Performance of gerbera varieties in different growing media under coastal humid conditions of Goa Thangam M.*, Ladaniya M.S., Korikanthimath V.S. ICAR Research complex for Goa, Ela, Old Goa, 403 402, Goa. *Corresponding author's: E-mail: thangamgoa@gmail.com
Abstract The performance of gerbera varieties was evaluated in different growing media in naturally ventilated polyhouse under coastal humid conditions of Goa. Four varieties viz., Dalma, Dana Ellen, Rosalin and Savannah were grown on five growing media comprising soil with sand, FYM, vermicompost, rice husk and coco peat (3:1). Planting was done on 10m L × 0.75m W × 0.6m H beds in three rows at a distance of 30cm between plants and rows. Fertigation was applied through drip system with one nozzle near each plant. Plant, flower and morphological characters were evaluated. Savannah recorded the highest values for leaf length, leaf breadth, flower stalk length and number of petals per flower whereas Rosalin recorded highest fresh and dry weight of leaves and flower stalk circumference. The flower diameter was maximum in Dalma followed by Dana Ellen, Rosalin and Savannah. Among the five growing media evaluated, growth and flower quality were better in soil with vermicompost followed by soil with FYM. Dalma was the prolific bearer with 70.24 flowers/plant/year followed by Savannah and Rosalin. Growing media had no significant effect on yield of flowers per plant probably due to uniform fertigation given to all media. Top Key words Gerbera, varieties, growing media, polyhouse, coastal. Top |