ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZA IN COFFEE GENOTYPES GROWN IN CERRADO

Abstract

Abstract

 Coffee is one of the most important agricultural crops worldwide, with Brazil being one of the largest producers, especially in the Cerrado biome. The Cerrado region, known for its low natural soil fertility, presents unique challenges that can be mitigated through the use of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), which form mutualistic associations with plant roots, improving nutrient absorption and tolerance. to abiotic stresses. This study aimed to investigate the diversity of AMF associated with different coffee varieties in the Cerrado and to understand how this diversity may influence plant adaptation and productivity in low-fertility soils. An experiment was conducted at the Instituto Federal Goiano – Campus Ceres, using 35 coffee genotypes in a randomized block design. The rhizospheric soil samples were collected for analysis of spore density and mycorrhizal colonization rate. Statistical analysis was used to compare the interactions between different varieties and genera of the identified AMF. There were no statistically significant differences in spore density or colonization rate between the coffee lines, indicating a uniform interaction between the varieties and AMF. The selection of coffee varieties that form efficient associations with AMF may be a valuable strategy for improving productivity and sustainability in low-fertility soils. Understanding these mycorrhizal interactions offers important guidelines for agricultural management, promoting more resilient cropping practices adapted to local conditions.