Oil-producing rose cultivation in Bulgaria mainly includes the species Rosa damascena and Rosa alba, which are of important economic importance for the essential oil industry. The present study aimed to investigate the phenological development of both species depending on genotype and selected meteorological factors in the Rose Valley region (Kazanlak region) during the period 2023–2025. The experiment was set up using a block method with four replications and an experimental plot area of 25 m². The main phenological phases were monitored during the individual crop years: bud burst, leafing, budding, flowering, and second growth. The results showed that meteorological conditions, especially temperature fluctuations, had a significant impact on the onset and duration of the phenological phases. In 2025, the vegetation period began the earliest, but the subsequent low temperatures (down to −13°C) caused frost damage to the developed buds, leading to secondary bud burst and reduced flower yield. The duration of the phases varied between years, with shorter initial phases observed under higher temperatures. The leafing phase lasted between 25 and 29 days, while budding was delayed under cooler conditions. The flowering period ranged from 30 to 35 days and was strongly dependent on temperature and moisture conditions. The second growth phase extended until late autumn and was essential for the formation of generative organs for the following year. The obtained results emphasized the sensitivity of oil-bearing roses to climatic stress factors and the importance of meteorological conditions for their productivity.

oil-bearing roses, phenology, growth stages, meteorological factors

agronomy

Presentation: poster