Effect of Growing Environment on Phenotypic Characteristics of Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Bolus)

Gerbera (Gerebera jamesonii Bolus) belongs to family Asteraceae is a cut flower which has tremendous demand in domestic and international market. Due to globalisation and more per capita income, the demand for flower is increasing both nationally and internationally. Though the crop can cultivated in moderately open sunny condition but to obtain good quality flowers of international grade in open field condition is almost impossible. Protected cultivation involves protection from adverse environmental conditions and offers distinct advantages of quality, productivity and favourable market prices to the growers. Polyhouse condition was found to produce higher yield and quality gerbera with respect to all vegetative and flowering characteristics, with the exception of suckers production.Therefore selection of growing condition is determined by the purpose of production, either for suckers or cut flowers.