Using a Low-cost Energy (carbon) Source to Produce Tissue Cultures Banana

Abstract

This study aimed to test commercial sugar, available in Sudan, as a carbon source instead of pure sucrose as a low-cost energy source for tissue culture-derived banana seedling production. Grand Nain banana offshoots were used as initial source of explants in a series of subculturing to produce healthy plantlets and their subsequent regeneration using two sugar types with low and high concentrations (15 and 30 g per liter). Results obtained indicated that sugar concentration rather than sugar type affected significantly and positively bud formation in the first two week after subculturing. However, in the last weeks low concentration of commercial sugar behave in a similar way to high concentration of both sugar types on its effect on bud regeneration. Regarding leaf appearance, high concentration of both sugars significantly produced more leaves in the first week only, and then after, leaf appearance was same in both type and concentration of sugars. Higher rooting was significantly recorded by low concentrations of both types of sugars in 2 later weeks of plantlets.