China's experience in rose production: Standards and support for farmers

Wang Qigang, an expert from the Flower Institute of the Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, shared the benefits of an integrated approach to rose production that combines strict control, standardization, and scientific support. These principles can also be adapted for Bulgarian farmers, especially in the context of the Damascena rose. Standardization of production Wang Qigang emphasizes that the quality of rose oil depends not only on the variety but also on the precise technologies and standards in production. In China, special technical standards have been developed for: • Variety purity and selection of planting material – guaranteed quality of roses and resistance to diseases; • Systems for irrigation and plant nutrition – optimal amounts of water and fertilizers according to climatic conditions; • Prevention of diseases and pests – minimal use of pesticides through disease monitoring, early intervention, and natural remedies; • Collection and processing of flowers – ...