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