Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies

Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies

Vol. 14, Issue No.2, December 2025

Discipline: Multidisciplinary Studies

Publisher: Misamis University

ISSN 2350-7020 (Print)
ISSN 2362-9436 (Online)

ABSTRACT

https://doi.org/10.62249/jmds.2013.2456

Optimization of In Vitro PEG-induced Drought Stress and Evaluation of Morpho-physiological and Biochemical Response in Coffea arabica L.

1,2Aron Louie L. Paler and 2Catherine C. Arradaza

1School of Agriculture, Forestry and Environmental Studies, J.H. Cerilles State College,
Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines
2Department of Horticulture, Visayas State University, Baybay City, Leyte, Philippines
Corresponding author: Aron Louie L. Paler, email: aronlouie.paler@jhcsc.edu.ph

Coffee (Coffea arabica L.) has low drought tolerance and is therefore vulnerable to prolonged water deficits under changing climatic conditions. This study aimed to optimize an in vitro drought stress protocol using PEG 6000 and evaluate the morpho-physiological and biochemical responses of coffee regenerants. Zygotic embryos were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium, and after three months, regenerants were subcultured onto MS media supplemented with 0, 2, 4, and 6% (w/v) PEG 6000. The experiment was arranged in a Completely Randomized Design with three replications. Results indicated that increasing PEG concentrations impaired Arabica coffee regenerants, reducing growth, photosynthetic pigments, and water relations, while increasing membrane permeability, reflecting overall cellular stress. Stomatal density decreased, suggesting reduced gas exchange capacity, whereas leaf temperature increased, implying reduced transpirational cooling. Shoot and root growth were also reduced, although soluble sugar content increased, suggesting osmotic adjustment. Antioxidant activity and carotenoid content remained statistically unchanged. Overall, higher dosages of PEG 6000 effectively simulated drought stress in vitro, with 6% being the most effective. The optimized protocol provides a reliable and cost-effective tool for drought screening in vitro to enhance climate resilience in coffee production.

Keywords :   Arabica coffee, climate resilience, embryo culture, PEG 6000, osmotic stress

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