Control of Phenolic Compound Secretion and Effect of Growth Regulators for Organ Formation from Musa spp. cv. Kanthali Floral Bud Explants

The study was undertaken to examine banana cv. Kanthali floral bud apex as an alternative source material for in vitro propagation because huge number of explants die due to microbial contamination in case of shoot tip explants. Contamination free cultures were established by treating the floral bud explants with 0.1% HgCl₂ for 6 min. This study found that inflorescence tissues of experimental plant was almost contamination free but was high in phenolic compounds. Phenolic compounds secretion was successfully stopped by pre-soaking them in an antioxidant solution of 0.125% potassium citrate: citrate. After antioxidant treatment the floral bud explants were cultured on MS medium supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of BA+Kn+IAA/IBA+15%CW. Compact, white/greenish white callus was formed in different amount at all concentrations after 3 weeks of culture. All were again subcultured at same medium and after another 30-35 days at 2.0 mg L^-1 BA+2.0 mg L^-1 Kn+2.0 mg L^-1 IAA+15%CW some callus showed embryogenic structure.