Phenological, developmental, and biomass production responses of malting barley to Azospirillum argentinense inoculation and the role of indole-3-acetic acid

Abstract

This study explores the influence of the inoculation with Azospirillum argentinense Az39 on the phenological development and growth of barley plants (Hordeum vulgare L. var. Andreia) and assesses the resulting effects on yield and its numerical components. Furthermore, considering that one of the most important mechanisms of this strain is the production of the auxin indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), we also examine the role of this phytohormone in these responses.