Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Grand Ballroom
Production of flower and ornamental plants, like many other agricultural products, has become increasingly concentrated in the southern United States, with fewer and larger producers accounting for an increasingly larger share of the marketplace. The overall goals of this research project are the selection and evaluation of superior winter survival rose genotypes for southeast United States conditions. A total of twelve varieties (such as Tropicana, Peace, Iceberg, Cinco de Mayo, Juila Child, Living Easy, Eurpeana, Strike It Rch, Let Freedom Ring, Double Delight, Plamengarten, Frankfurt, and Wild Blue Yonder) were included in this project. Ten to fifteen plants per variety were planted in raised beds. Each bed contained a soil mixture of 50% top soil and 50% compost material. Roses were randomly planted and each variety was replicated from at least 10 times. The rose bushes made good growth and there were no visual symptoms of major nutrient deficiencies. Weeds were handpicked. Additional weed emergence control was obtained from the addition of a 3–4” layer of wood chip mulch. Special attention was given to protecting the roses during the winter. Plants were given a good soaking of water in the fall to assure that bushes had good vigor and were in a thrifty condition. A mixture of topsoil and potting soil was mounded around the base of plants to further protect the rose graft. Additional wood chips were spread around the plants. Styrofoam cones were placed over the top of the roses. Wood chips were added around the outside of the cone base. Cones were in place from mid-December and to mid-late April. As of early April 2009, 2010, and 2011 seasons, the winter weather was classified as below normal temperatures and below normal precipitation. More than 95% plants were survived in the field conditions. The physical, physiological and postharvest behaviors of the genotypes studied were discussed. Winter survival will be the most important trait in determining the potential in growing these varieties in Southern United States. The results of this study will be provides gardeners and farmers with information for making informed decisions on which genotype(s) of rose to plant that will optimize profits. Planting genotypes with superior market grades cut flower hopefully encourage the farmers and gardeners into rose production across the state.