Effect of seasonal variation on pollen viability and hipset in rose

The present investigation was carried out to find out the effect of seasonal variation on pollen viability, in vitro pollen germination and hip set in rose. The study was conducted in the month of December, January and February in four rose genotypes viz., Angelique, Pink Parfait, Pinata and Queen Elizabeth. Pollen viability varied significantly among the three months with the highest pollen viability in the month of February. In vitro pollen germination was higher in the month of January. February appeared to be the best month for attempting hybridization in rose as the maximum hip set was observed in this month. There was a positive correlation between temperature, relative humidity and pollen viability. Similar correlation was observed with respect to hip set. Temperature and relative humidity were found to have a negative effect on in vitro pollen germination and absolute pollen viability. Pollen viability, invitro pollen germination, absolute pollen viability and hip set were not affected by light duration.