The Quantity Index × Quality Index (Q×Q) Model for Ornamental Value Assessment in Garden Roses Based on Rose Hips, and the Evaluation of 704 Field-Grown Cultivars and Taxa
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: A model was developed in Budatétény Rose Garden (Hungary) to calculate the rose hip-based ornamental value (OVhip) of cultivars. In this “Quantity Index × Quality Index” (Q×Q) model, the Quantity refers to hip production (visible hip surface area / bush surface area), whereas the Quality refers to the epicarp colour of the rose hip. Rapid determination of quantity under field-conditions requires ranking. To replace ranking class numbers with actual production-based values, a sample of items was both ranked (Chip) and measured (Phip). A strong power-function relationship was found: Phip= 0.12792×Chip3.00120. Therefore, after normalization, the calculated Phip values can be used as the Quantity Index. To determine the Quality Index, the aesthetic value of 21 rose hip samples was scored, and the epicarp colour of the same samples was also measured. A strong linear correlation was found between the scores and the a* dimension of the CIE colour space. Consequently the normalized CIE a* can be used as the Quality Index. The OVhip is calculated as the multiplication of these indices. Using Q×Q model 704 items were evaluated in Budatétény. The highest OVhip was recorded for Rosa micrantha, Rosa canina ‘Inermis’, and luciae hybrid ‘Fragezeichen’. Among the hybrid teas 'Cathedral Bells', while among floribundas 'Méphisto' proved to be the most valuable fruiting rose variety.
Source: Plants
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,258
OpenAlex ID: W7203828535