Abstract: Rosa hybrida is not only a famous traditional flower in China, but also one of the most key cut-flowers, playing an important role in the flower production and trade in the world . To develop the cultivation strategy of high yield and quality for cut-flower rose in the middle of Yunnan province, the photosynthetic characteristics and chlorophyll content of three cultivars (Black Magic , Virdi and Pareo) was studied under greenhouse condition. In any season and any developmental stage, the photosynthetic rates of three cultivars showed significant depression at midday. The maximal photosynthetic rates were observed between 10: 00 - 11 : 00 in the morning. The middle leaves of rose canopy have the highest photosynthetic capacity, followed by the upper leaves and lower leaves; while the changes in chlorophyll content with leaf position exhibited the order middle leaves > lower leaves > upper leaves. The midday depression in photosynthetic rates of cut-flower rose in the middle of Yunnan province was correlated to the high temperature in the greenhouse , and while the change in photosynthetic rates with leaf position is correlated with light environment , chlorophyll content, and leaf age. The cultivation strategy for cut-flower rose in the middle of Yunnan province is discussed.

Key words: Cut-flower rose