V. Badzhelova*

Institute of Roses, Essential and Medical Cultures, Kazanlak, Bulgaria (Manuscript received 12 June 2017; accepted for publication 25 August 2017)

Abstract. The purpose of this research is to develop effective protocol for clonal micro propagation of the oil-bearing rose (Rosa damascena Mill.). Explants used in the experiment are 1.0 to 1.5 cm long nodal segments from specially cultivated mother plants. These explants were subjected to a combined method of sterilization with 0.2% solution of HgCI2 for 3 minutes followed by 0.50% solution of NaClO for 20 minutes and 0.25% solution of NaClO for 30 minutes. The best results of multiplication were obtained in basic MS medium with added BAP quantity of 0.5 to 3.0 mg/L. After being separated from the mother plants the young shoots are placed directly in compost mixture for rooting and adaptation. Thus the process of multiplication is shortened, avoiding the period of in vitro rooting.