Effect of Aloe vera Extract on the Cultivation Practices of Rosa damascena Mill

Rosa damascena Mill., a member of the Rosaceae family, is renowned for its captivating fragrance and is widely used in the production of gulkand, rose oil, tea, and rose water. Globally, major oil-producing regions include Bulgaria, China, Iran, India, and Turkey. Aloe vera gel extract, rich in bioactive compounds such as salicylic acid, auxins, and gibberellins, is known for promoting plant growth and development. Despite its economic significance, cultivating Damask rose remains challenging for farmers and researchers.This study investigates the effect of Aloe vera gel extract and Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) on propagation parameters of damask rose cultivars Noorjhan and Ranisahiba. Treatments included a control, IBA @ 250 ppm and Aloe vera gel pure extract for four hours before planting. Sprouting started in stem and observed that 80% of stem cuttings germinated completed within one week and all cuttings were germinated in 2nd week. For Noorjhan, it resulted in the highest number of sprouts (5.50), root length (3.20 cm), and no. of roots (4.90). Similarly, Ranisahiba recorded maximum sprouts (4.40), root length (2.86 cm), and no. of roots (5.80). The survival rate of stem cuttings were recoded 97.50% with the application of Aloe vera gel and 96.50 % with application of IBA solution in Ranisahiba variety similarly values were recorded in Noorjahan variety 98.02% and 97.03 % by application of Aloe vera gel and IBA respectively. These results highlight Aloe vera gel extract as a natural and sustainable alternative to synthetic growth regulators, enhancing both root development and survival in Damask rose propagation.