Micro-cross sections of banana and plantains ( Musa spp.): morphogenesis and regeneration of callus and shoot buds

Abstract

Micro-cross sections of the banana cultivar ‘Williams’ (AAA genome) and two plantain cultivars ‘Horn’ plantain (AAB genome) and ‘Cachaco’ (ABB genome) were studied for adventitious shoot and callus formation. Micro-cross sections were derived from the lower to the upper leaf segments from plants of all the three genotypes. An average of 15 shoot buds could be obtained from micro-cross sections derived from each comb on a shoot-inducing multiplication medium. The shoot buds could be successfully regenerated to plantlets. Embryogenic callus could also be induced when micro-cross sections were placed on a callus-induction medium, and an average of 5–6 plantlets could be regenerated from each micro-cross section. The frequency of regenerable callus and shoot-bud formation was correlated with the position, developmental stage and genotype of the explant. The application of micro-cross sections of banana and plantains for regeneration of plants might be a useful alternative to cell suspensions and protoplast culture in banana and plantain transformation and toxin selection studies.