Co-Application of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Silicon Nanoparticles: A Strategy for Optimizing Volatile Profile, Phenolic Content, and Flower Yield in Rosa damascena Genotypes

Abstract

This study investigated the individual and synergistic impacts of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation and foliar-applied silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) on the yield parameters, volatile profile, and phenolic composition of two Rosa damascena genotypes (D231 and C193). Experiments were conducted using a split–split–plot design, involving AMF inoculation (main plot), three SiNPs concentrations (subplot), and two rose genotypes (sub-subplot). The results demonstrated that AMF, SiNPs, and genotype all had significant and interactive effects on flower yield parameters. Foliar application of SiNPs, particularly when combined with AMF inoculation, consistently enhanced flowering parameters, including flower size, number, and weight across both genotypes. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) further confirmed that phenolic acids (vanillic acid and rutin) increased following foliar application of SiNPs and AMF root colonization, particularly in genotype C193. SPME-Arrow analysis revealed that alcohols, ketones, and terpenes were the predominant volatile constituents. Phenethyl alcohol was the most abundant compound, accounting for approximately 84.69% of the total aroma content and contributing significantly to the ‘rose’ aroma. Other major volatiles included 2-undecanone (4.42%), benzyl alcohol (2.97%), and citronellol (1.95%); however, their levels varied depending on treatment and genotype. These findings highlight that the combined application of AMF and SiNPs offers a sustainable approach to enhancing both the quantitative yield and qualitative phytochemical composition (essential oil components and phenolic compounds) of R. damascena, providing a scientific foundation for optimizing its production in organic farming systems.