This study evaluated the effect of two native PGPR strains from an arid region (Mendoza, Argentina) on the rooting of woody cuttings of Vitis spp. These strains are known for their growth-promoting capacity, including auxin production. Dormant V. vinifera cv. Malbec cuttings were grafted onto four rootstocks - 1103 Paulsen, 110 Richter, 101-14 MGt and SO4. Then, basal ends of these grafted cuttings and own rooted controls were incubated for 12 h in solutions of (1) Pseudomonas 42P4 at 10(7) CFU mL(-1), (2) Enterobacter 64S1 at 10(7) CFU mL(-1), (3) autoclaved LB medium, (4) water, and (5) a quick-dip immersion of Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). After treatment, the cuttings were placed in a forcing chamber at 28 degrees C and relative humidity similar to 100% for 21 days. Rooting parameters and scion-rootstock union percentages were recorded. Pseudomonas 42P4 significantly promoted rooting in Malbec own-rooted cuttings. However, Enterobacter 64S1 had negative or null effects. Furthermore, Pseudomonas 42P4 enhanced rooting in Malbec grafted onto 1103 Paulsen, but not on 101-14 MGt, 110 Richter or SO4. This strain also improved graft union success on SO4, but did not affect the other rootstocks. These results suggest that a dryland native strain such as Pseudomonas 42P4 could sustainably enhance the quality of both own-rooted and grafted grapevine plants in commercial nurseries.