African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 4 (10), pp. 1139-1141, October 2005          
ISSN 1684–5315 © 2005 Academic Journals

Short Communication

Probable functions and remobilisation of calcium oxalates in Musa L.

OSUJI, J.O.¹ and NDUKWU, B.C.^2*

Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, University of Port Harcourt, P.M.B. 5323, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

*Corresponding Authors Email: osujijulian@`hotmail.com, ndukwu_3@yahoo.com.

Accepted 24 June, 2005

The occurrence and distribution of calcium oxalate crystals were investigated in the young and ageing structures of Musa L. cultivars. The calcium oxalate crystals were tested histochemically and examined using light microscopy. The studies revealed the presence of varying forms of the crystals including intra-amylar, solitary and raphide bundles in the different tissues and organs. Remobilization and redistribution of the crystals were observed following senescence in all the cultivars investigated. The usefulness of these observations in understanding the functions and fate of calcium oxalate crystals in plants are highlighted.

Key words: Calcium oxalate, Musa cultivars, remobilization, senescence.