The secret to plants' success as sessile organisms lies in their remarkable ability to adapt their body plans to the constraints and opportunities presented by their ever-changing environments. Among the many environmental factors influencing plants, light is particularly critical. Beyond serving as the primary energy source for photosynthesis, light acts as an essential informational cue, guiding plant development and behavior. For example, darkness indicates which parts of the plant are buried in the soil, helping identify the most suitable locations for root formation. However, the mechanisms by which darkness regulates rooting competence remain poorly understood. In this project, I aim to investigate these mechanisms at multiple levels. First, I will examine how developmental and hormonal contexts contribute to rooting competence. Second, I will explore the molecular regulatory mechanisms involved, employing transcriptome analysis, genome editing, and additional analyses of gene functions. This research will offer fundamental insights into the factors governing rooting competence and may pave the way for innovative strategies to enhance the rooting of stem cuttings, thereby improving clonal propagation of elite agricultural and horticultural varieties.