Blooms Beyond Beauty
Chandan Singh
| 01-02-2024
· Plant Team
The rose, a multifaceted plant, holds significance not only as an ornamental flower but also as a valuable cash crop with high medicinal and food values.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, roses find extensive use in daily life through the production of scented products, promising a broad horizon for development.
This article aims to provide an insightful overview of the chemical composition, bioactivity, ornamental, medicinal, and food values, as well as the applications in the daily chemical industry of roses.
Additionally, it discusses the current research status and the future development prospects of roses, intending to guide research and industrial ventures in this field.
Roses, characterized as hardy, exhibit a correlation between flower color and fragrance with sunlight intensity. Abundant sunshine enhances the vibrancy of the flower's color and strengthens its fragrance.
The process of flower bud differentiation in roses is directly influenced by sunlight duration, requiring a minimum of 8 hours during the growth period to prevent futile growth of branches and leaves without blooming.
While roses are not stringent about humidity levels, they are susceptible to rust and powdery mildew in low temperature and high humidity conditions, with decreased oil production in hot and dry environments. The adaptability of roses to a wide range of soil pH, thriving in slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil, contributes to their resilience.
In terms of climatic resilience, roses can endure low winter temperatures ranging from -38 to -40℃. However, they are vulnerable to dry winds during early spring. Understanding these climatic nuances is crucial for successful rose cultivation.
The rose industry chain involves cultivation as the upstream and the processing of roses into various by-products as the midstream. These by-products, such as rose oil, rose liquid, and rose puree, serve as fundamental raw materials with applications in medicine, food, cosmetics, and other industries. The comprehensive utilization of roses reflects their economic importance.
The reproduction of roses encompasses two types: sexual and asexual. Sexual reproduction, employed for cross-breeding, reveals distinct hybrid and self-incompatibility traits. Notably, complete self-incompatibility in gametophytes is common in Chinese rose resources.
New rose varieties are primarily developed through hybridization with moonflowers, roses, and other related species.
Rose species and varieties, each with their own unique natural habitats, often require introduction into new regions. This strategic move not only diversifies the range of rose types but also allows for the expansion of cultivation areas and the replacement of less desirable species with more superior ones. To ensure these introductions are successful, irrespective of their simplicity or domestic nature, it is essential to perform thorough scientific testing on various cultivation methods. These tests help evaluate key factors like adaptability, disease resistance, oil content, quality, and economic viability. The key to thriving rose cultivation lies in proficient cultivation management techniques, which include a deep understanding of the growth patterns and environmental needs of different rose varieties. Optimal cultivation sites are carefully selected, favoring locations like hillsides or plains that offer adequate sunlight, wind protection, and proper air circulation. Preparing the land before transplanting seedlings further increases the likelihood of successful rose cultivation.
The rose stands as a symbol of elegance and is a versatile plant with far-reaching applications. From ornamental purposes to medicinal and culinary uses, the rose industry is robust and continually evolving. Strategic cultivation, effective management, and understanding the nuances of rose varieties contribute to the success of this flourishing industry.