Effects of nano silver particles applications on rooting of grapevine cuttings

The reproduction of grapevine genotypes, one of the most important species in the world, while preserving their genetic characteristics is practically done by rooting cuttings. Cutting rooting studies for seedling production in nursery conditions often remain below the expected productivity level due to biotic and abiotic stress-related reasons. Studies to increase nursery yields are still on the agenda of grapevine researchers. In this study, the effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) produced by green synthesis method using Ekşi Kara (Vitis vinifera L.) grape seed extract and AgNO3 on rooting and vegetative development of standard (TS 4027) cuttings taken during the dormancy period of Vits vinifera L. cvs Ekşi Kara and Gök Üzüm varieties were investigated under greenhouse conditions. Cuttings treated by keeping in 1 g L-1 AgNPs, 2 g L-1 AgNPs, 0.1 g L-1 IBA and 0.2 g L-1 IBA solutions for 24 hours were planted in black, 1 L volume seedling bags filled with 1:1 peat: perlite in the greenhouse, while the control was kept in pure water for 24 hours and planted. Changes in sprouting rate, plant transformation rate, shoot length, shoot diameter, number of nodes, stomatal conductance, leaf temperature, photosynthetic efficiency, leaf fresh and dry weight, SPAD, root number, root length, root fresh and root weight were examined in developing seedlings. In evaluating the effects of AgNPs and IBA applications on cutting rooting and vegetative development, ANOVA in the R Studio program, post hoc analysis with Tukey test, and Principal Component Analyses (PCAs) were used to better understand and depict the correlations between the examined variables. This analysis method was performed using ggplot2 in R Studio for root fresh weight and root number. Heatmap generated by the pheatmap package was used to visualize the correlation and variation. As a result of this study, AgNPs applications were found to be more effective than IBA applications in rooting of grapevine cuttings and vegetative development of young plants. From now on, 1 g L-1 AgNPs can be tested as a support and/or economical alternative to IBA for the promotion of rooting of cuttings and vegetative development of young plants for subsequent clonal propagation.