Macropropagation Technique for Production of Healthy Banana Seedlings.
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Date
2011
Authors
Mwangi, M.
Njau, N.
Kahuthia-Gathu, R.
Muasya, R.
Mbaka, J.
Tenywa, J.S.
Taulya, G.
Kawube, G.
Kawuki, R.
Namugwanya, M.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
African Crop Science Society
Abstract
Banana (Musa spp) is one of the most important crops providing food security, nutrition and income for many smallholder
farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. However, production is hindered by scarcity of high quality seedlings, insect pests and diseases. To
improve availability of quality seedlings macropropagation technology is being introduced in Kenya. This study was carried out to
generate knowledge to enhance understanding and adoption of the technology. A survey was done initially to identify the key pests
and pathogens of banana in Central and eastern regions of Kenya. Macropropagation nurseries were established in six sites in farmers’
fields representing different agroecological zones. Corms of banana varieties Kampala, Sweet banana, Cavendish and Uganda Green
obtained in accordance with established quality assurance protocols were propagated. The health of the seedlings produced was
monitored. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense was isolated from less than 1% corms of sweet banana and Kampala varieties.
Radopholus similis was isolated from all the varieties but its incidence was highest (46%) in the Cavendish variety. Endophytes and
non pathogenic microorganisms were isolated from more than 90% of the corms. Over 98% of the propagated corms produced
healthy seedlings and only less than 1% of the corms propagated rotted in the propagation media due to non pathogenic causes. In
areas with high weevil infestation it was difficult to obtain corms with the standard required for macropropagation. The information
obtained shows that macropropagation technique effectively produces healthy banana seedlings. Practitioners will need to observe
quality control measures to ensure production of high quality seedlings.
Description
Keywords
Banana,, Health,, Macropropagation,, Seedlings
Citation
African Crop Science Conference Proceedings, Vol. 10. pp. 469 - 472