Musa Acuminata Cv Research Articles

Partial Purification and Characterization of Sucrose Phosphate Synthase from Preclimacteric and Climacteric Bananas

Sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) (EC 2.4.1.14) was purified from bananas (Musa acuminata cv. Nanicao) at different developmental and ripening stages (70, 110, and 130 days after anthesis), corresponding to tissue with different structure and composition. Banana SPS exists in three polymeric forms as observed by electrophoresis and immunoblotting, similar in all stages studied, with Mw respectively of 180, 254, and 686 kDa. The three forms have the same 116 kDa subunit, and their activity increased during ripening associated with increased protein synthesis as shown by Western blotting. Keywords: Musa acuminata; banana; sucrose phosphate synthase; ripening; sucrose

A phenalenone-type phytoalexin from Musa acuminata

The unripe green fruit of banana [ Musa acuminata (AAA) cv Giant Cavendish] shows resistance to infection of Colletotrichum musae. Four antifungal compounds were detected in the extracts of the green fruits inoculated with conidia of the fungus. The two major compounds were identified as 2-(4′-hydroxyphenyl)-naphthalic anhydride and methyl 2-benzimidazole carbamate. The former is a new phytoalexin of the phenalenone type, and the latter is an antifungal agent derived from benomyl, but behaving like a phytoalexin.

Reinitiation of Vegetative Growth from Aseptically Cultured Terminal Floral Apex of Banana

Terminal floral apices of Musa acuminata cv. Dwarf Cavendish were isolated and cultured in a modified Murashige and Skoog (1962) medium supplemented with N6-benzylamino purine (5 mg/L) and 10% (v/v) coconut water. Under these conditions, the determinate floral buds are transformed into a multiplying vegetative shoot system. Rooted plantlets were obtained by treating shoots with the auxin, naphthaleneacetic acid (1 mg/L), and activated charcoal (0.025%). Practical benefits resulting from these observations, such as the production of virus-free plants and the rapid multiplication of stock material, are discussed.

REINITIATION OF VEGETATIVE GROWTH FROM ASEPTICALLY CULTURED TERMINAL FLORAL APEX OF BANANA

Terminal floral apices of Musa acuminata cv. Dwarf Cavendish were isolated and cultured in a modified Murashige and Skoog (1962) medium supplemented with N6-benzylamino purine (5 mg/L) and 10% (v/v) coconut water. Under these conditions, the determinate floral buds are transformed into a multiplying vegetative shoot system. Rooted plantlets were obtained by treating shoots with the auxin, naphthaleneacetic acid (1 mg/L), and activated charcoal (0.025%). Practical benefits resulting from these observations, such as the production of virus-free plants and the rapid multiplication of stock material, are discussed.