BENEFICIAL EFFECT OF ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAS ON ACCLIMATIZATION OF MICROPROPAGATED CASSAVA PLANTLETS

Survival and development of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) plantle ts has been increased by modifying tissue culture protocols and by myc orrhizal inoculation. About 90% of plantlets were successfully rooted in vitro and 75% survived after the acclimatization phase, Inoculation with Glomus deserticola early in the post vitro weaning stage enhance d percent survival and improved tolerance to the transplanting stress. Shoot, root and tuber development of the micropropagated plants was i ncreased following inoculation with different arbuscular mycorrhizal ( AM) fungi. Growth responses were dependent on both the cultivar (clone ) and the AM fungi involved. G. deserticola was very effective in impr oving growth of both clones, the effectivity of G. clarum and C. fasci culatum being dependent on the cultivar, These results emphasize the n eed for selection trials before appropriate plant cultivar/AM fungi co mbinations can be recommended, (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.