News » 20.10.2026 - Examining the effects of IAA gene-positive bacillus strains on geranium cuttings

Pelargonium spp. (Geraniaceae) is a widely cultivated ornamental plant of significant economic importance worldwide. Although green cuttings are commonly used for propagation, considerable losses may still occur during vegetative propagation process.

Within this framework, the present study aimed to evaluate the influence of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) on adventitious root formation and seedling quality in Pelargonium cuttings. Rhizobacterial formulations carrying the indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) biosynthesis gene were identified through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis and subsequently evaluated. Three distinct formulations were developed for the study. Formulation 1 consisted of Bacillus altitudinis, while Formulation 2 was based on Bacillus subtilis. Formulation 3 comprised a combined application of B. altitudinis and B. subtilis. These treatments were initially applied to green cuttings via a dipping method, followed by continued soil applications to assess their effects on rooting performance and seedling development. The results demonstrated that rhizobacterial applications significantly improved both rooting and seedling quality parameters in Pelargonium Compared to the control, substantial increases were observed in rooting percentage, root length, seedling height, and leaf number. Specifically, rhizobacterial treatments significantly enhanced adventitious rooting and seedling growth compared with the control. Bacillus subtilis produced the highest rooting percentage and nearly doubled root length, while the combined inoculation resulted in the greatest seedling height. In contrast, leaf number was not significantly affected.

Overall, these findings indicate that PGPR applications, particularly IAA gene-positive Bacillus strains, effectively improve rooting efficiency and seedling quality in Pelargonium cuttings.

Ünlü, Emel & Özdal, Hande & Dalda Şekerci, Akife & Özcan, Hüseyin & Yılmaz, Şüheda. (2026). Effects of IAA Gene-Positive Bacillus Strains on Adventitious Rooting and Seedling Quality in Pelargonium Cuttings. Turkish Journal of Agriculture - Food Science and Technology. 14. 2894-2901. 10.24925/turjaf.v14i10.2894-2901.9057.
 

Source: www.floraldaily.com

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