Study on effect of pruning time on growth, yield and quality of scented rose (Rosa damascena Mill.) varieties under acidic conditions of western Himalayas

The present work was planned to explore the hypothesis whether the pruning time and variety of damask rose would impact the flower yield, development and essential oil yield of R. damascena. A field experiment, consisting of twelve treatments, involving two varieties ('Himroz' and 'Jwala') and six pruning times (October 30, November 15, November 30, December 15, December 30 and January 15) were studied during 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 year. The experiment was laid out in split plot design. Growth and yield parameters were significantly influenced by varieties and pruning times. Late pruning, recorded an increment of 116.1 and 88.3% essential oil yield as compared to early pruning during both the years, while, there were no significant differences of essential oil content of fresh flowers (0.050 to 0.056%). Regardless of pruning time, the variety 'Jwala' recorded higher flower yield as compared to 'Himroz' variety. The major constituents of essential oil were citronellol (26.8-42.0%), trans-geraniol (10.9-28.5%), nonadecane (7.0-19.9%), heneicosane (0.9-10.6%) and phenyl ethyl alcohol (0.4-2.5%). The highest yield could be achieved with the variety 'Jwala' and by pruning December 30 to January 15.