o:5736 Enhancing seed germination of Ocimum basilicum by Bacillus spp. en Abstract: Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is widely used in traditional medicine, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, nutraceuticals, and food industries due to its aromatic profile and health benefits from its phenolic and flavonoid compounds. It is also a common spice for enhancing the aroma and flavour of meals in various cultures. Treating seeds with selected PGP (plant growth promoting) bacteria can enhance germination efficiency by inducing a physiological state favourable for seed germination through various mechanisms, such as nutrient solubilisation, production of growth hormones, and biocontrol of pathogens. Also, bio-inoculants based on these beneficial bacteria could reduce the dependency on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, thereby mitigating environmental pollution and promoting soil health. Therefore, the aim of this research was a preliminary evaluation of the effects of Bacillus spp. on seed germination of basil in vitro. Seed germination test was performed by filter paper methods on Petri dishes. Basil seeds were treated by Bacillus spp. soil isolates (BHC 2.3 and BHC 2.4), by soaking seeds in overnight bacterial culture. Bacterial isolates were selected based on their previously determined antifungal activity against different Fusarium phytopathogens and the ability to produce indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). After 10 days of experiment, the relative seed germination index (RSGI%) was determined by comparing the number of germinated seeds in treated seeds and untreated control. Results showed that basil seeds treated by isolate BHC 2.4 and BHC 2.3 had RSGI values of 108.69% and 96.65%, respectively. These results indicate the potential of selected Bacillus spp. isolates to enhance germination of basil seeds. Future research should focus on optimizing the application methods and formulations of bio-inoculants based on Bacillus spp. to maximize their effectiveness under semi-controlled conditions and field experiments in order to offer alternative approaches in sustainable agricultural practices. PGP bacteria, soil isolates, bio-inoculants, sustainable agriculture 1552100 978-99976-816-5-2 2024-10-17T11:19:57.332Z 44 no 46 Marina Jovković Institute of Soil Science 0000-0001-7224-8556 46 Aneta Buntić Institute of Soil Science 0000-0002-7068-1804 46 Marija Milić Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia 0000-0002-1528-4283 46 Aleksandra Jelušić Institute for Multidisciplinary Research, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia 0000-0002-0488-6182 46 Snežana Dimitrijević Institute of Medicinal Plants Research “Dr Josif Pančić”, Belgrade, Serbia 0000-0001-8729-6307 46 Mira Milinković Institute of Soil Science 0000-0001-5175-6842 46 Magdalena Knežević Institute of Soil Science 0000-0003-0186-3652 application/pdf 1994674 https://unilib.phaidrabg.rs/o:5736 no yes 1 70 92000004 71A05 Book of Abstracts: XV International Scientific Agriculture Symposium “AGROSYM 2024”, Jahorina, October 10 - 13, 2024 393 393 2024