Effects of cutting position of rose rootstock cultivars on rooting and its relationship with mineral nutrient content and endogenous carbohydrates

Abstract

The stem cuttings for propagating rose rootstocks are usually obtained from the shoots on the mother stock irrespective of the position. However, adventitious root formation may be influenced by the cutting position. We therefore determined the effects of cutting position of rose rootstocks on rooting and its relationship with endogenous mineral nutrient (Nitrogen, zinc, manganese and iron) and carbohydrate (glucose, fructose, sucrose and total soluble sugars) contents. Cuttings were obtained from three positions; top, middle and bottom, from two rootstocks,'Rosa progress' and 'Natal briar'and planted under greenhouse conditions in a randomized complete block design replicated 3 times. Carbohydrates and mineral nutrient content in the cuttings were determined at 0, 3 and 7 days after planting (DAP). The root number, total root length, shoot height, leaf number and percentage …