The objective of this work was to study the effect of 2,4-D and BAP in the induction of callus formation from leaf segments of Coffea arabica L. cv Rubi plantlets obtained through in vitro germination as well as to determine its growth curve, protein pattern and levels of total proteins and reducing sugars. The results indicated that explants inoculated in the absence of growth regulators or in the presence of BAP only showed no callus formation. Maximum callus production is obtained when 1.0 mg L-1 2,4-D is used. The callus growth curve showed a sigmoidal shape with 3 distinct phases: lag (0-42 d), exponential (42-77 d) and linear (77-84 d). It was not observed accumulation of proteins in any of the phases of callus growth and maximum levels of reducing sugars were observed in explants at the inoculation day. The callus protein pattern presented quantitative (intensity of bands) and qualitative (presence or absence of bands) differences.
Coffea arabica; callus induction; protein pattern
