Physiological and Productive Responses of Rosa × hybrida. cv. White O’Hara to Foliar Applications of Ascophyllum nodosum-Based Biostimulants

Biostimulants from Ascophyllum nodosum (L.) are effective as regulators of molecular, physiological and biochemical processes in plants. Two independent experiments were conducted using foliar application in Rosa × hybrida variety White O’Hara of two A. nodosum-based biostimulant formulations (B1: A. nodosum (10% w/v), N, P2O5, K, Ca, Mg, oxidizable total organic carbon (3% w/v), minor elements, and free amino acids (3.9% w/v); B2: A. nodosum (11% w/v), oxidizable total organic carbon (6.8% w/v) N (37.2% w/v), and P2O5 (50% w/v)). Each experiment was conducted in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with a factorial arrangement including four treatments (0; 0.5; 1.0; and 1.5 mL L−1), which were evaluated over two production cycles. Foliar chlorophyll (μmol m−2), stomatal conductance (mmol m−2 s−1), and leaf vapor pressure deficit were measured every two weeks, and productivity was evaluated at the end of the cycle. Statistical differences were detected in chlorophyll content for the application of B1 and B2 over two production cycles with increases of around 16–17% in chlorophyll compared to the control. Significant differences in stomatal conductance were detected during weeks 20 and 22 for all doses. The control treatment consistently exhibited lower means for the leaf vapor pressure deficit compared to B1 and B2. Biostimulants improved photosynthetic activity and carbon assimilation and also delayed leaf senescence. B1 at 1 mL L−1 reduced unproductive stems from 54% to 38% compared to the control. Biostimulant treatments enhanced physiological tolerance to temperature extremes (2.2–32.6 °C). Based on the results, 1.5 mL L−1 of the B1 biostimulant and 1 mL L−1 of the B2 are recommended; these findings offer key insights for optimizing rose cultivation and prove that intensive floriculture can be both productive and sustainable.