cultivars available throughout the world for commercial production. To find out the best performing cultivars for South Odisha conditions, 10 gerbera hybrids, viz., Stanza, Dana ellen, Intense, Dune, White house, Artist, Ankur, Silvester, Pre-intenzz and Sunway were evaluated in the present study in a randomized block design. The experimental findings revealed that the highest plant height was recorded with Dune (49.3cm), and the maximum number of leaves/plant were registered by Dana ellen (36). However, the maximum number of suckers were found with Intense (3.4). Moreover, the earlier flower bud emergence was observed in Ankur (76.3 days) and the maximum flower diameter was registered by Ankur, whereas the maximum stalk length (64.3cm), stalk diameter (67.3mm), disc diameter (3cm), yield (16.7) and vase life (8.3 days) were found in Dana ellen. The hybrid Dana ellen performed better in most of the quality parameters and yield when compared to other gerbera cultivars. Henceforth, it can be concluded that Dana ellen, Intense, Artist and Silvester might be considered as suitable hybrids in southern Odisha conditions under protected environment.