Physiological response of Cinchona officinalis L., the Peruvian national tree, inoculated with native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi under nursery conditions in the Amazon rainforest

Abstract

This study evaluated the agronomic response of Cinchona officinalis L. to inoculation with native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) under nursery conditions in the province of Condorcanqui, Amazonas, at 315 m.a.s.l., an unusually low elevation for a species typically found between 1000 and 3000 m.a.s.l. The main objective was to assess the physiological response of C. officinalis to AMF inoculation in lowland conditions. A completely randomized design was implemented, including five native AMF consortia and one non-inoculated control. Growth and symbiotic parameters such as plant height, dry biomass, mycorrhizal colonization, and spore diversity were measured. Results showed that inoculation with AMF consortia from San Jerónimo and Yambrasbamba significantly enhanced plant growth and symbiosis, indicating a positive effect on early development. These findings suggest that AMF play a key role in facilitating early establishment and seedling performance under low-elevation nursery conditions. This is one of the first reports demonstrating the potential of using native AMF to promote the successful propagation of this important forest species outside its natural altitudinal range, offering a sustainable strategy for conservation and restoration efforts in the Peruvian Amazon.