In vitro cormlet production- an efficient means for conservation in Ensete superbum (Roxb.) Cheesman

Abstract: Ensete superbum from the family Musaceae is commonly known as Kallu vazha (wild/ rock/cliff banana). The species holds a precise position in the field of medicine for its anti-hyperglycemic, anti-diuretic and spermicidal potential as well as ornamental value in botanical gardens. Due to deforestation, habitat fragmentation, indiscriminate harvesting for commercial gain, absence of suckers, and recalcitrant nature of seeds; this species is facing a drastic reduction in its propagation. The present study developed a protocol for the production of cormlets from explants isolated from inflorescence. The explants were cultured on MS media supplemented with 4mg L^-1 BAP and 1.5 mg L^-1 KIN and an average of six to ten cormlets were produced/ explants within eight weeks. Shoot induction occurred from the cormlets on MS medium with 3mg L^-1 IBA and 1.5 mg L^-1 BAP. Cormlets inoculated on MS medium supplemented with 1000 mg L^-1 glutamine for a period of four weeks enhanced the size of cormlets which in turn increased the number of shoots. An average of ten multiple shoots were obtained on MS medium supplemented with 5 mg L^-1 BAP. Maximum rooting was obtained on half strength MS medium with 3 mg L^-1 IBA, 0.1 mg L^-1 BAP and 1% activated charcoal. The plantlets were transferred to Knop’s solution for acclimatization. Rooted plants were hardened successfully in cocopeat along with sand in 1:1 combination and transferred to soil with 98% survival rate.