What is the primary benefit of using rooting hormones in plant propagation?

Using rooting hormones in plant propagation primarily promotes root development. These hormones contain growth substances like auxins that stimulate the formation and growth of roots in cuttings. When cuttings are taken from a parent plant, they often struggle to establish roots on their own. The application of rooting hormones helps to enhance the cutting's ability to root by accelerating the cellular processes involved in root formation. This results in a higher success rate for propagating new plants from cuttings, allowing for effective and efficient propagation practices in both nurseries and home gardening.

The other options highlight benefits that are not directly related to the purpose of rooting hormones. While enhancing flower color and improving photosynthesis are important aspects of plant growth, they are not the primary function of rooting hormones. Likewise, preventing pest infestations is crucial for plant health, but it falls outside the scope of what rooting hormones aim to achieve during the propagation process. Therefore, the primary focus remains on the promotion of root development, which is essential for the establishment of new plants.