Abstract
ABSTRACT The use of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in the production of rootstocks is an alternative to accelerate plant growth. However, their response depends on the symbionts species and environment. This study aimed at evaluating the influence of AMF species [Scutelospora heterogama, Gigaspora margarita, Glomus etunicatum, Acaulospora sp. and a control (non-inoculated)] on the vegetative development of citrus rootstocks {citrange 'Fepagro C37 Reck' [P. trifoliata (L.) Raf. x C. sinensis (L.) Osbeck.] and 'Kumquat' [Fortunella hindsii (L.) Swingle]}. The experimental design consisted of split-plot randomized blocks, with 10 plants per plot and 3 replications. Height, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf area and fresh and dry root and shoot mass were evaluated. The colonization of AMF in the roots was also assessed, determining the percentage of colonization and density of hyphae, arbuscules and vesicles. The rootstocks showed no difference for the plant growth parameters, in the absence of AMF. The AMF species colonized the rootstocks roots, but were only effective in accelerating the citrange 'Fepagro C37 Reck' growth, especially when inoculated with Scutelospora heterogama, Gigaspora margarita and Glomus etunicatum. The influence of AMF on vegetative development depends on the citrus rootstock species.
Highlights
The Brazilian citriculture is one of the most competitive activities in international agribusiness
No significant difference in vegetative development was observed between the rootstocks tested without arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation (Tables 1 and 2)
In the presence of AMF, the ‘Fepagro C37 Reck’ exhibited much better vegetative development than that of the kumquat tree, in terms of height, stem diameter, leaf area and root and shoot dry mass (g plant-1). These results reinforce the significant dependence of the citrange ‘Fepagro C37 Reck’ on the presence of AMF for its vegetative development
Summary
The Brazilian citriculture is one of the most competitive activities in international agribusiness. In some States, such as Rio Grande do Sul, the seedling production exhibits numerous limitations. One of them is the lack of rootstock diversification in the orchards, where they are grafted onto Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf. studies with different varieties of rootstock are needed, in order to decrease the vulnerability of the sector to possible new diseases (Souza et al 2010). The seedlings produced must be genetically healthy, in order to provide a high-quality product to citrus growers (Koller 2013). The Fortunella genus is widely used in landscaping, because of its beautiful canopy, flowers and fruits, and for its low vigor (Mazzini & Pio 2010), which gives this species the potential for being an alternative rootstock of citrus trees. Smaller canopies allow denser orchards, with greater production per cubic meter.
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