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Plant Science Today (PST)

Research Articles

Vol. 13 No. 3 (2026)

Seasonal modulation of floral biology, reproductive phenology and cross-compatibility potential in hybrid tea roses

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.12253
Submitted
13 October 2025
Published
21-06-2026 — Updated on 01-07-2026
Versions

Abstract

Knowledge of floral biology and reproductive phenology is essential for the conservation, improvement and sustainable utilisation of plant species. Hybrid tea (HT) roses (Rosa hybrida L.) often exhibit asynchronous flowering and limited seed set due to seasonal effects on pollen fertility, pollen germination, stigma receptivity and the occurrence of gametophytic self-incompatibility. Therefore, the present study evaluated the reproductive performance of selected HT rose varieties prior to their use in hybridisation programmes during the winter and spring flowering flushes. Significant phenotypic and seasonal variations were observed in key floral and reproductive traits among the cultivars ‘Nurjehan’, ‘Bicolette’, ‘Captain Harry Stebbings’ (CHS), ‘Ferry Porsche’, ‘Sweet India’ and ‘Alinka’. Seasonal influence was evident, with higher pollen viability and germination recorded during winter, particularly in ‘Ferry Porsche’, ‘Bicolette’ and ‘Alinka’, indicating their potential as reliable male parents. Crossability trials showed successful fruit set in combinations such as ‘Alinka’ × ‘Bicolette’, ‘Ferry Porsche’ × ‘Alinka’ and ‘Bicolette’ × ‘Ferry Porsche’, producing well-developed hips with favourable seed characteristics. Overall, the results highlight the breeding potential of HT cultivars, especially ‘Alinka’, ‘Ferry Porsche’ and ‘Bicolette’, which consistently exhibited desirable floral and reproductive traits and can serve as promising parents for cut flower improvement in rose breeding programmes.

 

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