Response of Micro-Propagated Banana to Fertilizers

Abstract

This experiment was conducted in the green net covered nursery of the Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory, Sudan University of Science and Technology during September 2012-January 2013. The study aimed to elucidate the response of in vitro produced banana plantlets to the application of nitrogen and its combination with phosphorous or sulfur after weaning, the initial phase of acclimatization. The treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 6 replicates, and the treatments were repeated three times during this period. Data were collected for plant height, circumference, leaf number, leaf length and width, shoot fresh and dry weights, root number and length, root fresh and dry weights. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and means were separated by Duncan’s multiple range tests. All treated plantlets showed better growth responses to the applications of these elements compared to the control. The best response for most measured .parameters resulted from nitrogen combined with sulfur Key words: Banana, Acclimatization, Micropropagation, Growth, Fertilizers