QUALITATIVE ASPECTS OF SOMACLONAL VARIATIONS IN BANANA PROPAGATED BY INVITRO TECHNIQUES

A qualitative description and information are given on somaclonal variants of seven in vitro propagated banana cultivars. Variants were expressed in plant stature, abnormal leaves, pseudostem pigmentation, persistence of flowers and split fingers. Dwarfism was the most common variant, indicated by mutation of intermediate-height cultivars to a dwarf height and, in one case of a low-statured cultivar, to an extra dwarf. Tall mutants were very rare. No dwarfs were found in cultivar 'Red'. The second most common was a group of variants which are characterized by different degrees of thick and rubbery narrow leaves with variable pale green mottling (mosaic). These variants occurred in the Cavendish subgroup and in 'Red', and are suspected to be aneuploids. Data are presented on vegetative and reproductive parameters of dwarf and mosaic, as compared with normal plants. Other variants which occurred at a low rate are described. To facilitate screening out of the variants during the propagation procedure, the stage at which the different variants can be detected is described. The incidence and rate of occurrence of somaclonal variants are presented and discussed.