Micropropagation of wild banana by using sukers and male inflorescences as explants

Male inflorescence and suckers have potential to be used as explants for rapid micropropogation of Musa sp. Regenerated plants were established using male inflorescences of the Musa gracilis (highland banana) and lowland wild banana. Regenerated plants also were established using sukers of Musa acuminata cv. Berangan and wild banana. Shoot-tip cultures of Musa cultivars (both suckers and male inflorescence) are induced by culturing small excised explants on modified MS semisolid medium supplemented with different combinations of auxins which is NAA (Naphthalene acetic acid)(1 mg/l) and various concentrations of cytokinins which is BAP (6-benzylaminopurine) and kinetin (0.5 mg/l). Greenish colouration can be observed after 6 to 10 days culture initiation. Cauliflower-like-bodies (CLB) can be observed after 2 months on opened bracts exposing immature male inflorescences. Greenish colouration had been observed on suckers after 13 to 14 days of initiation. Results showed that micropropagation of wild banana from inflorescene are easier compared to suckers with low contamination rate and high number of multilication.