Effects of Coconut Water and Banana Homogenate on Shoot Regeneration of Meyer Lemon (Citrus × meyeri)

Abstract

Meyer lemon (Citrus × meyeri) is a hybrid citrus fruit from the Rutaceae family, originating from China. It is well-known for its distinctive appearance and flavor, as well as its health-nourishing nutrients. Micropropagation is an efficient alternative in the multiplication of plant stocks suitable for the commercial scale. The inclusion of organic additives in culture media has been found to provide a cost-effective option as a plant growth stimulant for in vitro plant development. The current study intends to assess the effects of coconut water and banana homogenate in the regeneration of Meyer lemon. In vitro, shoots were treated in half-strength Murashige and Skoog media fortified with 2 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine with varying concentrations of coconut water and banana homogenate without sucrose. Results revealed that the treatment of 30% coconut water and 40 g/L banana homogenate resulted in the greatest proliferation of new shoots (3.00 ± 0.873 and 1.57 ± 0.297, respectively), whereas treatment of 40% coconut water resulted in the greatest shoot elongation of 0.239 ± 0.026 cm. The current study suggested the incorporation of coconut water and banana homogenate as potential substitutes for carbon sources and growth stimulants in the regeneration of Meyer lemon.