Diseases and Management of Crops under Protected Cultivation
Diseases and Management of Crops under Protected Cultivation
Diseases and Management of Crops under Protected Cultivation
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(<strong>Diseases</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Management</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Crops</strong> <strong>under</strong> <strong>Protected</strong> <strong>Cultivation</strong>)<br />
Production <strong>and</strong> <strong>Management</strong> <strong>of</strong> Gerbera <strong>under</strong> <strong>Protected</strong> Conditions<br />
Ranjan Srivastava<br />
Department <strong>of</strong> Horticulture, G.B.P.U.A.&T, Pantnagar- 263 145 (UK)<br />
Scientific Name : Gerbera jamesonii<br />
Local Name : Gerbera<br />
Common Name : Gerbera, Transvaal Daisy<br />
Seasons in which the crop is grown<br />
Round the year<br />
Origin & History<br />
Gerbera is believed to be native <strong>of</strong> Asia, South Africa <strong>and</strong> Tasmania. The genus Gerbera<br />
was named in honour <strong>of</strong> a German naturalist, T. Gerber.<br />
Uses/Nutrient values<br />
Gerbera is one <strong>of</strong> the most important cut-flowers, successfully grown <strong>under</strong> different<br />
conditions in several areas <strong>of</strong> the world. This success is primarily due to the wide range in colour<br />
<strong>and</strong> shape <strong>of</strong> the flower. It is also used as a potted flowering plant. The black centered varieties<br />
have more dem<strong>and</strong> in the national <strong>and</strong> international market. The single <strong>and</strong> semi-double types <strong>of</strong><br />
gerbera are grown mainly for the garden decoration whereas the double type varieties are grown<br />
for cut flower trade.<br />
Botanical Description<br />
Gerber is a member <strong>of</strong> Compositae or Asteraceac family. Plants are stemless <strong>and</strong> tender<br />
perennial herbs. Leaves are radical, petioled lanceolate, deeply-lobed, sometimes leathery,<br />
narrower at the base <strong>and</strong> wider at the top <strong>and</strong> are arrange in a rosette at the base. Flower heads<br />
are solitary, many flowered, with conspicuous ray florets in 1 or 2 whorls, those <strong>of</strong> the inner row,<br />
when present, very short <strong>and</strong> sub-tubular <strong>and</strong> 2-lipped. The flower stalks are long, thin <strong>and</strong><br />
leafless. Base on the flower heads, they may be grouped into single, semidouble <strong>and</strong> double<br />
cultivar. Flowers are <strong>of</strong> different colour, shape, size <strong>and</strong> form.<br />
Area <strong>and</strong> Distribution<br />
The major gerbera producing states are Karnataka, Maharashra, Tamil Nadu, West<br />
Bengal, Uttrakh<strong>and</strong>, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, J & K <strong>and</strong> Ch<strong>and</strong>igarh. In India, they are<br />
distributed in the Himalayas from Kashmir to Nepal at altitudes <strong>of</strong> 1300 to 3200 meters.<br />
Climatic requirement<br />
For quality production <strong>of</strong> gerbera flowers, they need 50% shade conditions. In summers,<br />
gerberas can be grown <strong>under</strong> shade nets houses. A day temperature <strong>of</strong> 22-25 0 C <strong>and</strong> night<br />
temperature <strong>of</strong> 12-16 0 C is ideal for cultivation. Poor light during winter adversely affects the<br />
flowers production.<br />
Soil<br />
A well drained, rich light, neutral or slightly alkaline soil is most suitable for gerbera<br />
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