BIOSTIMULATING EFFECTS OF ALUMINUM ON GROWTH AND METABOLISM OF SUGARCANE in vitro

Abstract

Aluminum (Al³⁺) is a beneficial element that at low doses can promote growth, development and metabolism in plants. This research evaluated the effect of aluminum (Al³⁺) on growth indicators (number of shoots and leaves, shoot size, length and width of leaves, weight of fresh and dry biomass) and biochemical indicators [concentration of chlorophylls (a, b and total), sugars, proteins and amino acids] in sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) varieties Mex 69-290 and CP 72-2086, during the multiplication stage under in vitro culture conditions. Four doses of Al³⁺: 0, 50, 100 and 150 μM were tested at planting, and the variables were measured 30 days later. Data were subjected to one-way analysis of variance and means were compared by the Tukey test (P ≤ 0.05). The application of 100 μM Al³⁺ in the variety CP 72-2086 increased leaf length and width, number of leaves and shoots, chlorophylls a and b concentration, sugars, proteins and amino acids. The treatment with 50 μM Al³⁺ in variety Mex 69-290 showed the best biostimulant effect by increasing the number of leaves and shoots, leaf length and width, chlorophyll a, and total sugars. Al3+ had a biostimulant effect by improving growth and biochemical indicators of Mex 69-290 and CP 72-2086 varieties grown in vitro.