The Effects of Different Rhizobacteria and Mycorrhiza Applications on Seedling Growth and Development of Dahlia variabilis 'Violet'

This study was carried out to determine the effects of different plant growth promoting rhizobacteria and mycorrhizae on the growth and development of from seed to seedling of Dahlia variabilis (starflower) plant, which is widely produced in the world as a cut flower and outdoor ornamental plant, and which is becoming increasingly widespread in Turkey. Within the scope of the study, Enterobacter cloacae (ZE-2), Bacillus cereus (ZE-7), Pseudomonas putida (ZE-12), Acinetobacter calcoaceticus (ZE-13), Burkholderia cepecia. (7-a-2) bacterial species and commercially available mycorrhiza (5000 ppm) were applied to seeds of Dahlia variabilis 'Violet' cultivar. In the study, to determine the effects of applications on seedling growth and development; germination rate (%), seedling height (cm), stem diameter (mm), number of leaves (piece), plant fresh weight (g), plant dry weight (g), root length (cm), root fresh weight (g), root dry weight (g) and SPAD value and chlorophyll content were measured. At the end of the study, it was determined that the applications had different effects on D. variabilis. It was determined that Pseudomonas putida (ZE-12) application increased germination by 13% compared to the control, and Acinetobacter calcoaceticus (ZE-13) increased the seedling height by 32.9%. In conclusion, with this study, it was determined that these bacteria, which are of natural origin and do not harm the environment, have the potential to be used in seedling cultivation in ornamental plants, and it is important to expand the use of these applications in the ornamental plant’s production sector.