Can changes in starch content and peroxidase activity be used as rooting phase markers for rhododendron leaf bud cuttings?

We examined whether peroxidase activity in cutting bases and leaves and starch content in cutting bases can be used as rooting phase markers in the elepidote rhododendron cv. 'Babites Baltais' (Rhododendron L.). Changes in peroxidase activity in cutting leaves and bases, as well as starch content in cutting bases, were determined in relation to anatomical stages of rhizogenesis in leaf bud cuttings treated with 1% indole-3-butyric acid (IBA+) or without IBA (IBA–). The pattern of change of peroxidase activity was similar in cutting bases and leaves of IBAleaf bud cuttings. Three phases of adventitious root formation were identified: induction, initiation and expression. During the induction…