Induced mutations using gamma ray and multiplication of plantlet through micro cross section culture of banana (Musa acuminata cv. Berangan)

Abstract

The conventional breeding approach in banana was slow predominantly because of the limited genetic diversity, infertility and polyploid condition of the species. Induced mutation is one of the promising tools to create new varieties for the improvement of banana. While vitro propagation technique ensures a rapid and in an organized manner for production of banana. Thus, induced mutation using gamma ray in combination with in vitro culture micro cross section culture was conducted to evaluate the effects of gamma radiation on growth and development of plantlet of Musa acuminata cv. Berangan. Tissue cultured banana plantlet was used as the source of explant. The plantlet was cut into halved and radiated using gamma ray with the dose of 0 (control), 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60 and 80 Gy. The highest survival rate (23.33%) was recorded in treatment 10 Gy while the lowest survival (0.33%) was in treatment 80 Gy. The lethal dose (LD50) which had caused 50% mortality to the irradiated material was found to be 37 Gy. The morphological study on the growth of in vitro irradiated plantlets showed that 25 Gy induced a stimulation effect on the number of shoot produced (5.56), root number per explant (8.5) and root length (37.36 cm) compared to untreated banana explants (0 Gy). Hence, this study introduces the in vitro multiplication of gamma irradiated culture system for future breeding of a new varieties of banana.