The current experiment was conducted to study the response of Ficus elastica
var. decora air-layers to seven treatments of IBA (control, 50 and 100 ppm
in rooting substrate, 1500 and 3000 ppm by painting girdled zone, and 1500 and
3000 ppm in talc paste) in the presence of root promoting microorganisms including
Bacillus subtilis and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). The obtained
results indicated that 3000 ppm IBA applied by painting girdled zone gave a significant
increase in rooting percentage and the best root and growth characteristics
(number of days for root appearance, number, length, fresh and dry weights
of roots per rooted air-layer, survival percentage, plant height and number of
leaves and shoots) as well as total content of carbohydrates and phenolics, and
showed the shortest period required for root appearance in comparison with the
other treatments. Air-layers treated with B. subtilis were superior to those treated
with AMF. The best results concerning rooting percentage, root characteristics,
total contents of carbohydrates and phenolics, survival percentage, increment in
growth of air-layers after six months from detachment were observed in airlayers
treated with 3000 ppm IBA by painting girdled zone in combination with
B. subtilis followed by the same IBA treatment combined with AMF.