MICROPROPAGATION IN BANANA VAR. NENDRAN

Abstract

Microrropagation of banana variety Nendran (Musa paradasiaca L.) was attempted through shoot-tip culture. Shoot tips were grown in MS liquid medium containing coconut water. When 1 cm long shoots were transferred to solid medium minus coconut water, multiple shoots developed. Single shoots were then transferred to the rooting medium. Plantlets could be potted in pro-mix vermiculite 2-3 weeks after rooting and transplanted in the field within three months. One-month-old suckers produced only 7-8 shoots per excised shoot tip whereas 3 months old suckers produced 9-16 shoots per explant.