Effect of nitrogen on growth, flowering and postharvest life of rose cv. Arjun.

The influence of nitrogen on rose cv. Arjun was studied in a field trial experiment conducted in randomised block design. For this investigation, 200 kg, 300 kg, 400 kg and 500 kg N/ha/year were employed and their effects on vegetative growth, flowering, postharvest life, cut flower quality and respiration rate of cut roses were studied. Nitrogen at 400 kg resulted in maximum flower yield and improved flower quality, more number of primary and secondary shoots as well as increased weight of pruned shoots. In cut flower, however, longest vase life, increased flower diameter, enhanced water uptake and improved fresh and dry weight were recorded with the treatment of 500 kg nitrogen. The same dose of nitrogen gave minimum rates of respiration during cut flower development over other treatments.