Efect of sodium chloride on in vitro growth of Grande naine and FHIA 03 cultivars

Abstract

The effect of Sodium Chloride levels on in vitro development of “Gran Enano” (AAA) and `FHIA 03`(AABB) cultivars was determined. Researches were carried out at “Instituto de Investigaciones en Viandas Tropicales (INIVIT)” from 1999 to 2001. Meristems (3 mm) were situated in M – 3 medium supplented with different sodium chloride concentrations at a range of 0 – 10 000 ppm. They were incubated during 40 days in cach subculture until 80 days when they were evaluated at 25 ± 27°C temperature, DFFF 45 µmol m -2 s -1 light intensity a photoperiod of 16 hours per day and 85% relative humidity. Tolerance levels to sodium chloride are highly influenced by genotypes used. “Gran Enano” cultivar had success up to 4 500 ppm with a surviving of 96.7% and 25% damaged leaves. “FHIA 03” Hybrid showed tolerance to high salt levels from 2 500 to 8 000 ppm with 80.9% surviving but leaves were affected at 72.5%. Studies are recommended to continue with target genotypes including main marketable clones and diploids for genetic improvement. Key words: bananas, micropropagation, Musa, tissue culture