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

Abstract

This study integrates comprehensive evaluation of ten gerbera varieties (Gonzo, Fozzie, Janice, Camilla, Floyd, Bunny, Beaker, Black Pearl, Honeydew, and Tracy) to identify the most suitable variety for commercial cultivation under polyhouse conditions in subtropical Telangana, India. Data from multiple studies encompassing growth parameters, flowering traits, yield attributes, quality parameters, and physiological characteristics were analyzed using multivariate statistical approaches. Varieties were evaluated using a Composite Performance Index (CPI) and Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) techniques including TOPSIS and AHP. Results revealed that Fozzie emerged as the superior variety with the highest CPI score (9.25/10), TOPSIS ranking (C?? = 0.825), and overall rank sum (1). Fozzie excelled in 75% of evaluated parameters, showing superior performance in plant spread (53.83 cm E-W), leaf width (11.71 cm), chlorophyll content (47.41 SPAD), leaf area (109.06 cm²), flower yield (3.20 flowers/plant in May), flower diameter (8.17 cm), stalk diameter (6.01 mm), earliness (39.93 days to bud initiation), longevity on plant (9.93 days), and vase life (8.56 days). Economic analysis projected 38.7% higher net returns for Fozzie (?1,235,420/ha) compared to average variety performance. Principal Component Analysis identified Fozzie as the benchmark variety in the