IN VITRO REJUVENATION TECHNIQUES FOR THE RAPID COMMERCIAL RELEASE OF CLONAL COFFEE PLANTS

Somatic embryogenesis was utilised to rejuvenate Robusta, Conilon and Arabusta coffee selections. In vivo micro-rammets were produced from somatic embryos and used as a source of rejuvenated cuttings.
Using this technique, rooting of the robusta selection was increased fourfold, and the rate of rooting was doubled when compared to conventional cuttings.
The number of main roots produced by rejuvenated cuttings was increased by 33%, and the main root length of rejuvenated cuttings was increased by 45% over conventionally rooted cuttings.
Rejuvenation of the cuttings also resulted in an 8-fold increase in the number of lateral roots produced.
The sum of these results was a 4.7-fold increase in total root length over conventional rooted cuttings.
The resultant product is a plant that can be produced more cheaply, quicker, exhibits faster growth in the field and more resistant to water stress than plants produced from conventional cuttings.

XXV International Horticultural Congress, Part 10: Application of Biotechnology and Molecular Biology and Breeding – In Vitro Culture.

J.E. Vos, B. Snijder

Coffea, in vitro culture, clonal propagation, Coffea canephora, Coffee, cuttings, micropropagation, rejuvenation, roots, somatic embryogenesis, tissue culture

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2000.520.12