Comparative Study on Response of Rose Semi-Hardwood Cuttings to Root Induction and Establishment Using Different Rooting Hormones and Unconventional Organic Compounds

Abstract

The present investigation evaluated the response of rose semi-hardwood cuttings to synthetic rooting hormones and unconventional organic compounds under Prayagraj agro-climatic conditions. The experiment was conducted at the Horticultural Research Field, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, India, from September 2025 to February 2026. A completely randomised design comprising 13 treatments, three replications, and 195 cuttings was used. Treatments included different concentrations of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), together with Aloe vera gel, coconut water, and honey. IBA at 1000 ppm recorded 100% rooting, 52.33% sprouting, three sprouts per cutting, 100% survival, and 100% field establishment. NAA at 1000 ppm also achieved 100% rooting, survival, and field establishment and produced the longest roots (16.9 cm). Coconut water for 12 hours resulted in the earliest sprouting (8 days), the highest sprout length (23.7 cm), 13 leaves, and 10 roots per cutting, with 93.33% rooting and 96.67% survival. Coconut water for 24 hours produced the widest root spread (11.4 cm). Aloe vera gel applied for 2 minutes recorded the highest benefit-cost ratio (2.58). These findings indicate that both synthetic auxins and selected organic treatments can support effective rose cutting establishment under the conditions of this study.