Acclimatization of micropropagated plants of Etlingera elatior (Jack) R. M. Sm. inoculated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi

Abstract

The traditional method of propagating Etlingera elatior (Jack) R.M. Sm. promotes the proliferation of pathogens, reducing the quality of its output. However, as an alternative, one can use in vitro culture, making it possible to obtain plants free of pathogens on a large scale. Moreover, inoculation of plants with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can be critical to ensure greater survival and development of these plants under ex vitro conditions. Thus, the present study examined the effect of AMF inoculation (Gigaspora albida and Claroideoglomus etunicatum) on success in the establishment and development of E. elatior on the acclimatization phase. Plants were inoculated with G. albida, C. etunicatum or MIX (both AMF isolates) and after cultivation in a greenhouse for 60days were evaluated for survival percentage, height, leaf area, biomass production of plants, spores number and mycorrhizal colonization. The effect of AMF on plant survival could be observed from 30days after inoculation; and by 60days, there was an increase of up to 50% in survival compared to non-inoculated plants. In addition, mycorrhizal inoculation also provided better performance in plant growth, compared to those not inoculated. Finally, different effects were observed between the AMF species studied (Gigaspora albida and Claroideoglomus etunicatum). It follows from this work that plants of E. elatior respond differently to inoculation with different AMF species and show better development when acclimatized with G. albida. This finding highlights the importance of selecting the most effective isolates for specific plants.