Effects of Endosperm Composition and Thickness on Encapsulated Seed Germination and Plantlet Sustainability in Banana

Encapsulated seeds of Musa spp. cv. ‘Dwarf Cavendish’ were obtained by covering the shoot tips grown in vitro culture with artificial endosperm. The effects of thickness (one layer and two layers) and composition (with and without activated charcoal) of artificial endosperm on the regeneration, proliferation number of plantlet per encapsulated seed, shoot length, root number and length as well as plantlet fresh weight were evaluated. This study was conducted using a factorial experiment based on completely randomized design in 2012. Result indicated that composition and thickness of artificial endosperm have significant effect on regeneration rate and growth of encapsulated shoot tips and resultant ex vitro sustainability of regenerated plantlets. The reasonable achievement of regeneration rate, shoot and root growth achieved from shoot tips covered by one layer artificial endosperm containing activated charcoal. Developed and strong root systems accompanied with high root number were parameters that improved the plantlets survival and preliminary sustainability. Accordingly, plantlets regenerated from capsules with one layer endosperm containing activated charcoal adapted and grew well in plastic pots filled by a mixture of sand-perlite.