The Rural Development Administration (RDA), led by Chief Lee Seung-don, announced on the 10th the selection of a uniquely fragrant domestic rose, RosaScentNIHHS1, highlighting its distinctive aromatic characteristics. This discovery is pivotal as the beauty and fragrance industries become increasingly reliant on natural ingredients, suggesting a strategic shift in sourcing practices within South Korea.

Roses are not only cherished for ornamental purposes but also represent a significant resource for the natural fragrance market, particularly in perfumes and cosmetics. Currently, reliance on imports for fragrance materials, including rose extracts, has reached an alarming 97.6% of the total import-export volume, emphasizing the urgent need for domestic alternatives to enhance the country’s fragrance sector sovereignty.

The selection of RosaScentNIHHS1 follows rigorous analyses conducted since 2021, which assessed the fragrance intensity and electronic olfactory characteristics of 35 rose varieties. This specific rose consistently exhibited higher fragrance intensity readings, positioning it as a strong candidate for both research and potential commercialization.

Chemical analysis of the petal constituents revealed that the rose contains approximately 19.2% 3,5-dimethoxytoluene (3,5-DMT)—which contributes a warm and sweet scent—along with 11.9% citronellol for a refreshing character, and 10.1% geraniol, which evokes associations with both rose and geranium fragrances. The consistency of its aromatic profile was corroborated through electronic nose methodologies.

Furthermore, comparative analyses of essential oil extracts indicated that RosaScentNIHHS1 has a fragrance strength approximately 25% greater than traditional oil-bearing roses. Such characteristics position this rose as a valuable asset within the fragrance material spectrum and present a viable option for manufacturers aiming to bolster their portfolios with high-quality domestic resources.

This research has been documented in the floral-specific journal, Horticultural Research. The RDA has completed the plant patent application for this exceptional scented rose and is currently engaged in standardization research to optimize cultivation and production processes for industrial application.

According to Yoo Eun-ha, a researcher in the RDA's National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science, 'Fragrance is one of the key characteristics that enhance the value-add of floral crops.' She further expressed optimism that the marketability of domestic roses extends beyond mere aesthetic appreciation to include applications as fragrance materials, ultimately broadening the scope of the floral industry.