Optimization of Pruning Interval and Height for Better Growth and Loose Flower Production in Rose (Rosa gruss an teplitz) under Open Field Conditions

Aims: The present research was conducted in order to optimize the effect of pruning height and the time on the growth and flowering in rose under open field conditions.

Study design: The experiment was conducted using the factorial randomized block design (FRBD). It was laid out with 10 treatments using two pruning heights combined with five pruning times.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during 2021-23.

Methodology: Two years old plants were used for the experiment. They were planted at spacing of 90 x 70 cm. They were pruned at two different heights (45 and 90 cm) and at five different pruning times (15th September, 15th October, 15th November, 15th December and 15th January) as per the treatments.

Results: During both years of trial, it was found that plants pruned at 90 cm height on 15th September exhibited better vegetative growth in terms of plant height (144.08 and 147.78 cm) and number of branches per plant (44.00 and 46.75) as well as earlier flowering in terms of minimum days to bud appearance (31.17 and 32.00 days) and to flower opening (45.16 and 47.00 days). The maximum flower diameter (7.27 and 7.31 cm) and flower weight (5.59 and 5.38 g) were obtained in plants pruned at height of 90 cm on 15th November. However, number of flowers per plant (362.33 and 366.00) and flower yield (1715.60 and 1719.90 g/plant) were recorded maximum at pruning time of 15th November at 45 cm pruning height.

Conclusion: The pruning done at 45 cm height on 15th November showed a significant influence in improving the flower yield of Rosa gruss-an-teplitz under open field conditions of Punjab.