New somaclone of plantain (Musa AAB) obtainet by biotechnological techniques

Abstract

Results obtained from Plant Breeding Programs on Musa spp. In the tissue culture Laboratory at INIVIT since 1987 is presented. Procedures described by IAEA with some modifications for mutation induction through in vitro culture were used. Meristematic sproutings (2-3 mm) from in vitro formed buds were isolated. Ionizan radiaton were carried out in a Cobalt 60 source at a rate of 50 Gy. A somaclone (‘Z-13’) is generalized due the following characteristics; tolerance to “Black Sigatoka” disease (Mycosphaerella fijiensis Morelet), average height of 2.70 m, a bunch in a truncated cone shape with 16.5 fingers per hand and a predominantly astringent taste, the stem is under soil level to have a better anchoar and a higher yield. Morphologic and molecular characterization showed the differences within selected variants in relation to the donor. The new mutant is proposed to be registered as a new cultivar by The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Advanced growers from Villa Clara and Ciego de Ávila, Cuba participated in the selection program. Key words: buds, in vitro mutations, tissue culture, somaclonal variatio