Response of Musa species to macro-propagation. I: Genetic and initiation media effects on number, quality and survival of plantlets at prenursery and early nursery stages

Abstract

Ricehull and sawdust were evaluated as Musa sucker plantlet initiation media using five genotypes as test plants. Sword-sucker-corms whose apical dominance was physically destroyed were planted and evaluated for plantlet production during a period of about five months. The number, quality and pattern of plantlets produced and their survival were studied. Results showed that initiation media had statistically similar effects on most parameters measured. However, number of days to the emergence of the second and third plantlets was significantly (P<0.05) earlier in ricehull. Variable genotypic responses to measured traits were in most cases significant. Days to emergence of the first and fifth plantlet were shortest in ‘FHIA 17\' (a dessert banana hybrid) and longest in ‘PITA 25\' (a plantain hybrid). Emergence of the first three plantlets in landrace plantain (‘Agbagba\') was earlier than in dessert banana landrace (‘Nsukka Local\'). A higher proportion of plantlets excised from landrace genotypes had roots than those from the hybrids. Similarly, higher percentage of plantlets initiated in sawdust had roots (irrespective of genotypes). Survival of plantlets varied with genotypes, initiation media and rooting status of plantlets at the time of excision. In most cases plantlets excised with roots had higher percentage of survival. However, all plantlets of ‘Nsukka Local\' initiated in sawdust but were rootless survived. Slightly higher proportion of plantlets initiated in sawdust (irrespective of rooting status) survived than those initiated in ricehull. However, evidences from the study showed that either ricehull or sawdust could be used for generating plantlets from corm of Musa species.

African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 4 (3), pp. 223-228, 2005