Identification of a superior gerbera variety for commercial polyhouse cultivation in Telangana, India

Introduction

Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Bolus ex Hooker f.) has emerged as one of the most commercially important cut flowers in global floriculture, ranking among the top ten in international trade (Kaur et al., 2021) [5] . In India, protected cultivation of gerbera under polyhouse conditions has gained significant momentum, particularly in states like Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana, where subtropical climates can be optimized through controlled environment agriculture (APEDA, 2022) [2] . The success of gerbera cultivation depends critically on the selection of appropriate varieties that combine high productivity, superior quality, and adaptation to local growing conditions (Gupta & Bashir, 2024) [4] . Telangana state, with its expanding protected floriculture sector, has identified gerbera as a priority crop for commercialization. However, the selection of suitable varieties for commercial cultivation has been largely empirical, lacking systematic evaluation under local conditions (Telangana State Horticulture Department, 2022) [12] . Previous studies have evaluated gerbera varieties for specific traits under different growing conditions ( [1,3,7] , but integrated assessment considering multiple performance criteria under subtropical polyhouse conditions remains limited. The complexity of varietal selection arises from the need to balance multiple, often competing, attributes including growth vigor, flowering earliness, yield potential, flower quality, postharvest longevity, and physiological adaptation. Simple comparison based on individual traits may not adequately capture overall performance, necessitating multivariate approaches that integrate diverse parameters into comprehensive assessment frameworks (Soni & Godara, 2017) [8] . Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) techniques, such as Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), have been successfully applied in agricultural crop selection and evaluation (Rashid, 2017) [6] . These methods allow objective comparison of alternatives based on multiple criteria with varying importance, providing systematic frameworks for varietal recommendation. Similarly, Composite Performance Index (CPI) approaches enable ranking of varieties based on integrated performance across diverse parameters. www.extensionjournal.com

This study represents the culmination of comprehensive research evaluating ten gerbera varieties under polyhouse conditions in Telangana. Building on previous investigations of growth and flowering performance (Srujana et al., 2025a) [9] , yield and quality attributes (Srujana et al., 2025b) [10] , and physiological determinants (Srujana et al., 2025c) [11] , this paper integrates all findings to identify the superior variety for commercial cultivation. Specific objectives were to: (1) integrate performance data across all evaluated parameters, (2) apply multivariate statistical techniques (CPI, TOPSIS, AHP) for comprehensive varietal ranking, (3) conduct economic analysis of promising varieties, (4) develop a selection framework for gerbera varieties under polyhouse conditions, and (5) provide evidence-based recommendation for commercial cultivation.

Materials and Methods

Experimental Background

The study integrated data from three comprehensive investigations conducted from December 2024 to May 2025 at the Floricultural Research Station, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, India (17.32°N, 78.40°E). Ten gerbera varieties (Gonzo, Fozzie, Janice, Camilla, Floyd, Bunny, Beaker, Black Pearl, Honeydew, and Tracy) were evaluated under naturally ventilated polyhouse conditions using Randomized Block Design with three replications.

Data Integration

Performance data across 32 parameters were integrated from previous studies, categorized into five major groups:

Statistical Analysis and Decision-Making Methods

Composite Performance Index (CPI)

The CPI was calculated for each variety using the formula: CPIi=∑j=1nwj×Sij∑j=1nwjCPIi=∑j=1nwj∑j=1nwj×Sij where SijSij is the standardized score of variety i for parameter j, and wjwj is the weight assigned to parameter j based on expert opinion and commercial importance.

Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS)

TOPSIS analysis was conducted following these steps: 1. Construction of normalized decision matrix 2. Development of weighted normalized decision matrix 3. Determination of ideal (A⁺) and negative-ideal (A⁻) solutions 4. Calculation of separation measures 5. Computation of relative closeness to ideal solution (Cᵢ⁺)

Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP)

AHP was used to determine criteria weights through pairwise comparison matrices, with consistency ratio (CR) maintained below 0.1.

Principal Component Analysis (PCA)

PCA was performed to identify major performance dimensions and varietal groupings.

Cluster Analysis

Hierarchical clustering using Ward's method was employed to classify varieties based on integrated performance.

Economic Analysis

Partial budgeting approach was used to calculate: • Gross returns (based on flower yield and market price)

Results and Discussion

Integrated Performance Assessment 3.1.1 Composite Performance Index (CPI) Ranking

The Composite Performance Index (CPI) provided comprehensive ranking of the ten varieties based on integrated performance across all parameters (Table 1). Fozzie achieved the highest CPI score (9.25/10), followed by Gonzo (7.83) and Tracy (6.91). Bunny recorded the lowest CPI score (4.12). 12 10 Fozzie's superior CPI score reflects its balanced excellence across all parameter groups, particularly excelling in flowering/yield and quality parameters. The 125% higher CPI score compared to the lowest-ranking variety (Bunny) indicates substantial performance differences among varieties.

TOPSIS Analysis Results

TOPSIS analysis provided objective ranking based on similarity to ideal solution (Table 2). Fozzie achieved the highest relative closeness coefficient (Cᵢ⁺ = 0.825), confirming its proximity to the ideal solution and distance from negative-ideal solution. Consistency in ranking between CPI and TOPSIS methods validates the robustness of Fozzie's superior performance. The high Cᵢ⁺ value for Fozzie (0.825) indicates that it most closely approximates the hypothetical "ideal" variety that would maximize all beneficial parameters while minimizing undesirable ones. This mathematical confirmation supports the empirical observation of Fozzie's comprehensive superiority.

Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) Weighting and

Ranking: AHP analysis determined criterion weights through pairwise comparison (Table 3). Flower yield received the highest weight (0.32), followed by vase life (0.24) and flower diameter (0.18). These weights reflect commercial priorities in cut flower production.

Principal Component Analysis of Integrated

Performance: PCA revealed three principal components explaining 82.3% of total variation (Table 4). PC1 (52.7%) represented "Productivity and Quality," PC2 (18.9%) represented "Vegetative Vigor," and PC3 (10.7%) represented "Physiological Efficiency." www.extensionjournal.com

Cluster Analysis and Performance Classification

Hierarchical cluster analysis classified varieties into three distinct performance groups (Figure 1): The clear separation of Fozzie into the high-performance cluster, distant from other varieties, reinforces its distinctive superiority.

Superior Performance of Fozzie: Detailed Analysis

Fozzie's excellence across multiple dimensions is summarized in

Economic Analysis

Economic evaluation projected substantial financial advantages for Fozzie cultivation (Table 6). Calculations based on standard cultivation practices and prevailing market prices in Telangana revealed: The economic analysis reveals transformative potential: while average varieties show negative net returns under assumed conditions, Fozzie generates substantial profitability with a benefit-cost ratio of 1.11. The 164.8% higher net returns for Fozzie result from its significantly higher yield compensating for slightly increased production costs associated with higher productivity management.

Stability and Consistency Analysis

Fozzie demonstrated exceptional performance stability across the evaluation period (March-May), with the lowest coefficient of variation (CV=8.7%) for monthly flower yield among all varieties. This consistency is commercially valuable, ensuring predictable production and stable market supply.

Comparison with Previous Studies

The identification of Fozzie as superior aligns with and extends previous research. Ahlawat et al. (2012) [1] similarly identified specific gerbera varieties excelling under polyhouse conditions, though their recommended varieties differed, highlighting genotype-environment interactions.

Our findings corroborate the principle that varietal performance is context-specific and must be evaluated under target production conditions. The comprehensive, multi-criteria approach employed in this study advances beyond traditional single-trait comparisons, providing a more robust foundation for varietal recommendation. This methodological rigor enhances the reliability and applicability of our findings for commercial decision-making.

Conclusion

This integrated study conclusively identifies Fozzie as the superior gerbera variety for commercial cultivation under polyhouse conditions in subtropical Telangana, India. Through comprehensive evaluation across 32 parameters and application of multiple decision-making frameworks (CPI, TOPSIS, AHP), Fozzie consistently emerged as the top-performing variety, demonstrating: 1. Comprehensive Excellence: Superior performance in 75% of evaluated parameters, with particular strengths in yield, quality, and physiological traits. The study provides a validated framework for gerbera varietal selection under protected cultivation, demonstrating the value of integrated, multi-criteria evaluation over singletrait comparisons. The clear superiority of Fozzie across diverse performance dimensions provides compelling evidence for its recommendation as the benchmark variety for commercial polyhouse cultivation in subtropical India.

Acknowledgement

www.extensionjournal.com Horticultural University for research support and infrastructure. Technical assistance from Floricultural Research Scholars. We thank the expert panel for their valuable inputs in criteria weighting.

References

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