African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 6 (9), pp. 1095-1101, 2 May 2007   

ISSN 1684–5315 © 2007 Academic Journals        

Full Length Research Paper

Effect of immersion systems on chlorophyll contents in micro-propagating banana

Ikram-ul-Haq and Muhammad Umar Dahot*

Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (IBGE), University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Pakistan.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: udahot@yahoo.com.

Accepted 2 March, 2007

Banana is a nutritionally as well as economically important plant for which (Basrai variety) an efficient micro-propagation protocol was developed by using micro-stem cutting, as an explant. The maximum numbers of plantlets with higher chlorophyll and lower carotenoid contents were observed, which developed through routinely used tissue culture system (10.0 µM BA; 8.0 µM IAA; 3.0 g/L phytagel) for organogenesis, permanent immersion system (10.0 µM BA; 1.0 g/L phytagel) for shoot induction and temporary immersion system (10.0 µM BA; 2.0 g/L phytagel) for shoot multiplication. The developed plantlets were cultured on 0.5 MS medium with IBA (0.01 mg/L). Rooted plantlets were successfully transferred to field after initial acclimatization.

Key words: In-vitro, Musa spp, Basrai; micro-propagation, IAA, L-cystein, immersion system and meristematic shoot tip culture, chlorophyll contents.