Increasing rooting of two genotypes of Rosa damascena Mill

Ornamental value, medicinal and economic importance of damask rose has made its mass propagation of great value. The present study was conducted to evaluate and compare vegetative propagation and rooting of two genotypes’ soft wood cuttings at Tarbiat Modarres University. The effect of genotypes (genotypes Camus and yellow white Qalhar) and hormone IBA (various concentrations at 0, 1000, 2000 mg /L-1) on rooting was evaluated. The results showed that there were distinct differences between different genotypes. Genotype significantly affected the rooting percent, number of roots per cutting and length and diameter of roots. Camus genotype showed the highest rate of rooting and other measured characteristics compared to yellow white Qalhar genotype. IBA increased the percent of rooting, root number, length and diameter in both genotypes. Depending on the genotype, IBA stimulated rooting effectively; the highest percent of rooting in the genotype Camus was observed at the concentration of 2000 mg/L-1 and in the genotype yellow white Qalhar at the concentration of 1000 mg/L-1.