A new study published in In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology – Plant reports that graphene oxide (GO), a nanomaterial known for its unique physicochemical properties, can significantly enhance adventitious root formation when used alongside the plant growth regulator indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) in apple rootstock (Malus domestica M9-T337).
Researchers from Henan Agricultural University, China, found that low concentrations of GO (0.1–1.0 mg/L) stimulated root initiation but inhibited elongation when used alone. However, when combined with IBA, GO substantially increased the rooting rate and number of lateral roots. The combined treatment also boosted ethylene production and upregulated genes responsible for ethylene synthesis (MdACO1, MdACS2) and signal transduction (MdEIN3), key regulators in plant root development.
Further molecular analysis revealed that the GO + IBA treatment increased expression of root regeneration genes (MdLBD29, MdWOX11) and cell cycle genes (CYCD3;1, CYCD3;2), suggesting a synergistic mechanism enhancing cellular activity and root formation. Additionally, GO modulated reactive oxygen species (ROS) balance, lowering hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) levels while increasing superoxide radicals (O₂•–).
The authors conclude that graphene oxide interacts synergistically with auxin to regulate root formation, providing a potential biotechnological approach for improving the rooting efficiency of woody plants like apple. This discovery may open pathways to more efficient micropropagation techniques and sustainable horticultural production.
Reference
Wei, Y., Dong, Z., Zhu, W., Jiao, J., Wang, M., Zhang, K., Hao, P., Zhao, Y., Song, C., Zheng, X., & Bai, T. (2025). Synergistic effects of graphene oxide and auxin on adventitious root formation and development in apple rootstock. In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology – Plant. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11627-025-10602-9
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