Yield and quality attributes of Gerbera Varieties under protected cultivation in Southern part of India (Telangana)

Introduction

Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Bolus Ex. Hooker F.) holds a prominent position in the global floriculture industry, ranking among the top ten cut flowers in international trade (Kaur et al., 2021) [9] . Its commercial value depends not only on aesthetic appeal but also on yield potential and postharvest performance. With increasing competition in flower markets, producers must select varieties that combine high productivity with superior quality attributes to ensure economic viability (Gupta & Bashir, 2024) [5] . Yield parameters in gerbera cultivation encompass both quantitative aspects (number of flowers per plant, stalk length) and qualitative characteristics (stalk diameter, flower size, weight) that collectively determine market value and profitability (Deka & Talukdar, 2015) [3] . Flower stalk characteristics are particularly important, as longer and thicker stalks command premium prices in cut flower markets, while also influencing postharvest performance through water uptake and mechanical stability (Wankhede & Gajbhiye, 2012) [16] . Quality attributes extend beyond visual appeal to include physiological parameters affecting postharvest longevity. Vase life, influenced by factors such as stalk diameter, carbohydrate reserves, and ethylene sensitivity, is a critical determinant of consumer satisfaction and marketability (Jafarpour et al., 2015) [6] . Fresh weight reflects flower substance and hydration status, while longevity on plant indicates inherent physiological durability under production conditions (Silva et al., 2015) [12] . Protected cultivation in polyhouses has enabled year-round gerbera production in subtropical regions, but varietal performance under these controlled environments shows significant genotype-specific variation (Ahlawat et al., 2012) [1] . While previous studies have evaluated gerbera varieties for growth and flowering characteristics, comprehensive assessment of yield and quality parameters under specific regional conditions remains limited, particularly for newer varieties introduced to the market. In Telangana state, India, protected floriculture has expanded rapidly, with gerbera emerging as an important commercial crop (Telangana State Horticulture Department, 2022). However, systematic evaluation of gerbera varieties for yield and quality attributes under local polyhouse conditions is lacking. This information gap hinders informed varietal selection by growers and limits optimization of production systems for specific market requirements. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate ten gerbera varieties for yield attributes and quality parameters under naturally ventilated polyhouse conditions in subtropical Telangana. Specific objectives were to: (1) assess flower stalk characteristics (length and diameter), (2) determine flower yield per plant across production months, (3) evaluate quality parameters including longevity on plant, fresh weight, and vase life, and (4) identify superior varieties based on integrated yield and quality performance.

Materials and Methods

Experimental Site and Design

The experiment was conducted from December 2024 to May 2025 at the Floricultural Research Station, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, India (17.32°N, 78.40°E). The study employed a Randomized Block Design with ten treatments (varieties) and three replications. The varieties evaluated were: T 1 (Gonzo), T 2 (Fozzie), T 3 (Janice), T 4 (Camilla), T 5 (Floyd), T 6 (Bunny), T 7 (Beaker), T 8 (Black Pearl), T 9 (Honeydew), and T 10 (Tracy). All varieties were of the Pomponi Mini type, obtained as tissue-cultured plantlets from KF Bioplant, Pune, Maharashtra.

Polyhouse Conditions and Crop Management

The study was conducted in a naturally ventilated polyhouse covered with 200-micron UV-stabilized polyethylene film. Raised beds (45 cm height × 80 cm width) were prepared with a growing medium comprising red soil, farmyard manure, and cocopeat (2:1:1 v/v). Plantlets were transplanted on 17 December 2024 at 30 × 40 cm spacing. Standard cultural practices were followed, including drip irrigation, balanced fertilization (19:19:19 NPK during vegetative phase; 12:16:0 and 13:0:45 during flowering), and integrated pest management.

Physiological Parameters

 Leaf area (cm²): Measured at 150 days after planting using leaf area meter (Bionics BST/YMJ-A).  Chlorophyll content (SPAD units): Measured at 150 days after planting using SPAD meter (Minolta SPAD-502).

Statistical Analysis

Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) for Randomized Block Design as per Panse and Sukhatme (1954). Treatment means were compared using Critical Difference (CD) at 5% probability level. Correlation analysis was performed to examine relationships among parameters. Statistical analysis was conducted using R software version. [2] , who reported significant genotypic variation in stalk characteristics among gerbera hybrids. Stalk length and diameter are crucial commercial attributes, influencing both aesthetic appeal and postharvest performance. Longer stalks provide greater design flexibility in floral arrangements, while thicker stalks generally contain more vascular tissue for efficient water uptake and carbohydrate transport, potentially extending vase life (Kallol & Biradar, 2016) [7] . [11] , who reported significant varietal differences in gerbera yield under protected cultivation. High flower yield in Fozzie may be attributed to its superior vegetative growth, extensive leaf area, and efficient assimilate partitioning, as observed in our companion study (Srujana et al., 2025) [13] . The consistent performance across months indicates genetic stability and adaptability to changing environmental conditions within the polyhouse.

Results and Discussion

Quality Parameters 3.2.1 Longevity on Plant

Significant differences (p<0.05) were observed among varieties for flower longevity on the plant (Table 3). Fozzie (T 2 ) exhibited maximum longevity (9.93 days), statistically comparable to Janice (T 3 , 9.27 days) and Tracy (T 10 , 8.87 days). Camilla (T 4 ) showed the shortest longevity (6.33 days). Longer flower persistence on the plant allows extended harvest windows and reduces losses due to untimely harvesting. These findings support Wankhede and Gajbhiye (2012) [16] , who reported 4-7 days variation in flower longevity among gerbera varieties. The extended longevity in Fozzie suggests genetic traits conferring resistance to senescence factors or efficient resource mobilization to developing flowers.

Fresh Weight

Fresh weight varied significantly among varieties, with Black Pearl (T 8 ) recording the maximum value (20.65 g), followed by Fozzie (T 2 , 19.30 g) (Table 3). Beaker (T 7 ) showed the minimum fresh weight (11.34 g). Fresh weight reflects flower substance, hydration status, and overall quality, influencing both visual appeal and durability. The superior fresh weight of Black Pearl and Fozzie indicates greater biomass accumulation and water content, potentially contributing to extended vase life. These results align with Ganorkar et al. (2017), who reported 30-40% variation in fresh weight among gerbera varieties under protected cultivation.

Vase Life

Vase life in distilled water showed significant genotypic variation, with Fozzie (T 2 ) exhibiting maximum longevity (8.56 days), statistically comparable to Gonzo (T 1 , 7.78 days) and Black Pearl (T8, 7.33 days) (Table 3). Bunny (T6), Honeydew (T 9 ), and Floyd (T 5 ) showed the shortest vase life (5.11, 5.22, and 5.89 days, respectively). Vase life is a critical commercial parameter determining consumer satisfaction and marketability. The extended vase life in Fozzie may be attributed to its thicker stalks, higher fresh weight, and potentially lower ethylene sensitivity. These findings corroborate Kandpal et al. (2003), who reported 4-6 days variation in vase life among gerbera cultivars. The correlation between stalk diameter and vase life observed in our study (r=0.78) supports the physiological relationship between vascular capacity and postharvest performance. 4). Fozzie (T 2 ) recorded maximum leaf area (109.06 cm²) and chlorophyll content (47.41 SPAD units). Beaker (T 7 ) showed minimum leaf area (65.79 cm²), while Camilla (T 4 ) had minimum chlorophyll content (22.68 SPAD units). Larger leaf area enhances photosynthetic capacity, while higher chlorophyll content indicates greater photosynthetic potential. The superior physiological parameters in Fozzie likely contribute to its higher yield and quality attributes through enhanced assimilate production and efficient resource utilization. These findings align with Vijayalaxmi et al. (2021) [15] , who reported significant correlations between leaf area, chlorophyll content, and flower yield in gerbera.

Correlation Analysis

Correlation analysis revealed significant relationships among key parameters (Table 5). Stalk diameter showed strong positive correlation with vase life (r=0.78) and fresh weight (r=0.71).

Leaf area correlated positively with flower yield across all months (r=0.82, 0.79, 0.81 for March, April, and May, respectively). Chlorophyll content showed moderate correlation with fresh weight (r=0.65) and longevity on plant (r=0.61). These relationships highlight the interconnected nature of physiological processes, growth parameters, and final yield/quality outcomes. The strong correlation between leaf area and flower yield underscores the importance of vegetative growth in supporting reproductive development, while the relationship between stalk diameter and vase life emphasizes structural factors in postharvest performance.

Integrated Performance Analysis

The comprehensive evaluation reveals Fozzie as the most balanced performer, excelling in multiple yield and quality parameters. Its combination of high flower yield, extended vase life, substantial fresh weight, and superior physiological parameters represents an ideal profile for commercial cultivation. The strong correlations observed between its stalk diameter, leaf area, and performance metrics suggest efficient integration of structural and physiological traits. Black Pearl showed exceptional fresh weight but intermediate performance in other quality parameters, making it particularly suitable for markets prioritizing flower substance and visual impact. Bunny produced the longest stalks but showed lower yield and vase life, suggesting specialization for arrangements requiring extended stem length. The physiological basis for performance differences appears linked to leaf area and chlorophyll content, with Fozzie's superior values in these parameters likely driving its enhanced productivity. The correlation between stalk diameter and vase life underscores the importance of structural attributes in postharvest performance, possibly through improved water uptake and carbohydrate transport. These findings have important implications for both production and breeding. For growers, varietal selection can be tailored to specific market requirements: Fozzie for overall productivity and quality, Black Pearl for premium weight characteristics, and Bunny for specialized stem length requirements. For breeders, the identified correlations suggest potential selection criteria for developing improved varieties.

Conclusion

This study provides comprehensive evaluation of ten gerbera varieties for yield attributes and quality parameters under polyhouse conditions in subtropical India. Significant genotypic variation was observed for all parameters, enabling clear differentiation based on specific traits. Fozzie emerged as the superior variety, combining high flower yield (3.20 flowers/plant in May), extended vase life (8.56 days), substantial fresh weight (19.30 g), and excellent physiological parameters. Its balanced performance across multiple attributes makes it highly suitable for commercial cultivation where overall productivity and quality are prioritized. Black Pearl showed exceptional fresh weight characteristics (20.65 g), making it valuable for markets emphasizing flower substance, while Bunny produced the longest stalks (51.95 cm), suitable for arrangements requiring extended stem length. Strong correlations were observed between key parameters, particularly stalk diameter and vase life (r=0.78), and leaf area and flower yield (r=0.82). These relationships provide valuable insights for selection criteria in both cultivation and breeding programs. The findings enable targeted varietal selection based on specific market requirements and production objectives. For most commercial applications, Fozzie represents the optimal choice, while specialized varieties like Black Pearl and Bunny offer specific advantages for niche markets.

Acknowledgement

AcknowledgmentsThe authors acknowledge Sri Konda Laxman Telangana Horticultural University for research support and infrastructure. Technical assistance from Floricultural Research Station, Rajendranagar staff is gratefully acknowledged. Conflict of InterestThe authors declare no conflict of interest regarding the publication of this paper.

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