In vitro culture of bananas

Abstract

The earliest application of in vitro culture for Musa was reported by Cox et al. (1960) who successfully cultured zygotic embryos. This in vitro technique was developed to overcome the erratic and generally low germination of banana seeds. Ram et al. (1964) grew parthenocarpic green fruit pulp of several clones in vitro. Although callus formed, no organ formation was detected. The first in vitro clonal propagation was reported by Ma and Shii (1972, 1974) in Taiwan. The high incidence of Fusarium wilt in that country and the need to replant large areas annually necessitated the use of clean planting material. Berg and Bustamente (1974) reported success of eradication of cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) from banana by combining heat therapy and in vitro meristem culture. Irridated banana shoots were cultured in vitro by De Guzman (1975) and De Guzman et al. (1976, 1980) for mutation induction. Since this groundwork much information has been accumulated about in vitro culture of Musa and the considerable potential benefits have been recognized. Significant progress has been made and practical applications have been introduced for the management and improvement of Musa.