In vitro propagation of cambuci ( Campomanesia phaea) : An endangered exotic fruit and ornamental plant from Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Cambuci ( Campomanesia phaea ) is a species from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest biome with a low propagation rate and is under risk of extinction. This plant has ornamental value, and its fruits have numerous nutraceutical and medicinal properties. The objective of the present study was to apply plant tissue culture techniques in its propagation. Seeds were germinated in vitro using MS and WPM medium at three pH values (5.8, 5.2, and 4.5). It was demonstrated that this species needs a reduced concentration of salts and acidic pH for its development. From in vitro twinned plants, three explant types (nodal segment, hypocotyl, and root) were evaluated under the action of the cytokinins BAP, zeatin, and kinetin at concentrations 0.0, 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 mg L −1 . The nodal segments inoculated on WPM medium containing 3% sucrose, 0.2% Phytagel®, 1.0 mg L −1 BAP at 4.5 pH showed the best formation of shoots, while the other treatments showed susceptibility to oxidation. Regenerated rooted plants showed a survival rate of 94.4% after acclimatization.