Abstract:
In vitro shoot-tip culture is a suitable alternative to the traditional
methods of propagation of banana (Musa spp). In the present study, ten banana
cultivars of the group AAA, AAB and ABB were tested for in vitro multiplication.
The study revealed that shoot-tip culture technique can be used for mass
propagation of the local cultivars of banana. A variation in multiplication rate
was seen not only among different genomic groups but also among cultivars of
the same group: highest multiplication was observed in Binkehel (AAA) while
the lowest was in Alukehel (ABB) and Suwandel (AAB). Thus, multiplication
rate appears to be cultivar dependant. The study also showed that subculturing
enhances shoot multiplication, especially after the second subculture.
