D. Adhikari, D.R. Baral, D.M. Gautam and U.K. Pun

DOI

ABSTRACT

A field investigation was carried out during July 2008 to April 2009 in the farmer field of Gunjanagar-5, Chitwan, Nepal to evaluate the influence of time and intensity of pruning on quality and postharvest performance of cut rose cv. Super Tata (Rosa hybrida). The field experiment was laid out in a completely randomized block design with nine treatment combinations and replicated thrice. The treatments comprised of three dates of pruning i.e. 30th July, 15th August and 30th August and three pruning intensities i.e. heavy (6 buds per plant), medium (12 buds per plant) and light (18 buds per plant). Postharvest study was conducted in all the above treatments and repeated thrice at the central laboratory of IAAS, Rampur. Both time and intensity of pruning significantly affected quality and postharvest performance. Flowers stem diameter, fresh and dry weight of flower stem were found higher in July 30th pruned rose plants while, flower stem length was found longer (47.67cm) in August 15th ones. Flowers stem length (50.33cm) and diameter (0.60cm), length (2.91cm) and diameter (2.29cm) of floral bud, fresh and dry weight of flower stem were found highest from heavily pruned plants. The flowers from heavily pruned plants had early bud opening (4.53 days), highest floral diameter (9.13cm) and longest vase life (10.64 days). From this study, it revealed that highest quality cut flowers can be produced by heavy pruning whereas more quantity can be achieved by light pruning.