The study was carried out to characterize the newly evolved hybrids of gerbera under AICRP floriculture at ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam during 2012-14. It was observed that fan and pad polyhouse recorded higher performance for vegetative and floral characters of gerbera hybrids over open field conditions. Hybrids RCGH-22 and RCGH-113 had maximum vegetative characters. However, maximum number of suckers was produced in hybrid RCGH-23 and RCGH-33. Hybrid RCGH-22 and RCGH-113 showed maximum flower stalk length, while maximum flower stalk diameter was noted in hybrid RCGH-23 and RCGH-117. Hybrid RCGH-100 and RCGH-114 produced maximum flower diameter. RCGH-113 and RCGH-33 produced maximum number of flowers. The longest field life was noted in hybrids RCGH-100, RCGH-117 and RCGH-113; however, RCGH-117 exhibited maximum vase life. Present results suggested that characterized of traits would be of great help to identify promising gerbera hybrids for domestic as well export market and assist in selection of potential parents for their further utilization in gerbera improvement programmes.

Keywords: Gerbera, hybrids, fan and pad polyhouse, open field conditions, vase life