Morphological and phytochemical variations among 41 genotypes of Damask rose

Subject Areas : Plant Physiology

Mahtab Latifi ¹ , Shahb Khaghani ^{2 *} , Masoud Gomarian ³ , Mahdi Changizi ⁴ , Gholam Reza Goodarzi ⁵

1 - Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture, Islamic Azad University, Arak, Arak, Iran
2 - Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Sciences and Technology, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
3 - Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture, Islamic Azad University, Arak, Arak, Iran
4 - Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture, Islamic Azad University, Arak, Arak, Iran
5 - Research Division of Natural Resources, Markazi Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Arak, Iran

Received: 2025-05-20 Accepted : 2025-06-12 Published : 2025-07-19

Keywords: diversity, genetic potential, oil content, oil percent, oil yield, Rosa damascena Mill,

Abstract :

To evaluate the genetic potential for flower yield and oil production in Rosa damascene Mill. an experiment was conducted using a complete block design with three replications. Forty-one (41) genotypes of Rosa damascene Mill. were collected from 33 areas in 28 provinces of Iran, and cultivated in 2005-2007 at the experimental field of Ali Abad Medicinal Plants Research Station in Arak, Iran. The data were evaluated for different traits, including flower yield per hectare, number of flowers, single flower weight, percent of flower dry weight, and oil contents and percent. Findings suggested significant differences among the genotypes under study. The highest and lowest flower yields were recorded with West Azerbaijan and Fars₂ genotypes, respectively. The highest amount of essential oil percentages (0.0055%) was also obtained in the Yazd₂ genotype. Baluchistan genotype with 18.5% citronellol and Kohgiluye and Booyer Ahmad with 4% citronellol showed the best quality of essential oils. Based on the findings of the study it is concluded that flower yield and quality especially essential oil yield are necessary traits to consider for breeding programs and selection of commercial R. damascene genotypes.

References:

Ahadi, H., M. Shokrpour, R. Fatahi, M. R. Naghavi and M. H. Mirjalili. 2023. Essential oil, flavonoids and anthocyanins profiling of some Iranian damask rose (Rosa damascena Mill.) genotypes. Industrial Crops and Products, 205, 117579.
Dobreva, A. and D. Nedeltcheva-Antonova. 2023. Comparative chemical profiling and Citronellol enantiomers distribution of industrial-type rose oils produced in China. Molecules, 28, (3) 1281.
Guantario, B., N. Nardo, G. Fascella, G. Ranaldi, P. Zinno, A. Finamore, G. Pastore, M. M. Mammano, I. Baiamonte and M. Roselli. 2023. Comparative study of bioactive compounds and biological activities of five rose hip species grown in sicily. Plants, 13, (1) 53.
Khaleghi, A. and A. Khadivi. 2020. Morphological characterization of Damask rose (Rosa× damascena Herrm.) germplasm to select superior accessions. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution, 67, (8) 1981-1997.
Liu, X., Y. Han, L. Luo, H. Pan, T. Cheng and Q. Zhang. 2023. Multiomics analysis reveals the mechanisms underlying the different floral colors and fragrances of Rosa hybrida cultivars. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, 195, 101-113.
Majedi, S., A. O. Yassen and S. Y. Issa. 2024. Assessing the combination of three plant species: Thyme (Thymus vulgaris), Damask Rose (Rosa damascena), and Stachys lavandulifolia vahl, to determine their synergistic effects on antimicrobial properties. Chemical Review and Letters, 7, (2) 294-310.
Nazarolmolk, E., B. Zahedi and H. Zeinali. 2017. Relations between flower yield and its components in 10 genotypes of damask rose in Golpayegan.
Omidi, M., A. Khandan-Mirkohi, M. Kafi, O. Rasouli, A. Shaghaghi, M. Kiani and Z. Zamani. 2022. Comparative study of phytochemical profiles and morphological properties of some Damask roses from Iran. Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture, 9, (1) 51.
Osman, E. E., S. A. Bazaid and E.-S. S. Abdel-Hameed. 2023. Chemo-profiling and bioactivities of Taif rose (Rosa damascena Mill.) industrial by-products after hydrodistillation. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science, 13, (10) 119-131.
Trendafilova, A., P. Staleva, Z. Petkova, V. Ivanova, Y. Evstatieva, D. Nikolova, I. Rasheva, N. Atanasov, T. Topouzova-Hristova and R. Veleva. 2023. Phytochemical profile, antioxidant potential, antimicrobial activity, and cytotoxicity of dry extract from Rosa damascena Mill. Molecules, 28, (22) 7666.
Venkatesha, K., A. Gupta, A. N. Rai, S. J. Jambhulkar, R. Bisht and R. C. Padalia. 2022. Recent developments, challenges, and opportunities in genetic improvement of essential oil-bearing rose (Rosa damascena): A review. Industrial Crops and Products, 184, 114984.
Ziogou, F.-T., A.-A. Kotoula, S. Hatzilazarou, E.-N. Papadakis, P.-G. Avramis, A. Economou and S. Kostas. 2023. Genetic assessment, propagation and chemical analysis of flowers of Rosa damascena mill. Genotypes cultivated in Greece. Horticulturae, 9, (8) 946.

Full-Text:



1405

 

 

 

 

Short Communication

 

Morphological and phytochemical variations among 41 genotypes of Damask rose

Mahtab Latifi1, Shahab Khaghani2*, Masoud Gomarian1, Mahdi Changizi1, Gholam Reza Goodarzi3

1. Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture, Islamic Azad University, Arak, Arak, Iran

2. Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Sciences and Technology, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

3. Research Division of Natural Resources, Markazi Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Arak, Iran 

________________________________________________________________________________

Abstract

To evaluate the genetic potential for flower yield and oil production in Rosa damascene Mill. an experiment was conducted using a complete block design with three replications. Forty-one (41) genotypes of Rosa damascene Mill. were collected from 33 areas in 28 provinces of Iran, and cultivated in 2005-2007 at the experimental field of Ali Abad Medicinal Plants Research Station in Arak, Iran. The data were evaluated for different traits, including flower yield per hectare, number of flowers, single flower weight, percent of flower dry weight, and oil contents and percent. Findings suggested significant differences among the genotypes under study. The highest and lowest flower yields were recorded with West Azerbaijan and Fars2 genotypes, respectively. The highest amount of essential oil percentages (0.0055%) was also obtained in the Yazd2 genotype. Baluchistan genotype with 18.5% citronellol and Kohgiluye and Booyer Ahmad with 4% citronellol showed the best quality of essential oils. Based on the findings of the study it is concluded that flower yield and quality especially essential oil yield are necessary traits to consider for breeding programs and selection of commercial R. damascene genotypes.

Keywords: diversity, genetic potential, oil content, oil percent, oil yield, Rosa damascena Mill

Latifi, M., Sh. Khaghani, M. Gomarian, M. Changizi, G. R. Goodarzi. 2025. 'Morphological and phytochemical variations among 41 genotypes of Damask rose'. Iranian Journal of Plant Physiology 15 (3), 5541-5545.

________________________________________________________________________________

Introduction

Rosa damascena, commonly known as the Damask rose, is a highly aromatic and cherished rose species widely cultivated for its fragrant flowers. Significant genetic variation within the Rosa damascena species has led to the development of different cultivars with distinct characteristics (Omidi et al., 2022). The genetic variation in Damask rose is mainly attributed to natural selection, hybridization, and human intervention through selective breeding. Different cultivars of Rosa damascena have been developed over the years to enhance specific traits such as flower color, fragrance intensity, and disease resistance (Venkatesha et al., 2022). Genetic studies have shown that Damask rose has a complex genetic makeup, with multiple genes responsible for traits such as flower color and fragrance. This genetic diversity has allowed for the development of a wide range of cultivars that cater to different preferences and market demands (Liu et al., 2023). Overall, the genetic variation within Rosa damascena has played a crucial role in the cultivation and breeding of this species, leading to the creation of diverse and unique cultivars that are highly valued for their beauty and fragrance (Ziogou et al., 2023).

Rosa damascena is renowned for its rich phytochemical composition, which contributes to its aromatic fragrance and potential health benefits (Ahadi et al., 2023). The phytochemical composition of Damask rose can vary depending on factors such as cultivar, growing conditions, and extraction methods (Trendafilova et al., 2023). The essential oil extracted from Rosa damascena flowers is highly valued for its complex aroma, which is characterized by floral, sweet, and slightly spicy notes. The main components of rose essential oil include citronellol, geraniol, nerol, and various other terpenes and alcohols (Dobreva and Nedeltcheva-Antonova, 2023). Also, Rosa damascena contains a variety of phenolic compounds, such as flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic acids. These compounds have antioxidant properties and may help protect against oxidative stress and inflammation (Osman et al., 2023). Terpenes are another class of phytochemicals found in Damask rose, which contribute to the plant's fragrance and may have therapeutic effects. Some of the terpenes present in Rosa damascena include linalool, limonene, and myrcene (Majedi et al., 2024). Carotenoids are pigments that give plants their vibrant colors and have antioxidant properties. Rosa damascena contains carotenoids such as beta-carotene, lycopene, and lutein, which contribute to the plant's pink and red flower colors (Guantario et al., 2023). Overall, the phytochemical variation in Rosa damascena contributes to its therapeutic properties and makes it a valuable plant for both perfumery and traditional medicine. This study aimed to evaluate morphological and phytochemical variations among 41 Genotypes of Damask rose. 

Material and Methods

This research was conducted at Ali Abad Medicinal Plants Research Station, Arak, Iran. A total of 41 genotypes of Rosa damascene Mill. were obtained from 33 areas in 28 provinces of Iran and planted in holes with the diameter and depth of one meter during 2005-2007.  The experimental set up was arranged in a randomized complete block design with 3 replications. The distance between the seedlings was 3 x 3 meters. The planting beds were covered with a mixture of soil, animal manure, and sand, and the drip method was used for irrigation.

Morphological and yield parameters assayed in the study included flower yield per hectare, number of flowers per hectare, single flower weight, and flower dry matter percentage. Thermo-UFM gas chromatograph and gas chromatograph connected to a mass spectrometer with Saturn II software were used to measure photochemical traits.

The composition of essential oil was analyzed by GC-MS using an Agilent 6890 gas chromatograph mass spectrometer. The operating conditions were as follows: carrier gas, helium with a flow rate of 0.8 ml/min; column temperature, 5 min at 50, 240 °C at 15 °C/ min, and finally 3 min at 300 °C, injector temperature, 290 °C, and detector temperature of 220 °C. The identification of the GC peaks corresponding to the essential oil components was based on a direct comparison of the retention times (RT) and mass spectral data with those for standard compounds. Data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using a statistical analysis system, and then Duncan's multiple range tests was used, and the terms were considered significant at p<0.05 by SPSS software.

Results

Yield and yield components

According to the analysis of variances, it was found that year, genotype, and their interaction had significant effects on studied traits (Table 1). The highest flower yield was obtained with West Azarbaijan while and Fars2 recorded the lowest flower yield, 1650 and 347 kg/ha, respectively. The maximum and minimum number of flowers per ha were observed in Esfahan8 (537) and Fars2 (136), respectively. Also, there were variations in flower

Table 2 Mean comparison of yield and yield components of flower in Rosa damascene Mill.  Genotypes under study   Flower Yield/Ha Flower Number/Ha Flower Weight (g) Flower Dry Matter % East Azarbaijan 717.5 ghijk 291.67fghijkl 2,46hi 30.48k West Azarbaijan 1650.5a 452.22abcde 3.61c 14.76u Ardabil 683.4 hijkl 285.78fghijkl 2.41ij 22.13pq Esfahan9 1189.4 bcd/ 492.44abc 2.36jk 32.02j Esfahan 10 610.8ijkl 424.33abcdef 1.43s 55.77a Tehran 731.5fghijk 330.56defghij 2.2m 33.09i Chahar Mahal Bakhtiari 1072.8cdefg 421.22abcde 2.52gh 29.38l Ghom 826.6defghij 462/22abcd 1.78qr 41.54d Khuzestan 755.4efghij 334.11defghij 2.25lm 30/58k Zanjan 878.4defghij 357.11cdefghi 2.42ij 34.2h Semnan1 939.8defghi 378.44bcdefghi 2.45hi 32.01j Semnan2 597.8ijkl 266.89hijklm 2.3kl 35.5g Baloochestan 896.8defghij F293.33ghijkl 2.63f 23.43o Fars1 1331.4bc 428.11abc 2.7e 27.1n Fars2 346.9l 136.78m 2.55g 26.8n Ghazvin 538.7jkl 181.89klm d93/2 17.3s Kordestan 654.3hijkl 180.22klm 3.62c 20.4r Kerman 569ijkl 318.33efghijk 1/71r 45.99b Kermanshah 738efghij 410.89abcdefg 1.96op 40.8d Kohgiluye and Booyer Ahmad 779.7efghij 187klm 4.18b 21/56q Khorasan2 830.7defghij 332.67defghij 2.48ghi 22.42p Gilan 718.4ghijk 168.78lm 4.47a 26.44t Lorestan 383.3kl 198.67jklm 1.95p 43.09c Markazi1 727.5ijkl 250.67ijklm 2.45hi 32.3ij Hormozgan 911.9defghij 367.44cdefghi 2.52gh 28.02m Hamadan 637ijkl 269.44ghijklm 2.36jk 30.34k Yazd1 1094.7cdef 479.44bcdefghi 2.88d 28.07m Yazd2 831.5defghij 376.67cdefghi 2.23lm 35.74g Esfahan1 939.6defghi 517.67ab 1.81q 37.86f Esfahan2 1020.7cdefgh 440/44abcde 2.32k 38.72e Esfahan3 585.2ijkl 276ghijkl 2.1n 42.81c Esfahan4 1108.9cde 486abc 2.29kl 32.06j Esfahan5 1466.6ab 523.11a 2.91d 28.2m Esfahan6 836.1defghij 376cdefghi 2.23lm 36.13g Esfahan7 D869efghij 398.89abcdefgh 2.17mn 32.3ij Esfahan8 1096cdef 537.89a 2.02o 35/78g Markazi2 759.3efghij 326.44cdefghi 2/1n 34.16h In each Column, the means with the common alphabet show no significant differences.

weight between genotypes, so that the highest and lowest means were recorded with Gilan (4.47 

Table 1 year, genotype, and their interaction on mean yield and yield components of Damask rose flower Source of variation Flower Yield Flower Number Flower Weight Flower Dry Matter block 287649.62 ns  53142.63* 0.009 ns 2.54* Year 11163012.37 ** 1777377.5** 0.15** 49.83** Genotypes 683138.38** 106833.72** 3.55** 670.83** Year*Genotypes 370246.26**  50162.03** 0.058** 17.42** ns, *, and ** show nonsignificant and significant at 5% and 1% probability levels, respectively.

 g) and Esfahan10 (1.2 g) genotypes, respectively. Finally, the maximum and minimum flower’s dry matter were obtained in Esfahan10 genotype (55%) and West Azerbaijan genotype (14.8%), respectively.

Furthermore, significant positive correlations were found between plant height and number of flowers on the one hand and yield per plant.

Efficiency and chemical composition of essential oil

The main compounds of rose essential oil were n-nonadecane, n-heneicosane, n-hexadecanol, n-citronellol, and n-tricosane. The highest percentages of citronellol were recorded with Baluchistan (18.5%), Qom (7.1%), Kohgiluye and Booyer Ahmad (6.9%), East Azerbaijan (6.1%) and Semnan1 genotype (5.4%), in that order. Moreover, the highest percentages of geraniol were recorded in Kohgiluye and Booyer Ahmad (4%), East Azerbaijan (3.5%), Isfahan10 (3.3%), and Semnan1 (2.9%) in that order. Also, the highest percentages of hexadecanol were found in Isfahan8 (13.1%), Gilan (12.8%), Fars1 (10.9%), and Golestan (10.4%), in that order. Furthermore, the highest percentages of n-nonadecane were recorded in Isfahan1 (44.9%), Markazi2 (44.2%), Lorestan (44.1%), and Khorasan1 (43.1%) in that order. In addition, the highest percentages of essential oil contents were observed in Yazd2 (0.0055%), Chahar Mahal Bakhtiari (0.0054%), and Isfahan3 and Isfahan10 genotypes (0.0051%) in that order while and the lowest mean was obtained in Mazandaran and Isfahan8 genotypes (0.0010%).

 

Discussion

Significant differences were found among the genotypes under study in terms of flower yield, weight, and dry weight. Nazarolmolk et al (2017)evaluated the flower performance and its components in terms of morphological traits, among 10 genotypes of Damask rose. They reported that for yield per plant, Yazd2 and Khuzestan genotypes had the highest and lowest values, respectively. They also found that Esfahan4 was the superior genotype for oil yield per ha. Significant correlations were observed between the characteristics.

Due to the high genetic diversity of damask rose in the World, it is essential to carry out comprehensive phytochemical studies to introduce high-yielding genotypes for further use in breeding programs and commercial exploitations (Ahadi et al., 2023). As Khaleghi and Khadivi (2020)argued the genotypes collected from 327 accessions of wild Damask rose from 21 geographically distinct regions of Iran will be useful for ex-situ conservation and utilization in breeding programs of Damask rose.

The present results showed that there was a significant metabolic diversity among the studied R. damascena genotypes in Iran, especially in terms of essential oil, component, and yield. The studied genotypes have been cultivated and evaluated in the same area, so their differences may be mostly attributed to genetic factors. 

 

References

 

 

Ahadi, H., M. Shokrpour, R. Fatahi, M. R. Naghavi and M. H. Mirjalili. 2023. Essential oil, flavonoids and anthocyanins profiling of some Iranian damask rose (Rosa damascena Mill.) genotypes. Industrial Crops and Products, 205, 117579.

Dobreva, A. and D. Nedeltcheva-Antonova. 2023. Comparative chemical profiling and Citronellol enantiomers distribution of industrial-type rose oils produced in China. Molecules, 28, (3) 1281.

Guantario, B., N. Nardo, G. Fascella, G. Ranaldi, P. Zinno, A. Finamore, G. Pastore, M. M. Mammano, I. Baiamonte and M. Roselli. 2023. Comparative study of bioactive compounds and biological activities of five rose hip species grown in sicily. Plants, 13, (1) 53.

Khaleghi, A. and A. Khadivi. 2020. Morphological characterization of Damask rose (Rosa× damascena Herrm.) germplasm to select superior accessions. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution, 67, (8) 1981-1997.

Liu, X., Y. Han, L. Luo, H. Pan, T. Cheng and Q. Zhang. 2023. Multiomics analysis reveals the mechanisms underlying the different floral colors and fragrances of Rosa hybrida cultivars. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, 195, 101-113.

Majedi, S., A. O. Yassen and S. Y. Issa. 2024. Assessing the combination of three plant species: Thyme (Thymus vulgaris), Damask Rose (Rosa damascena), and Stachys lavandulifolia vahl, to determine their synergistic effects on antimicrobial properties. Chemical Review and Letters, 7, (2) 294-310.

Nazarolmolk, E., B. Zahedi and H. Zeinali. 2017. Relations between flower yield and its components in 10 genotypes of damask rose in Golpayegan. 

Omidi, M., A. Khandan-Mirkohi, M. Kafi, O. Rasouli, A. Shaghaghi, M. Kiani and Z. Zamani. 2022. Comparative study of phytochemical profiles and morphological properties of some Damask roses from Iran. Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture, 9, (1) 51.

Osman, E. E., S. A. Bazaid and E.-S. S. Abdel-Hameed. 2023. Chemo-profiling and bioactivities of Taif rose (Rosa damascena Mill.) industrial by-products after hydrodistillation. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science, 13, (10) 119-131.

Trendafilova, A., P. Staleva, Z. Petkova, V. Ivanova, Y. Evstatieva, D. Nikolova, I. Rasheva, N. Atanasov, T. Topouzova-Hristova and R. Veleva. 2023. Phytochemical profile, antioxidant potential, antimicrobial activity, and cytotoxicity of dry extract from Rosa damascena Mill. Molecules, 28, (22) 7666.

Venkatesha, K., A. Gupta, A. N. Rai, S. J. Jambhulkar, R. Bisht and R. C. Padalia. 2022. Recent developments, challenges, and opportunities in genetic improvement of essential oil-bearing rose (Rosa damascena): A review. Industrial Crops and Products, 184, 114984.

Ziogou, F.-T., A.-A. Kotoula, S. Hatzilazarou, E.-N. Papadakis, P.-G. Avramis, A. Economou and S. Kostas. 2023. Genetic assessment, propagation and chemical analysis of flowers of Rosa damascena mill. Genotypes cultivated in Greece. Horticulturae, 9, (8) 946.