Micropropagation and Commercial Utilization of Elite Genotypes of Banana (Musa Spp.)

Abstract

In the present investigation in vitro clonal propagation of six important banana cultivars viz., Sabari, Mehersagar, Ranginsagar, Jahaji, Agniswar and Binathuri and subsequent field evaluation of microclones for commercial exploitation were explored. The present study also includes callus induction from male flower culture of five banana cultivars (viz, Sabari, Mehersagar, Ranginsagar, Jahaji and Agniswar) followed by somatic embryogenesis, plant regeneration from somaLic embryos and subsequent field evaluation of embryo derived plants for exploring possible occurrence of soma clonal variations. For micropropagation shoot-tips of one-two months-old suckers were surface sterilized with 0.1 % HgCh for 15 min followed by 3-4 times washing with sterilized distilled H20, For the establishment of primary culture the shoot-tips (5x8 mm with 2-3 pairs of leaf primordia together with 3 mm of rhizomatous base) of six banana cultivars were cultured onto agar gelled MS medium supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of BAP and KJN. The cultures were inoculated al 25±1 °C under cool florescent white light (2500-3000 Lux). In vitro culture response during initial establishment was found to be influenced with genotypes and culture media formulations. Among the various growth regulators formulations 5 mg/I BAP were found to be most effective for Sabari, Mehersagar, Jahaji, and Binathuri. Whereas, BAP 8 mg/I was found most effective formulation for the primary establishment of cv. Agnishwar.