Gerbera

Gerbera spp.

1. Identification and origin

The genus Gerbera spp., belonging to the Asteraceae family, includes about 30 species native to Southern Africa, Madagascar and tropical Asia. The species most used in floriculture are Gerbera jamesonii Bolus ex Hook.f. and Gerbera viridifolia (DC.) Sch.Bip., whose hybridization gave rise to most modern cut and pot gerbera cultivars. The crop has expanded globally due to its great diversity of colours, its ornamental value and its good adaptability to protected cultivation.

2. Economic importance

The gerbera is one of the most widely marketed cut flowers in the world, standing out for its high post-harvest durability, broad colour range and great demand in ornamental floriculture. Countries such as the Netherlands, Italy, Israel, Kenya and Colombia are major producers. It is also widely grown as an ornamental plant in pots and gardens.

3. Botanical characterization

A perennial herbaceous plant, with a basal rosette of entire or lobed leaves, pubescent and of firm texture. The inflorescences are solitary capitula, borne on long and rigid floral stems. The ligulate flowers display a great diversity of colours and forms (single, semi-double and double). The root system is fasciculate and sensitive to waterlogging.

4. Soil and climate requirements

It prefers mild climates, with temperatures between 18–24 °C and high diffuse light. It is sensitive to thermal extremes, excessive humidity and poor drainage. It requires light, well-drained soils, rich in organic matter and with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. In protected cultivation, it requires adequate ventilation, controlled irrigation and aerated substrates.

5. Main pests

• Thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis): floral deformations and virus transmission.
• Whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum, Bemisia tabaci): sap sucking and honeydew.
• Mites (Tetranychus urticae): chlorosis and webbing.
• Aphids (Aphis gossypii, Myzus persicae): leaf curling and virus transmission.
• Soil fungi attracting fungus gnats (Sciaridae): root damage in seedlings.

6. Main diseases

• Powdery mildew (Golovinomyces cichoracearum): white coating on the leaves.
• Botrytis (Botrytis cinerea): floral and foliar rots in humid environments.
• Wilt caused by Fusarium (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. gerberae): vascular necrosis and plant death.
• Rots (Phytophthora spp.): root rot in waterlogged soils.
• Viruses (TSWV, INSV): mosaics, necrosis and deformations.

7. General crop management

This includes choosing cultivars adapted to the production system (cut or pot), use of well-drained substrates, moderate and frequent irrigation, adequate greenhouse ventilation, balanced fertilization, monitoring of pests and diseases and removal of damaged flowers and leaves. Prevention of soil diseases is essential, relying on efficient drainage, substrate disinfection and cultural hygiene practices.

Bibliographic references

• EPPO Global Database. Gerbera spp. – pests and diseases.
• CABI Invasive Species Compendium. Gerbera jamesonii – datasheets.
• Larsen, F. E., & Garton, S. (2011). Gerbera production guide. Washington State University Extension.
• Dole, J. M., & Wilkins, H. F. (2005). Floriculture: Principles and Species. Prentice Hall.
• Kumar, R., et al. (2012). Diseases of gerbera and their management. Indian Phytopathology.