AARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAL FUNGI IN COFFEE GROWTH (Coffea arabica L.) VARIETIES GARNICA, CATIMOR, CATURRA AND CATUAÍ

Abstract

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi can increase yield, improving growth and the vegetative development of coffee plants. The introduction of arbuscular mycorrhizas during nursery stay increases the fungal
benefits since the adequate management of mycorrhizal inoculum favors the production of more vigorous coffee seedlings at low cost. The effect of two mycorrhizal inoculants was studied: Zac-19 (formed by tree fungal species) and other monospecific (Rhizophagus aggregatus) in four coffee varieties (Garnica, Catimor, Caturra and Catuaí). The plants were inoculated from seed and remained in the nursery for eleven months. The inoculum Zac-19 was the most effective in promoting plant growth and development. Significant differences were obtained between treatments and increments with respect to the control in height (198%), foliar area (676%), root volume (910%) and dry weight (1,063%). Regarding all coffee varieties, it was observed that R. aggregatus was not as efficient as Zac-19, but significantly increased all variables; except plant height. Catuaí variety did not respond favorably to mycorrhizal inoculation. The plant inoculation with Zac-19 allowed obtaining healthy and vigorous plants for field transplant sooner than in the control plants. The use of this fungal inoculum is recommended for coffee nurseries.