Cultivo in vitro de Zea mays para pesquisa de inoculantes

Abstract

This study aimed to establish na in vitro cultivation protocol for Zea mays (corn) inoculated with the rhizobacteria Azospirillum brasilense and Pseudomonas fluorescens. A seed asepsis protocol was developed and standardized, using 5% sodium hypochlorite for 15 minutes, which ensured the elimination of contaminants without compromising germination viability. Different cultivation containers were evaluated, with palm heart pots proving to provide faster and more efficient germination compared to test tubes. A low-cost prototype for seedling acclimatization was successfully designed and tested, facilitating the transition from the in vitro environment to external conditions. Microbiological validation of the inoculants confirmed product quality, with vigorous growth and no contamination on the specific NFb and King B media. Additionally, cell recovery demonstrated the effective fixation of the bacteria on the seeds. It was concluded that the established protocol is viable and effective, providing a solid foundation for future research on the growth-promoting effects of these rhizobacteria on corn, contributing to the advancement of biotechnologies applied to more sustainable agriculture.