Enhancing rooting efficiency and nutrient uptake in Rosa damascena Mill. cuttings: insights into auxin and cutting type optimization

Abstract

Auxin application plays a crucial role in successfully propagating and cultivating Rosa damascena Mill., a valuable plant species with cultural and economic significance. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of auxin dose and leaf presence on rooting success and nutrient uptake efficiency in Rosa damascena cuttings. Our results demonstrated that applying IBA significantly improved rooting success and nutrient absorption capacity, with a concentration of 1000 ppm being the most effective, resulting in a remarkable rooting % (48 ± 6%), increased root length (2.52 ± 0.25 cm) and improving leaf area (70.18 ± 5.10 cm2). The inclusion of leaves on cuttings has greatly magnified root success (90 ± 10%), leaf area (98.86 ± 17.86 cm2) and nutrient absorption efficiency, highlighting the vital role of leaves in early root development. Our findings provide valuable insights into the development of sustainable and productive cultivation methods for this significant plant species. Furthermore, our investigation emphasized the importance of optimizing auxin application, with leafy cuttings treated with 1000 ppm of auxin showing the most promising results regarding growth attributes, nutrient assimilation and survival rate.