Optimizing Nutrient Levels for Enhanced Rose Growth and Quality

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Saeed Khosravi 1
Leyla Cheheltanan 1
Ali Tehranifar 1
Yahya Selahvarzi 2
1 Department of Horticultural Science and Landscape, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad
2 Department of Horticultural Science and Landscape, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.
Abstract
This study evaluated the impact of different nutrient supply levels on the growth, flowering, and biochemical responses of two rose (Rosa hybrida L.) cultivars, ‘Samurai’ and ‘Jumilia’, under soilless culture. The aim was to optimize fertilizer use for improved flower quality and sustainability. A factorial experiment with four Hoagland nutrient solution levels (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) was conducted in a completely randomized design. Increasing nutrient concentrations improved flower diameter, stem length, leaf area, and vase life, while root length declined. Application of 75% nutrient solution increased chlorophyll a content by 38.44% and stem length by 11.19%, and also enhanced nutrient accumulation in roots and leaves, particularly in ‘Samurai’. At this level, antioxidant enzyme activities in ‘Samurai’ rose increased, with superoxide dismutase (SOD) rising by 3.57%, catalase (CAT) by 20%, and peroxidase (POD) by 12.53%. The 100% solution resulted in the highest nitrogen and magnesium levels in ‘Jumilia’ leaves, with 1.34- and 1.57-fold increases, respectively. Lower concentrations (25% and 50%) reduced chlorophyll content and membrane stability. The 75% Hoagland nutrient supply offered optimal growth, flower quality, and resource efficiency, supporting sustainable floriculture, profitability, and export-quality production while reducing fertilizer use and environmental impact.

Keywords

Subjects

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Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 27 October 2025