Effectiveness of Azospirillum brasilense Sp245 on young plants of Vitis vinifera L.

Information about the influence of the plant growth promoting rhizobacteria Azospirillum brasilense Sp245 on the development of grapevine plants could be promoted to enhance sustainable agricultural practices for globally important fruit crops such as grapes. Thus, this study was initiated to evaluate the potential influence of A. brasilense Sp245 on two separate experimental trials, A) potted young grape plants: cv. 'Colorino' grafted onto two rootstocks 420A and 157/11 which received a fixed volume of inoculum at different times of vegetative cycle; B) hardwood cuttings from rootstock mother-plants of 420A and 775P inoculated during the phase of hydration, before bench-grafting in a specialized nursery. Overall, our results revealed that A. brasilense Sp245 has considerable potential to enhance the root apparatus and vegetative development in grapevines. Potted plants inoculated with A. brasilense Sp245 showed an improved development. Repeated supply was revealed to be more effective, inducing a greater accumulation of dry mass. Interesting findings were obtained in nursery experiments resulting from a considerable enhancement of the final quality of roots. The stimulating effect of A. brasilense Sp245 on vegetative development of rootstocks and vines may indeed improve sustainability in viticulture, through the promotion of healthy growth and a reduced dependence on fertilizers and other chemicals.