Effects of the use of mycorrhizal fungi on growth, development and flowering of some bedding plants under water stress

Today, ornamental plants have become a sector as important and developing as food production. In addition to raising healthy individuals, creating livable open spaces in growing cities with increasing population density and raising environmental awareness for new generations are among the responsibilities of ornamental plants. In the 21st century, people are faced with unplanned urbanization, dense industrial areas surrounding cities, environmental problems brought by the ever-increasing population, and the accompanying climate change problems. The ornamental plants sector has also been exposed to the effects of climate change. It has become necessary to adopt approaches that will adapt to this change. These approaches include practices such as the use of natural plants with strong adaptation abilities, the development of varieties resistant to extreme conditions, and the adoption of environmentally friendly production methods. Especially in landscaping works, seasonal flowers are among the plant materials that require high care and water. When considered in the context of climate change, these plants, which have regular irrigation periods, are exposed to intense water coming from drought and sudden rains, and this negatively affects plant development. For this reason, within the scope of the study, plant growth and development parameters of the use of mycorrhizal fungi against water stress in Tagates patula (Marigold) and Petunia x hybrida (Petunia flower) plants, which are frequently used in landscaping studies, were examined. As a result of the research, Tagates sp. (Marigold) and Petunia x hybrida (Petunia flower) flowers have been found to be effective in many parameters against water stress in the use of mycorrhizal fungi.