A Rapid Method for Detection of Cold Hardiness in Roses

Abstract

Distinct differences in freezing tolerance among a cold-hardy wild rose species Rosa fedtschenkoana Regel., a garden rose, `Jack Frost', and their hybrid could be detected under laboratory conditions using 2-cm-long shoot segments with buds. The garden rose did not survive - SC, but the cold-hardy species survived freezing to -10C and the hybrid to –5C. One week of acclimation at 4C was adequate for R. fedtschenkoana; longer periods did not improve the rate of survival. Immersing tissue in 5%, 10%, or 20% sucrose during acclimation improved the rate of survival of R. fedtschenkoana but not of `Jack Frost'. Applications to rose breeding are discussed.