Roles of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on acclimatization of clones of Coffea arabica L. produced by somatic embryogenesis

Abstract

ABSTRACT The production of Coffea arabica L. clone seedlings through the somatic embryogenesis technique is one of the alternatives of greatest demand for coffee producers. However, clones can face difficulties related to acclimatization carried out under greenhouse conditions, which can increase the production costs. A tested alternative with promising results is inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) during the seedling acclimatization process. Thus, this study aimed to promote the improvement of the seedling production process through somatic embryogenesis associated with inoculation with AMF. For the production of the clones, seedlings were used in the phase when they presented four pairs of leaves (Clone 1 “Fruiting red Catucaí” and Clone 2 “Acauã”), using “somatic embryogenesis” bioreactors, followed by inoculation with Rhizophagus clarus, Gigaspora margarita and Acaulospora mellea, a mixture of R. clarus and G. margarita and a mixture of R. clarus, G. margarita and A. mellea. After six months, agronomic parameters, leaf nutrient contents and root mycorrhizal colonization were evaluated. The studied clones behaved differently when inoculated with AMFs. Clone 1 showed the best development in the greenhouse, which was determined by the agronomic parameters. Thus, Clone 1 is indicated for the production of vigorous seedlings when associated with inoculation with AMFs.