Micropropagation in banana var. Korangi for in vitro conservation in Bay Islands

Abstract

Biodiversity needs to be conserved for ecological sustainability, economic security and self-reliance of a country (Bhagyalakshmi and Singh, 3). The union territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands represents one of the richest biodiversity centres in south and south-east Asia harbouring about 2,500 angiosperm species belonging to 84 diverse families. A large number of banana cultivars including indigenous wild stocks are available in these islands (Balakrishnamurthy and Sree Rangaswamy, 1). One such germplasm var. Korangi is dwindling because of ruthless deforestation. Their number has depleted alarmingly. The cultivar seems to have wide adaptability to thrive under humid tropics endowed with ~ 3100 mm rainfall. It also possesses tolerance to prevailing insect and disease pests, which are rampant in these warm humid tropics.