Acclimatization and growth enhancement of banana propagules produced by tissue culture

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the effect of different soil media and temperature on acclimatization of banana propagules in cooled plastic house as well as the effect of some chemicals and growth hormones on their growth and development. It was found that the medium composed of 2 sand:1 gurera or pure sand were respectively the best soil media for acclimatization of banana propagules. Un covered of the propagules in the plastic house were found to be better than covered ones. Placement of propagules on the house end near the cooling pads (the coolest part of the green house) gave better growth compared to placement far from the cooling pads. The addition of henna extract solution increased the fresh weights of roots. Application of 30 – 45 g/l of betaine increased, fresh and dry weights of vegetative parts. After acclimatization addition of super phosphate gave the best result for all growth parameters. But the addition of 3 g urea in split dose of 1.5 g each gave better result than addition of 3 g urea in one dose. The growth was also enhanced by foliar treatment of a combination of 10 mg/l gibberllic acid (GA3) and 50 mg/l benzyl adenine (BA).