Impact of Pruning Period and Intensity on the Growth and Yield of Rosa roxburghii : A Sustainable Approach for Enhanced Agricultural Productivity

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of pruning period and intensity on the growth and yield of Rosa roxburghii Tratt, a shrub fruit species with significant economic value, to inform optimized pruning practices for its cultivation and management. The experiment was conducted in a 7 year old R. roxburghii orchard in southwest China. A randomized block design with two factors, pruning period (maturity period, dormancy period, and germination period) and pruning intensity (no pruning, light pruning, moderate pruning, and severe pruning), was employed. Growth indicators such as the number, diameter, and length of new shoots, as well as single fruit weight and yield per tree, were measured to assess the effects of pruning. Data were statistically processed using two-factor analysis of variance and principal component analysis. Both pruning period and intensity significantly affected the number of new shoots, new shoot diameter, new shoot length, single fruit weight, and yield of R. roxburghii trees. Moderate pruning during the dormancy period was most effective in increasing the number and diameter of new shoots, while light pruning during the germination period also showed positive effects. An increase in pruning intensity led to higher single fruit weight across all pruning periods, with no significant effect of the pruning period. There was a significant interaction between pruning intensity and period on yield per tree, with moderate pruning during the dormancy period being the most effective in enhancing yield. Moderate pruning, particularly during the dormancy period, is an effective strategy for improving the growth and yield of R. roxburghii. This approach not only controls tree height and crown width effectively but also significantly promotes yield. The study recommends “moderate pruning during the dormancy period” as the optimal practice for the production and management of R. roxburghii, especially in biogeographically suitable areas.