Wound-induced dynamics of selected auxins and jasmonates suggest interhormonal crosstalk during the induction phase of adventitious root formation in Prunus subhirtella ‘Autumnalis’

Adventitious root (AR) formation is a complex developmental response modulated by a network of phytohormones. While auxins such as indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) are well-established drivers of AR induction, emerging evidence highlights the involvement of jasmonates in regulating wound-induced and stress-related developmental programs. This study investigates the temporal dynamics of selected auxins (IAA, IAA-Asp) and jasmonates (jasmonic acid, JA, and its bioactive conjugate JA-Ile) during the early phase of AR formation in leafy cuttings of Prunus subhirtella ‘Autumnalis’. Hormonal profiling was conducted in the basal (rooting) region of cuttings at seven time points (0 min, 15 min, 30 min, 45 min, 2 h, 4 h, and 24 h) following severance. In addition, jasmonate dynamics were evaluated in the apical, unwounded part of the same cutting—specifically, shoot tip including developing leaves. The results revealed rapid, transient peaks of JA and JA-Ile in both tissues within the first few hours post-wounding, followed by a delayed but progressive accumulation of IAA and IAA-Asp in the basal region. This tissue-specific and temporally offset hormonal pattern suggests that JA-related wound signaling may precede and potentially facilitate auxin accumulation required for root induction. Overall, this study establishes Prunus subhirtella ‘Autumnalis’ as a valuable woody model for investigating hormone-mediated adventitious root formation and provides a framework for exploring interhormonal crosstalk in vegetative propagation.