Low-Molecular-Weight Organic Acid as an Alternative to Promote the Rooting of Persimmon Rootstock Shoot Cuttings

Abstract

Organic acids are naturally present in plants and exert a positive influence on plant development, which justifies surveying their potential effect on adventitious root (AR) formation. In this study, 0.0298 mol/L (4000 mg/L) of malic acid and 0.0267 mol/L (4000 mg/L) of tartaric acid were used to explore the effects of low-molecular-weight organic acid on the rooting of persimmon rootstock Diospyros lotus L. during cutting propagation. After organic acid treatment, the rooting percentage and the survival rate significantly increased, accompanied by a greater development of lateral roots. Anatomical analysis revealed that Diospyros lotus L. exhibits characteristics that induce root primordia, and organic acid treatment can enhance the differentiation of root primordia. Furthermore, treatment with organic acid led to a substantial decrease in soluble sugar and starch contents, along with a slight increase in soluble protein content during early cutting stages. Additionally, the indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) content peaked in the early stages of AR formation and was significantly higher than that of the control, while abscisic acid (ABA) levels exhibited the opposite trend. Comparatively, gibberellic acid (GA3) remained at extremely low levels throughout the rooting process in the organic acid groups compared to the control. In conclusion, the current study uncovers the anatomical structure over time during AR formation, revealing the dynamic changes in the related main nutrients and hormones and providing new ideas and a new practical approach for improving root regeneration in persimmon rootstock cuttings.

Keywords

• <i>Diospyros lotus</i> L.
• organic acids
• adventitious root
• anatomical structure
• endogenous hormones