Corporate structure of the cultivation of gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii L.) and carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) cultivation in the province of Antalya

Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii L.) and carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) are among the most economically important cut flowers cultivated in Antalya, Türkiye. Greenhouse production of these flowers is predominantly carried out by family-owned and corporate enterprises, which specialize in a single crop to enhance efficiency and expertise. This study was conducted in gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii L.) and carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) cultivation areas in Antalya province. The companies operating in the gerbera and carnation cultivation areas in Antalya province are run as family and business enterprises. The average size of family farms is about a decade. The average greenhouse size for all types of farms is 4198 m2 for gerbera and 3400 m2 for carnations. Growers favor a single cultivation pattern, opting for gerbera or carnation. Family or company growers do not like to grow both crops together and they usually continue production by gaining experience and specialization in one area by increasing one crop. In the greenhouses in the monitoring areas, 95% of the greenhouses have a monoculture and 5% have a mixed crop. The specialization in a single crop among growers contributes to increased expertise and efficiency in production. However, monoculture practices may also have implications for soil health and pest management, particularly regarding plant-parasitic nematodes. Further research is needed to assess the impact of these cultivation patterns on nematode populations and overall crop sustainability.