Flower Yield and Quality of Two Rosa hybrida Cultivars Propagated by Cutting, Direct Sticking, and Stenting (Cutting-graft)

Abstract

This study was conducted to develop an efficient propagation method for domestic cut roses. In the first study, a standard type 'Sweet Yellow' and a spray type 'Peace One' were propagated by cutting, direct sticking, or stenting (cutting-graft) on a Rosa indica 'Major' rootstock, and grown in a glasshouse in a hydroponic system using rockwool slab as the growing medium. Cuttings were directly stuck in rockwool slabs for direct sticking. Cuttings and scion-stock unions in the stenting were rooted in rockwool cubes for 30 days before being transplanted into a rockwool slab. Flower yield and quality were investigated for eight successive harvests during a period of 18 months. Effect of propagation method on flower stem length, stem diameter, and flower fresh weight was not significant. Number of stems in 60 to 80 cm group was more in the cutting or direct sticking as compared to the stenting in both cultivars. Cutting or direct sticking method should be useful for commercial propagation of these cultivars.