Floriculture.

1.1 Introduction:

Flowers and ornamental plants are an ever-growing industry in today’s world. Even Pakistan is seeing a “flowering” of this industry. The growth of flowers and ornamentals for both domestic and export markets has tremendous potential. Indeed it is recognized that a veritable economic revolution can be brought about by the industrialization of the horticulture sector.1 The sale of cut flowers and ornamentals, potted plants, dried flowers, and extraction of perfume oils are all part of the Floriculture sector of the larger Horticulture Industry. The moist temperate climate of the Abbottabad District in Pakistan is very well suited to the propagation, multiplication, and culture of a wide variety of flowers and ornamental plants. The period of November to May is the main potential season of supply to the Developed Countries (75 % of all imports received during these months).2 Christmas (December) through Easter (March or April). Is the peak demand season for roses, tuberose, and other flowers. The perfume industry has a year-round demand for quality oil extract for various flowers. Indeed extract from the native wild variety of highly perfumed roses can be more expensive per gram than gold. 

Floriculture World Trade stood at US$ 44 Billion in 19873 and has since grown at a tremendous rate. The conclusion of the National Commission on Agriculture in 1988, suggested that Pakistan could achieve an export target of US$ 500 million in three years (1991) and US$ 4 Billion in 15 years (2003) provided that an “Industry Specific Package” of fiscal incentives is forthcoming. Unfortunately, this did not take place. Even after the lapse of 12 years, Floriculture is considered to be a very minor horticultural activity in the KP.4 At present, the wild Narcissus is perhaps the only flower being exploited commercially in Abbottabad District. Even the development of existing commercially sold flowers can make a high impact on the rural economy. These are:

➔ Roses.

➔ Tuberose.

➔ Jasmine sp. (Motia).

➔ Jasmine, yellow. (Motia).

➔ Narcissus.

➔ Marigold.

➔ Gladiolus.

➔ Carnations.

➔ Statice.

➔ Gypsophila.

➔ Gerbera.

➔ Anthurium.

➔ Sanpdragon.

➔ Freezia.

➔ Lilly.

➔ Tulips.

➔ Orchids.

➔ Miniature Cactii.

The wild tulip grows widely all over Abbottabad District.

This species is highly desirable in the European market. Gladiolus corms, imported from Holland, fetch 3 times the price of import within three months. However, the plant with the greatest potential for wide-scale development is the Rose.

Ornamental plants and their nurseries are another potential source for economy generation. The neighboring District of Haripur, with its less extreme winters, has seen a great boom in this industry.

Exports and far and wide sales throughout the country are reported. Growing and protection of ornamental plants in Greenhouses can flourish in Abbottabad District. The active tourist traffic and summer residents of affluent backgrounds can prove to be a source of buyers in the domestic market. 

1 National Commission on Agriculture, 1988.

2 Guidelines for Exporters of Cut Flowers to the European Market, Particularly U.K., MINFAL, 1993.

3 UNCTAD.

4 Floriculture Research And Development in the NWFP, Pakistan. ARP Phase II, OPCV & NESPAK.

Export can be developed to a large extent. Plant species that can make a good start are:

➔ Araucaria.

➔ Bougainvillea sp cycads.

➔ Hibiscus varieties.

➔ Magnolia.

➔ Ferns.

➔ Succulents and Cacti.

Flowers are packed in wooden or paper carton, with each flower pack containing 50 pieces of cut flowers. Each Carton contains one thousand pieces of cut flowers (20 packs @ fifty pieces). These packages can be transported to the destination by air, rail or road.

1.2 Problems:

The attendant problems that are inhibiting the spread of the Floriculture Industry may be summarized as:

➔ Lack of knowledge.

➔ Lack of reference and resource material.

➔ Lack of research.

➔ Lack of training.

➔ Lack of skills.

➔ Bed preparation.

➔ Potting mix preparation.

➔ Planting.

➔ Propagation.

➔ Care.

➔ Harvesting.

➔ Processing.

➔ Packing.

➔ Plant management in protected environments.

➔ Lack of support.

➔ Lack of Plant Breeder Rights Legislation.

➔ Lack of mother plants/ planting stock.

➔ Limited access to markets and market information.

➔ Lack of storage facilities.

➔ Lack of credit.

➔ Lack of export assistance/ long and complicated procedures.

➔ It is difficult for a farmer to obtain quality plants in the desired variety.

➔ Availability of appropriate facilities for harvest and post-harvest management.

➔ Imbalanced fertilizer application

➔ Non-availability of a sufficient amount of water in accordance with its need.

➔ Low productivity and a high cost of production

➔ A high percentage of post-harvest losses

➔ Inadequate storage facilities and outdated methods used in processing/packing

➔ Inadequate market information

➔ Difficulty in obtaining a suitable land for expansion and in obtaining financial assistance.

➔ Lack of irrigation facilities

➔ Non-availability of cold chain storage facilities

➔ Lack of appropriate packaging for floriculture produce.

➔ Lack of well-established information database.

➔ Lack of infrastructure to support technology development, Education, and training.

1.3 Opportunities:

➔ Continued development of exports of high-quality flowers and bulbs to overseas markets, with special emphasis on roses for oil extraction.

➔ Continued support for the expansion and development of the flower bulb sector of the industry.

➔ Encouraging and supporting the formation of a bulb certification scheme, particularly for bulb exports.

➔ Promoting opportunity for the development of native flora for the domestic and export markets.

➔ Identification of market niches that can be supplied talking advantage of Pakistan’s climate.

➔ Increase the networking ability of the industry and work with key grower groups to increase their market access.

➔ Increase the industry’s access to skill-based training schemes.

1.4 Challenges:

➔ With some popular flowers, types oversupplied in the international markets, ensuring the quality and quantity of products will be important to maintain market share and development of export opportunity.

➔ Increasing National coordination of the industry to maximize the effectiveness of marketing promotion in the export market.

➔ Ensuring the availability of skilled labor during harvesting. Processing is labor-intensive and

vital for product quality.

1.5 The major advantages of Pakistan over other flower exporting Countries:

➔ Favorable agro-climatic conditions

➔ Easy availability of land

➔ Low-Cost labor

➔ Proximity to markets in Japan, Pacific Rim, Southeast Asia, and Middle East Countries which have a large and growing demand.

➔ In the West, the biting cold of winter months curtails flower production. As this period is the

prime cultivation time in Pakistan, the potential is enormous.

➔ Cut rose flower fetch the maximum price during the first and last quarter of the year, whereas, during the 2nd and 3rd quarter, prices are less. The Pakistani flowering season is during the period from November to April; hence the product will be available in 1st and last quarters, thus commanding the highest prices in the international market.

1.6 Export Constraints:

Pakistan’s export of floriculture products is not encouraging. The low performance is attributed to many constrained like:

➔ Non-availability of air space in major airlines, since most of the airline's operators’ prefers heavy consignment.

➔ The existing numbers of Flights during the peak seasons is not sufficient for export purposes.

➔ The infrastructural problem like bad interior roads.

➔ Lack of professional backup of delivery and supporting companies, which result in a high cost of technology.

➔ Tedious phytosanitary certification and an unorganized domestic market.

1.7 Solution to these Problems:

In order to overcome these problems, attention must be focused upon:

➔ Reduction in import duty on planting material and equipment.

➔ Airfreight costs should be reduced to a reasonable level.

➔ Sufficient cargo space may be provided in airlines.

➔ Establishment of model nurseries for supplying genuine planting material.

➔ Cooperative florist Organizations should be established at the regional level.

➔ Training centers for diploma courses for training the personnel in floriculture should be set up.

➔ Exporters should plan and monitor effective quality control measures right from production to

post harvesting, storage, and transportation.5

1.8 Tissue Culture:

A Tissue Culture basic facility exists in Mirpur, Abbottabad in the shape of the Potato Research Center. It can very easily be expanded/ improved to include tissue culture work in ornamental plants.

Tissue Culture would cater to the production of disease-free plants, rapid propagation, and the long-term storage of plant tissue. It would act as a long-term repository for new and endangered species. It is an important tool for genetic engineering that is fast becoming the technology of tomorrow. The following extremely significant quotation should be noted:

“The tissue culture program would enable the introduction of a wide range of ornamental germplasm in

tissue culture from laboratories throughout Pakistan and from leading World Centers. Through the application of rapid micropropagation and modern nursery practices, a significant and most valuable collection of floricultural plant species and cultivars can be quickly assembled in the Province. This collection would form the foundation stock by which a new and floriculture (cut flowers and ornamental nursery plants) industry in the KP can be initiated.6

5 Floriculture in Pakistan By Shahzad Rafiq.

http://www.pakissan.com/english/issues/Floriculture.in.Pakistan.shtml

6 Floriculture Research And Development in the NWFP, Pakistan. ARP Phase II, OPCV & NESPAK.

1.9 Low-Cost Initiatives:

It is not necessary to go in for high-cost structures and equipment. Our resources and present economic condition do not allow for such luxuries. However, there exist a number of low-cost alternates that can be adapted for use in the Floriculture Sector. One such intervention is the “Wah garden”. This is a low-cost plastic film, environment protected, sub-soil irrigated, compost bed structure for the growing and protection of vegetables, herbs, and flowers/ ornamental plants. The concept has been borrowed and adapted from the Australian technique of “Permaculture” The structure has recently been demonstrated in Haripur, Mansehra, and Abbottabad Districts. I am actively pursuing the technique and experimentation regarding photo-period and heating control. The use of natural rooting and fruiting hormones (registered with EPA, USA) and complete foliar fertilizers (major, secondary, and micronutrients) will ensure healthy and fruitful plants. These measures will afford poor and small subsistence farmers and womenfolk the opportunity to go in for income enhancement through the following:

➔ Year-round production of all horticulture species.

➔ Off-season production.

➔ Optimum and controlled conditions for the production of high-quality plants.

➔ Protection of Mother Plants.

➔ Screening from external sources of disease/ infestation.

It is surprising that a great deal of automation and control can be obtained through the use of recycled and innovative items. Careful thought and experimentation have led to the emergence of a number of such alternates/ innovations.7

1.10 Training:

The Training of Trainers that would initiate and nurse the Floriculture Industry should include the following:8 

➔Greenhouse principles in design, structure, and operation.

➔ Potting mixes and the nutrition of plants.

➔ Simple and routine analytical procedures for potting mix.

➔ Plant health, pest, and disease control.

➔ Regulation of plant growth through environmental manipulation.

➔ Identification and classification of ornamental and herbaceous plants.

➔ Propagation methods for woody and herbaceous plants.

➔ Production methods for bedding plants.

➔ Collection, storage, and testing of seed.

➔ Irrigation methods for potted plants.

➔ Tissue culture of floriculture plants.

➔ Domestication (as potted plants or cut flowers) of indigenous plant species.

The climate and topography of Abbottabad District provides a unique opportunity to select, develop, and commercialize native plant species. This is also necessary due to uncontrolled grazing and rapid depletion of naturally occurring plant species. Research needs to be carried out in this sector before valuable genotypes are lost forever! This research and protection/ propagation should not be restricted to the floriculture sector but should include all native species especially medicinal plants.

This is only possible in a flourishing and expanding economy. This target can be achieved through the

7 Sardar Taimur Hyat-Khan, Pakistan. Adaptive & Applied Research & Development Bioenvironmental Consultant for Rural Development.

8 Floriculture Research And Development in the NWFP, Pakistan. ARP Phase II, OPCV & NESPAK. patronage of floriculture as one of a number of interventions that can tap the vast potential of Abbottabad District.

1.11 Export:

Imports of cut flowers into the European market are affected by various regulatory requirements.

1.11.1 Quality Standards.

EC Common Quality Standards for Fresh Cut Flowers and Foliage are reported on  as follows.

➔ Phytosanitary Regulations.

➔ Roses.

➔ Carnations.

➔ Chrysanthemums.

➔ Gladioli.

➔ Gypsophila.

➔ Statice.

➔ CITES Requirements: Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

➔ Import and CAP Licenses.

➔ Roses.

➔ Carnations.

Classification and Quality Requirements.

Class I:

➔ Whole.

➔ Fresh.

➔ Unbruised.

➔ Free of animal and vegetable parasites and from resultant damage.

➔ Free of the residue of pesticides and other extraneous matter affecting appearance.

➔ Free of development defect

➔ According to species, stems must be rigid and sufficiently strong to support the flower(s). Class II.

➔ Whole.

➔ Fresh.

➔ Free of animal parasites.

The following defects may be present provided they do not impair the appearance, life, or use of the flowers.

➔ Slight malformation.

➔ Slight bruising.

➔ Slight damage, including that caused by pest or disease.

➔ Small marks resulting from pesticides.

➔ Weaker and less rigid stems.

Quality Tolerances.

Class I.

Up to 5 % of the cut flowers may have slight defects provided the uniformity in a unit of presentation is not affected.

Class II.

Up to 10 % of the cut flowers may vary from the requirements of the Class. However, not more than half of this 10 % may be damaged by animal or vegetable parasites. The defects in question must not impair the use of the flowers.

Uniformity of Sizing. In any one unit of presentation (e.g. bunch, bouquet or box, etc.) The maximum permitted difference between the shortest and longest stem lengths is as Table 2.

1.12 Roses:

This King of flowers also has a religious significance for Muslims. As such it can easily be adapted and used for commerce. Some form of protection is required from frosts unless frost-resistant varieties are used. Roses do well on slightly acidic, neutral or slightly alkaline soils on pH ranging from 6 to 7.5. Proper soil management is essential to rose production. A well-balanced fertilizer containing NPK as well as iron, zinc, and magnesium will yield good results on almost any soil. Increased Organic Content will keep the pH within manageable limits. Foliar applications will overcome tying down of nutrients. Roses are the major cut flower of the World. They can be grown as long-stemmed cut flowers, miniatures, posies, flowers for garlands, petals for sale, extract for the perfume industry. Some of the varieties in demand are:

1.12.1 Cultivars:

➔ Specially bred ‘greenhouse roses’ of Rosa X hybrid.

➔ Large-flowered Hybrid Tea, 60 to 80 mm stems.

➔ Medium flowered Hybrid Tea, 50 to 70 mm stem.

➔ Small-flowered floribunda, 40 to 50 mm stem.

➔ Spray Roses.

1.12.2 Cutting & Pinching.

The calyx is that portion of the rose flower that is left behind when all the petals have been shed. It is necessary to pinch off this portion of the flower. This helps to shape up the plant as well as prevents the flow of nutrients towards seed production. Instead, these nutrients are directed towards producing new blooms. The quality of the flowering on the plants depends upon where the plant is pinched. Close examination of the plant will reveal that there exist some pointed buds at the base of certain leaves immediately below spent blooms. If the plant is pinched immediately above a pointed bud short-stemmed bloom results. On the other hand, pinching immediately above rounded bud results in long-stemmed blooms. It is important to note that the pointed buds are borne in the axil of three-leaflet leaves and rounded buds are borne in the axil of five-leaflet leaves.9

1.13 Damask Rose Bush Plants.

Damask roses (Rosa damascena) are among the oldest members of the rose family, dating back thousands of years. They are known for their white or pink double flowers and their strong, distinctive fragrance, which is why the flowers are often used in making perfumes. Damask roses are easy to grow, resistant to disease and will make a lovely, fragrant centerpiece for your garden.

1.13.1 Description.

The Damask rose, also known as the Damascus Rose or the Rose of Castile, originated in the Eastern Mediterranean as a natural hybrid between the Gallica rose and a wild rose species. The plants have medium-green leaves and white or pink flower clusters on heavily thorned stems. These rose bushes arch as they grow to heights of 8 feet, and some of the stems may need to be staked.

9 Profile on Rose Culture in Pakistan, AgriBusiness Cell, MINFAL, 1993.

1.13.2 Varieties.

Most Damask rose varieties bloom only once, although the Autumn Damask will bloom in early summer and again in the fall. There are over a dozen Damask rose bush cultivars, but the American Rose Society recommends Rose de Rescht and Celsiana as among the easiest to grow. The Rose de Rescht has small fuchsia-pink blooms with only moderate thorns, while Celsiana features very fragrant semi-double light pink blooms in sprays. The Ispahan cultivar may only bloom once, for a period of up to two months, and resembles a pink fountain.

1.13.3 Cultivation.

Damask roses will tolerate almost any type of soil except chalk, as long as it has a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. The bushes require minimal maintenance but use some general fertilizer with phosphorus in the spring and a little rose food in mid-summer. To give your plants an extra boost, add organic matter like well-rotted manure, compost, or mulch around the bottom of the bush. Damask roses prefer sun to full sun and normal to moist watering.

1.13.4 Pruning and Pests.

Prune once-blooming Damask roses immediately after they finish blooming, unless you want a display of rose hips in the fall. Some Damasks cultivars will have complete cane dieback if you prune them during the winter. A rule of thumb is to avoid pruning in the first two years, and thereafter simply remove dead or diseased wood and lightly prune long canes to shape up the plant. Cut any deadheads in late summer. Damask rose bushes are resistant to pests and disease, but help to prevent problems by allowing adequate spacing and good air circulation, using mixed plantings in your flower beds, and watering sufficiently.

1.13.5 How to Grow Rosa Damascena.

Related Articles:

➔ Damask Rose Bush Plants

➔ Grow English Roses in Zone 9

➔ Care for Audrey Hepburn Roses

➔ White Fuzzy Growth on Parade Roses

Rosa damascena, also called damask roses, can be traced to Asia Minor. The rose is known for its vivid pink or white and pink bicolor blooms. The plant is a rounded shrub with sharp thorns and bristles. In areas with mild, rainy winters, the roses bloom from late spring to the end of October or November, with proper care. There are a number of varieties of damask roses, including York and Lancaster, Rose d'Hivers, and Reine Blanc. These roses are suitable for gardens, hedges, and potted environments.

1. Place the rose seeds on half of the piece of sandpaper. Fold the other half of the paper over and gently rub the seeds until the seed coat is slightly marred. This allows the moisture to reach the embryo.

2. Spread a layer of peat moss in a seedling tray. Water the moss until damp. Arrange the seeds in the moss and allow the tray to sit for two to three weeks. Store in a location between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit and water as needed to keep the peat damp.

3. Move the tray to a location with a temperature around 40 F for four months to allow for germination. Water as needed to keep the peat damp.

4. Choose a planting location that receives full to partial sun. Dig small holes with a trowel. Plant the seedlings in the desired location as soon as they are large enough to grasp without damaging the stalk. Spread the roots out in the hole and cover gently with soil. Water frequently to keep the soil moist. Spread mulch around the plant root to help retain moisture, if desired.

5. Prepare the rose food once in the middle of summer according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Spray all of the mixture on the leaves and soil under the plant. Feed the plant every summer.

6. Prepare the fertilizer each spring according to the manufacturer's instructions. Granular fertilizer does

not require preparation but may require measuring. Spread the recommended amount of fertilizer under the leaves and stems, starting at the stem and working your way out to cover the entire area under the plant. Water the shrub. Water-soluble fertilizer should be mixed with the proper amount of water and then sprayed onto the leaves and soil.

7. Remove with pruning shears any dead blooms and weak or diseased stems to encourage growth.

1.13.6 Things You Will Need:

➔ Sandpaper

➔ Peat

➔ Seedling tray

➔ Trowel

➔ Fertilizer

➔ Rose food

Tip:

Damask roses grow to a height and width of 4 to 6 feet, so plan for the mature size when choosing the planting location. The plants are self-sowing and thicken over time. 

Rosa Damascena is grown on commercial-scale to produce concentrates of the aromatic principles and is recognized as the best commercial species of the fragrant roses. This plant contains several components such as terpenes, glycosides, flavonoids, and anthocyanins that have beneficial effects on human health. The pharmacological effects of Rosa damascene are widespread. Most of the CNS effects are hypnotic, analgesic, and anticonvulsant effects.

The respiratory, cardiovascular, laxative, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anti-HIV, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant are other effects of this plant. It is suggested that lipid-soluble (non-polar) constituents of this plant are mainly responsible for most of the above-mentioned effects.

1.13.7 Origin, Distribution Area, and Production:

Rosa damascena is a temperate plant indigenous to Europe and Middle East countries of Iran and Turkey. It is believed that the Damask rose has originated from Damascus and introduced in European countries. Bulgaria, Turkey, France, Italy, Morocco, Russia, and India are the main countries where it is

cultivated in large-scale for the production of oil. Bulgaria, Turkey, and Morocco are the largest producers of rose, oil in the world producing together 10 tonnes of oil per year. Over the last 300 years, the largest integrated growing area for roses has been developed in Central Bulgaria at the foot of the Balkan mountains.

1.13.8 Commercial Gardening:

➔ Light:

Cultivation of rose plantation should be taken up in full sunlight, away from trees or hedges so that it gets sunshine at least during the whole forenoon. It.can be cultivated on a leveled field, medium to high degree sloppy hills, and terraces.

➔ Temperature:

A mild temperate climate is best” suited for Rosa Damascena. Temperature ranging from 0 to 5°C for a period of about 15 days prior to the start of blooming enhances the quantity as well as the quality of flowers. At the time of flowering, the temperature should be between 25 to 30°C and relative humidity above 60%. High air humidity above 60% and a moderate temperature of 15- 20°C gives more flower yield. Rosa damascena can be cultivated even in areas with high temperatures but flower yields are very low in comparison to those plants cultivated in temperate climatic conditions.

1.13.9 Soil:

The roses flourish well at the foothills. It withstands a wide range of soil pH conditions from 6 to 8 and silty clay loam to sandy loam soils.

1.11.10 Watering:

Irrigation is necessary for rose plantation at the frequency of 12-15 days during peak periods. However, when plants are established properly after two years, the frequency of irrigation may be reduced. Proper drainage in the field is very essential to drain out excess rainwater from the plantations.

1.13.11 Feeding:

The quantity of fertilizers and manures should be applied on soil test basis considering various factors like basic fertility of the soil, organic content, soil texture, moisture supply, soil pH, etc. Farmyard manure@ 18-20 tonnes/hectare and 100-125 kg NPK (18:32:16) mixed fertilizer should be applied at the time of transplanting of rooted cuttings into the pits. After two years, 160-200 kg nitrogen, 60-90 kg phosphorus, and 40-60 kg potash per hectare per annum are needed in Rosa damascena plantation. It is a perennial, moreover, soil exhausting crop that remains in the field for more than 10 years. Therefore, a split application of fertilizer doses is suggested. Fertilizer application

should be completed just after pruning and before the start of the monsoon or rainy season of each year.

1.13.12 Propagation:

Rosa Damascena is propagated through one-year-old stem cuttings. It can also be propagated through the divisions of old plants, lateral sprouts with roots, and seeds.

Stem cuttings are collected at the time of pruning in mid-October to end of December; 20 cm long, 0.75-1.50 cm thick cuttings are planted in a nursery; 2/3 of the stem length is inserted into the soil. IB A

@ 200-250 ppm is given to induce rooting. These cuttings are ready after one year for transplanting into the main field.

1.13.13 Planting and Transplanting:

Soil should be free from weeds and other vegetation. If new land is taken for cultivation, wild bushes and perennial grasses should be cleared. Drainage and irrigation channels are to be made at the same time. Proper marking of land at an optimum distance is done. 1.5×1.5 m2 spacing is sufficient for the optimum growth of plants.

Prior to transplanting in the field, the planting site is cleared of bushes etc. and pits for planting are dug at 1.5×1.5 m2 spacing. Pits of size 45×45×45 cm3 in good soil or 60×60×60 cm3in poor soils are dug and pit soil is allowed to weather at least for one to two months before planting. The soil is refilled in the pit at the time of planting or a few days earlier to planting. Rooted stem cuttings are taken out from the nursery and put in the pits. The soil is firmly pressed around the plant. While taking out plants from the nursery, the lateral roots should be disturbed as little as possible. It is useful to put 3-4 kg of farm-yard manure, 20-25 gm NPK mixture (18:32:16), and 20 gm aldrin powder in the pit at the time of planting.

The best time of transplanting of rooted cuttings in the field is mid of November to mid January. The nursery plants are taken out on a cloudy day and planted in the field. Rose plants can also be transplanted in the month of the rainy season.

1.13.14 Inter-cultural Operations:

It is required to keep the plants free of weeds after planting. Usually, two to three times weeding and hoeing are required to be done during the first year. Thorough weeding and circle hoeing around each plant are followed after pruning every year during winter. Two times sickling during the rainy season controls the seasonal weeds and grasses in a rose plantation.

1.13.15 Inter-cropping:

There is little scope for inter-cropping or other crops in a rose plantation. However, in the early stage of development of new plantation, suitable inter-crops like pulses and vegetables may be taken during the first two years. The rose plantation after two years develops sufficient canopy leaving no space for inter-cropping. Moreover, the rose is a sunshine loving plant which prefers a neat and clean area and plenty of sunshine.

1.13.16 Pruning:

Pruning is a very important operation in Rosa damascena. It requires a dormant or resting period before flowering. In temperate climatic conditions, the dormancy requirement is met naturally due to low winter temperature when the plant goes under dormancy and sheds its leaves. In the ensuing springs, new shoots appear which give flower buds. In the region of sub-tropical climate, the rose plants are essentially pruned to induce artificial dormancy. The other purposes of pruning are to train plants into the desired form, to keep· the desired size, to remove injured and diseased parts, to remove the terminal buds, and change the growth habit to encourage bushy roses, to provide more horizontal expansion, and finally production of more flower buds.

Time, number, and height of pruning are main factors for consideration. Before the first flowering season of the new plantation, simple tipping off (removal of the terminal bud of vegetative shoots) or light pruning is sufficient in the month of December-January. During the second year, plants should be pruned twice in a year, once in the month of August at 50 cm plant height and again in November-December at 75 cm plant height. Further pruning should be done only once a year· from November to December at one-meter plant height. Excessive water shoots should be checked to grow, otherwise, the size of bushes becomes unmanageable.

1.13.17 Flowering:

Summer Damask rose (Rosa damascena var. trigintipetala) flowers from early March to mid-April in North Iridiru\ plains, from 10th April to 20th May in the mid-hills of Himachal Pradesh, and early May to early June in Kashmir Valley. The exact flowering time depends upon the prevailing temperature in the locality. Autumn Damask rose (Rosa damascena var. bifera) also flowers from September to November in sub-tropical plains but the yield of flowers is comparatively lower than the main flowering season. Sporadic flowering may continue throughout the year in some cases. The total period of flowering is about 25-35 days but a major part of the yield (about 75%) is received within 15 days of the peak flowering period.

1.13.18 Plucking:

The flowers are harvested in the early hours of the day when they just open. Plucking starts from 4 ‘O’ clock in the early morning and continues till all flowers are plucked. Flowers are plucked by hand being nipped off just below the calyx. The work is done on payment by local villagers. On an average of 2-3 kg, flowers are plucked per hour manually. At the peak of the season production of flowers increases, many fold and picking are continued till afternoon in order to gather all the flowers maturing on that day. The pluckers collect the flowers in cotton or polythene bags and transfer to well airy, wooden baskets.

1.13.19 Fresh Flowers Handling:

The necessity of proper care begins with the plucking of flowers. At any stage of handling, a big heap of flowers should not be piled. Rowers collected in cotton or poly bags during plucking must be transferred into well-aerated wooden baskets immediately. After harvesting, the flowers should be processed as quickly as possible to prevent fermentation. Fermented flowers lose their oil content and quality. Rowers stored for more than 12 hours lose half of the oil yield.

1.13.20 Summary:

Rosa Damascena.

These plants require some special conditions and are unlikely to thrive without them. 

a. Characteristics:

➔ Foliage: Green.

➔ Flowers: Pink. Double (17-25 petals) bloom form. Occasional repeat later in the season.

➔ Fragrance: Strong fragrance.

➔ Shape: Bushy.

➔ Height: 120 to 150 cm (4′ to 5′).

➔ Width: 90 to 120 cm (3′ to 4′).

b. Proper Care:

➔ Watering in the rest period – sparingly.

➔ Watering in active growth period – moderately.

➔ Light – full sun.

➔ The temperature in rest period – min 2°C max 10°C.

➔ Temperature in active growth period – min 15°C max 30°C.

➔ Humidity – medium (60%).

➔ Climate zone: 4b through 9b.

1.14 Companion Planting:

This is particularly useful in the case of Roses other than fully grown Rose Bushes. Many pests and diseases are avoided by this procedure. The plants that can be planted in companion to roses and which provide maximum benefit are:

➔ Garlic, The effect of garlic upon the fungi that cause black spot is reputed.

➔ Parsley said to repel pests.

➔ Onions provide the rose plant with sweeter scent.

The use of a decoction of tobacco is effective against aphids, hairy caterpillar, and the chafer beetle and wold. It is also effective against termites.

1.15 Dried Flowers & Foliage:

Roses, hydrangeas, and some form of daisies can be readily dried and sold commercially. These plants can be grown and processed in rural areas and would provide increased income. Due to keeping qualities the associated marketing and transportation problems are lessened to a great degree. Dark airy rooms that are free from sunlight and dust are the best drying places for flowers. The flowers are simply hung from the roof.

1.16 Flower Oil Extraction:

This is a very lucrative potential market with possibilities of high returns. It is a micro-industry and can be established in rural areas. Mint, Lavender, and Roses are some of the possible plants for exploitation. Once again ease of storage and transportation does away with most of the problems associated with the fresh flowers industry