Vol. 12, Issue 8 (2023)

Author(s):
S Kavinilavan, C Ravindran, D Keisar Lourdusamy, K Vanitha and S Maragatham

Abstract:
The gerbera daisy is a favorite flower amongst the masses due to its striking appearance. These flowers are generally used as a decorative cut flower for bouquets but are also in flower beds. These daisies come in many vibrant colors including red, orange, yellow, pink, white and cream. Evaluation of gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii) cultivars for growth and yield under polytunnel in upper Palani hills of Kodaikanal was carried out during the year 2022–2023 at the Horticulture and Forestry Research Station, TNAU in Kodaikanal. Significant variations existed among the cultivars in terms of growth, flowering, and floral traits. Haimi has recorded maximum length among the cultivars at 42.93 cm, the more number of leaves at 20.66, and the recorded maximum length of leaves at 46.53 cm. Then the cultivar Breakdance measured maximum plant spread (75.06 cm NS and 71.06 cm EW) and maximum leaf breadth (18.40 cm). Deepti took the shortest time to flower bud initiation (50.66 days), flower bud opening (59.33 days), and flowering (70.67 days). Maximum flower and disc diameters (15.07 and 2.6 cm respectively) were measured in the cultivar Haimi.