Direct Plant Regeneration From Immature Male Inflorescence of Banana (Musa spp.)

Materials and reagents

Biological materials

1. Immature male inflorescences at least 10 from field plants

Reagents

1. Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium (Sigma, catalog number: M5524; contains MS macro and micro salts without vitamins)

2. Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium (Sigma, catalog number: M5519; contains MS macro, micro, and vitamins)

3. Biotin powder (Austratec, catalog number: B140)

4. 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP) powder (Austratec, catalog number: B800)

5. 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) powder (Austratec, catalog number: N600)

6. Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) powder (Austratec, catalog number: I885)

7. Morel & Wetmore vitamin solution (100×) (Austratec, catalog number: M592)

8. Sucrose (PhytoTech Labs, catalog number: S391)

9. Phytagel (Sigma, catalog number: P8169)

10. Ethanol (70% and absolute) (Sigma, catalog number: 459844)

11. Sterile distilled or Milli-Q water

12. 1 M NaOH (Sigma, catalog number: 1091371000)

Solutions

1. Biotin stock (1 mg/mL) (see Recipes)

2. BAP stock (1 mg/mL) (see Recipes)

3. NAA stock (1 mg/mL) (see Recipes)

4. IAA stock (1 mg/mL) (see Recipes)

5. 2× Meristem formation media (see Recipes)

6. 2× Meristem proliferation media (see Recipes)

7. 2× Shoot differentiation media (see Recipes)

8. 2× Plant rooting and development media (see Recipes)

Recipes

1. Biotin stock (1 mg/mL)

Note: Biotin is only sparingly soluble in cold water. Warm the water to 40–50 °C before adding biotin to aid dissolution. Do not boil. Filter-sterilize the solution using a 0.22 μm filter. Dispense 1,000 μL aliquots into sterile 1.5 mL microfuge tubes. Store at -20 °C.

2. BAP stock (1 mg/mL)

Note: Dissolve BAP in a few drops of 1 N NaOH or ethanol before adding distilled water to make up 20 mL. Filter-sterilize using a 0.22 μm filter. Dispense 1,000 μL aliquots into sterile 1.5 mL microfuge tubes. Store at -20 °C.

3. NAA stock (1 mg/mL)

Note: Dissolve NAA in 14 mL of absolute ethanol, then add 6 mL of distilled water to reach 20 mL (final ethanol concentration: 70%). Filter sterilize (0.22 μm), aliquot at 1,000 μL, and store at -20 °C.

4. IAA stock (1 mg/mL)

Note: Dissolve IAA in 14 mL of absolute ethanol, then add 6 mL of distilled water to reach 20 mL (final ethanol concentration: 70%). Filter sterilize (0.22 μm), protect from light, aliquot at 1,000 μL, and store at -20 °C.

5. 2× Meristem formation media (1 L)

Note: When working with a new cultivar, it is recommended to try both 5 and 7 mg/L BAP concentrations to determine which is more effective for initiating meristem formation. Cytokinin responsiveness can vary between genotypes.

a. Dissolve MS powder (M5519) in 700 mL of sterile distilled water.

b. Add sucrose and mix well.

c. Add 1 mL of biotin (1 mg/mL stock) to achieve 1 mg/L final concentration.

d. Prepare two separate batches of media:

i. Add 5 mL of BAP stock (1 mg/mL) to one (for a 5 mg/L final concentration).

ii. Add 7 mL of BAP stock (1 mg/mL) to the second (for a 7 mg/L final concentration).

e. Adjust pH to 5.7 using 1 M NaOH (or HCl if needed).

f. Make up the volume to 1 L with distilled water.

g. Add 3 g of phytagel.

h. Autoclave at 121 °C, 15 psi for 15 min.

i. Cool to 50–60 °C and pour 25–30 mL per sterile 90 mm deep Petri plate under laminar airflow.

6. 2× Meristem proliferation media (1 L)

Note: As with meristem formation, when working with a new cultivar, it is recommended to try both 5 and 7 mg/L BAP concentrations, now in combination with 1 mg/L NAA, to determine the optimal hormonal balance for meristem proliferation. Auxin–cytokinin synergy can significantly influence shoot multiplication rates.

a. Dissolve MS powder (M5519) in ~700 mL of sterile distilled water.

b. Add sucrose and mix well.

c. Add 1 mL of biotin stock (1 mg/mL).

d. Prepare two separate media batches:

e. Add 5 mL of BAP stock (1 mg/mL) to one batch (for 5 mg/L BAP).

f. Add 7 mL of BAP stock (1 mg/mL) to the second batch (for 7 mg/L BAP).

g. Add 1 mL of NAA stock (1 mg/mL) to each batch.

h. Adjust pH to 5.8 using 1 M NaOH.

i. Bring volume to 1,000 mL with distilled water.

j. Add 3 g of phytagel per liter.

k. Autoclave at 121 °C, 15 psi, for 15 min.

l. Cool to 50–60 °C and pour 25–30 mL per sterile 90 mm deep Petri plate under laminar airflow.

7. 2× Shoot differentiation media (1 L)

Notes:

1. After successful meristem initiation and proliferation, the concentration of BAP is reduced from 5 or 7 mg/L to 2 mg/L in the shoot differentiation stage to encourage organized shoot development rather than excessive callus or shoot clustering.

2. High cytokinin levels (like 5–7 mg/L BAP) are beneficial for stimulating shoot bud formation, but prolonged exposure may inhibit elongation or result in vitrification. Reducing BAP supports shoot elongation and differentiation into distinct, transplantable shoots, particularly important for downstream rooting and acclimatization stages.

a. Dissolve 4.43 g of MS powder (M5519) in approximately 700 mL of sterile distilled water.

b. Add 30 g of sucrose and stir until fully dissolved.

c. Add 1 mL of biotin stock (1 mg/mL) to achieve a final concentration of 1 mg/L.

d. Add 2 mL of BAP stock (1 mg/mL) to reach a final concentration of 2 mg/L.

e. Adjust the pH of the solution to 5.8 using 1 M NaOH (or HCl if needed).

f. Make up the final volume to 1,000 mL with sterile distilled water.

g. Add 3 g of phytagel and mix well.

h. Autoclave the media at 121 °C, 15 psi, for 15 min.

i. Allow to cool to 50–60 °C.

j. Pour 25–30 mL of the media into sterile 90 mm deep Petri plates under laminar airflow.

8. 2× Plant rooting and development media (1 L)

Notes:

1. Root induction requires a hormonal environment with minimal cytokinin and low auxin, mimicking the natural physiological conditions needed for root initiation.

2. In this medium, BAP is reduced to 0.045 mg/L, and IAA is included at 0.2 mg/L, providing a hormonal balance conducive to healthy root development without excessive callusing or shoot regeneration.

3. The inclusion of Morel & Wetmore vitamins supports root formation by supplying essential cofactors. Notably, this mix contains calcium pantothenate (Vitamin B5), which enhances root development by promoting coenzyme A biosynthesis—a vital pathway for energy metabolism and cell division in developing root tissues.

4. Since IAA (Indole-3-acetic acid) is heat labile, it should indeed be added after autoclaving, once the medium has cooled to around 60 °C under sterile conditions. This helps preserve its biological activity and ensures consistent rooting results.

a. Dissolve MS powder and sucrose in approximately 700 mL of distilled water.

b. Add Morel & Wetmore Vitamin solution and BAP stock. Mix thoroughly.

c. Adjust the pH to 5.8 using 1 M NaOH or HCl.

d. Bring the volume up to 1,000 mL with distilled water.

e. Add phytagel and stir to disperse evenly.

f. Autoclave the media at 121 °C, 15 psi, for 15 min.

g. Allow the media to cool to 50–60 °C.

h. Under sterile conditions in a laminar airflow hood, add IAA stock (200 μL of 1 mg/mL) to the cooled media.

i. Mix gently and pour 70 mL per sterile 250 mL culture container under laminar airflow.

Laboratory supplies

1. Beakers (250 mL, 500 mL, 1 L)

2. Measuring cylinders (10 mL to 1 L)

3. Magnetic stirrer and stir bars (or glass rod for manual stirring)

4. Pipettes (adjustable micropipettes: 10–1,000 μL) and sterile tips

5. Syringe and 0.22 μm syringe filters (for sterilizing hormone stock solutions)

6. Sterile 250 mL culture containers or jars (with lids or breathable covers)

7. Forceps and scalpels (sterile, for explant transfer)

8. Glass or plastic media bottles (autoclavable, 1 L capacity)

9. Parafilm or sealing tape (for sealing culture vessels)

10. Lab marker pens (for labeling media and containers)

11. Autoclave-safe gloves and lab coat

12. Waste containers for biological and chemical waste

Equipment

1. Analytical balance for accurate weighing of media components

2. pH meter for adjusting medium pH

3. Autoclave for sterilizing media and reusable supplies

4. Laminar airflow hood (LAF cabinet) for aseptic operations

5. Hot plate with magnetic stirrer for dissolving components and mixing medium

6. Refrigerator/freezer (-20 °C) for storing stock solutions

7. Growth chamber or culture room for incubating cultures under controlled temperature and photoperiod

8. Water bath (optional) for gently warming stock solutions

9. Distilled or MilliQ water system for preparing media

10. Light meter (lux or PAR) (optional) to monitor light levels in culture room

Procedure

A. Explant preparation (see Graphical overview for details)

Note: Immature male inflorescences (bells) are the flowers located at the end of the banana bunch. Unlike the mature female flowers, which develop into banana fruits, the male inflorescence is a maroon-colored bell attached to the bunch by the peduncle. The optimal stage for harvest is when the bell is 10–15 cm beyond the last row of fruits. The size of the bells varies depending on the cultivar. For Cavendish (AAA) and Lady Finger (AAB), the immature bells used as explants were approximately 15–20 cm long when collected from field-grown plants. Only healthy, intact inflorescences without signs of necrosis or damage were selected. Minor cultivar-specific differences were noted: Cavendish inflorescences were slightly larger, while Lady Finger inflorescences were more compact.

1. Harvest immature male inflorescences (bells) from healthy field-grown banana plants.

2. Remove outer bracts and reduce the size to 4–6 cm.

3. Keep in water to keep the bells hydrated.

CAUTION: Henceforth, all procedures should be carried out under sterile conditions in a laminar air flow (LAF) hood.

4. Transfer the bells into a large beaker (500 mL or 1 L), add approximately 400–500 mL of 70% ethanol, and soak for 10 min.

5. Rinse 2–3 times in sterile distilled water under laminar airflow. Transfer individual bells into separate containers containing sterile water to keep them hydrated.

6. Further trim the explants to approximately 2–3 cm in size.

7. Dissect each explant longitudinally into eight equal segments as follows:

a. First, divide the bell lengthwise into two halves.

b. Then, slice each half into two sections.

c. Finally, divide each section longitudinally into two slices, resulting in eight equal segments per explant.

Optional: Instead of longitudinal sectioning, experienced researchers may dissect individual floral “hands” from immature male flowers under a stereo/dissecting microscope, allowing more precise explant isolation. For novices, longitudinal dissection of the bells is recommended, as it is simpler and minimizes the risk of damaging delicate tissues.

B. Culture initiation

In the development of this method, explants were cultured on MS medium supplemented with 5 or 7 mg/L BAP, with separate plates used for each concentration. Four explant sections were placed per plate. Both concentrations were evaluated to determine the optimum for achieving high-frequency shoot formation.

1. Culture four explant sections per plate on MS medium supplemented with either 5 or 7 mg/L BAP, using separate plates for each concentration.

Note: For new cultivars, testing both concentrations is advisable to determine the optimum for high-frequency shoot formation.

2. Incubate all cultures at 25 °C under a 16/8 h (light/dark) photoperiod.

3. After 3–4 weeks, transfer the explants to fresh (but similar) media and maintain for another 3–4 weeks at 25 ± 1 °C under a 16/8 h light/dark photoperiod.

Notes:

1. If using longitudinally sectioned explants, use two plates per banana flower (bell), with four explants per plate. The number of bells to be used will depend on availability.

2. If using individual hands dissected from the flowers, distribute them between 2–3 plates, with 7–10 hands per plate.

C. Meristem proliferation

1. After 3–4 weeks, transfer explants to meristem proliferation medium supplemented with BAP at 5 mg/L and NAA at 0.5 mg/L or 7 mg/L and NAA at 0.5 mg/L, depending on the treatment group.

2. Incubate for 2 months with monthly subculture on fresh medium for meristem proliferation at 25 ± 2 °C under a 16/8 h light/dark photoperiod.

3. Maintain cultures under optimal conditions (e.g., 25 ± 2 °C, 16 h photoperiod) and observe regularly for signs of active growth or stress.

Notes:

1. Curved bracts may be carefully removed during transfer to the proliferation medium. This enhances contact between the meristem and the medium and reduces the risk of tissue necrosis or contamination.

2. If phenolic exudation occurs (e.g., browning of the medium or explants), increase the subculture frequency to every 3 weeks. Frequent transfers help prevent the buildup of toxic compounds and promote healthier proliferation.

3. As meristematic clumps enlarge, they can be gently divided into smaller clumps during subculturing. This prevents overcrowding, promotes uniform proliferation, and increases the number of explants available for subsequent cultures.

D. Shoot differentiation

1. Transfer proliferating meristematic tissues to shoot differentiation medium containing a lower concentration of BAP (2 mg/L) to promote elongation and differentiation of individual shoots.

2. Maintain cultures under standard growth conditions (e.g., 25 ± 2 °C, 16 h photoperiod).

3. Subculture on fresh medium every 3–4 weeks to prevent nutrient depletion and accumulation of inhibitory metabolites until shoot formation.

4. Maintain cultures under standard growth conditions (e.g., 25 ± 2 °C, 16 h photoperiod).

Note: If shoot clusters enlarge excessively, gently divide them into smaller clumps during subculturing. This encourages uniform shoot development and prevents overcrowding, which can hinder shoot elongation or lead to vitrification.

E. Rooting and plant development

1. When in vitro shoots are >1 cm tall, gently separate them from the shoot cluster.

2. Transfer five shoots per container onto the prepared rooting medium consisting of full-strength MS macro and micronutrients, Morel & Wetmore vitamins, 0.045 mg/L BAP, 0.2 mg/L IAA, 3% sucrose, and 0.8% agar, with the pH adjusted to 5.8 prior to autoclaving.

3. Incubate under a 16 h photoperiod at 27 °C with light intensity of 20–30 μmol·m^-2·s^-1 (PPFD).

4. Observe for root emergence and shoot elongation over 1–2 months.

Notes:

1. Shoots typically root and elongate between 6 and 16 weeks, depending on cultivar.

2. If any vitrification, browning, or contamination is observed, transfer healthy shoots to fresh rooting medium.

3. Cultures can be maintained indefinitely on rooting medium by subculturing every 4 weeks.

4. This ensures sustained growth, avoids nutrient depletion, and preserves regeneration potential.

Validation of protocol

This protocol for direct regeneration from male inflorescence (bell) has been successfully applied to Musa spp. cv. Williams (AAA) and Lady Finger (AAB). The method was developed and optimized using Cavendish banana and is routinely used in our group for reliable and reproducible plantlet regeneration. For Cavendish, multiple meristem cultures were established on meristem formation media containing different concentrations of BAP, and the total number of bells used, total plants produced, and mean number of plants per bell (± SEM) were recorded (Table 1). All treatments produced high regeneration efficiency, with a mean regeneration rate of 100%. Although no quantitative data were collected for Lady Finger, the protocol successfully produced plants directly from field-derived material. The method consistently results in meristem proliferation, shoot differentiation, and root formation under standard in vitro conditions. Refer to Figure 1 for expected results.

Table 1. Effect of BAP concentration on meristem formation and plant production in Cavendish banana

Data represent mean ± SEM of shoots from nine bells per BAP treatment. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA in Microsoft Excel (Windows 11).

Longitudinal sections of male flowers were cultured on MS medium supplemented with BAP at 5 or 7 mg/L in Petri dishes and incubated under light at 25 °C (Figure 1A). Approximately 23 shoots were obtained per bell (Table 1), with 100% regeneration observed at both BAP concentrations. The highest mean number of shoots (25 shoots) was obtained at 5 mg/L BAP, whereas 21 shoots were obtained at 7 mg/L BAP; however, the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Previous studies have reported lower shoot numbers, such as 12 shoots in the AA genotype banana cv. Pisang Mas [11], as well as higher yields, including up to 31 shoots in the AAB genotype cv. Poovan [12] and 80–130 shoots per male flower in the AAA genotype cv. Berangan [10]. These comparisons highlight that multiplication efficiency in banana is strongly cultivar-dependent, and the lower average observed in cv. Williams likely reflects inherent genotypic differences in regenerative capacity rather than a limitation of the protocol itself. After two weeks, the bracts at both BAP concentrations turned green and curved outward, exposing rudimentary flower hands, with some non-regenerable callus forming at the cut edges of the bracts and flower stem (Figure 1B). Following two months of subculture on the same medium supplemented with BAP (5 or 7 mg/L) and NAA (1 mg/L), the explants expanded and produced numerous globular structures (Figure 1C, D), some of which differentiated into shoot-like structures (Figure 1E). When meristems were transferred to medium containing a lower concentration of BAP (2 mg/L), numerous adventitious shoots formed (Figure 1F, G), which developed roots on rooting medium after six weeks (Figure 1H). Fully developed plantlets were acclimatized for four weeks (Figure 1I) and subsequently transplanted into soil, where they grew normally and appeared phenotypically healthy (Figure 1J).

While apical meristems from suckers produce only a single plant initially, requiring many multiplication cycles to obtain larger numbers, male inflorescences allow multiple shoots to be generated simultaneously, reducing the number of multiplication cycles needed. This demonstrates that using male inflorescences is an efficient strategy for rapid clonal propagation, supporting the robustness of the present protocol.

Figure 1. Direct regeneration from male inflorescence of banana (Musa spp. cv. Williams). (A) Longitudinal sections of male flowers cultured on MS medium supplemented with BAP (5 mg/L). (B) After two weeks, bracts turned green and curved outward, exposing rudimentary flowers, while non-regenerative watery callus formed on the cut surfaces. (C) Proliferation of the inflorescence on medium containing BAP (5 mg/L) and NAA (1 mg/L). (D) Repeated subculturing on the proliferation medium increased the frequency of meristem formation. (E) Globular meristematic structures differentiated into shoot primordia (white arrow). (F) Development of green shoots after transfer to shoot differentiation medium. (G) Clusters of shoots prepared for rooting. (H) Regenerated plantlets with numerous roots on rooting medium after three months. (I) Rooted plants acclimatized in potting mix. (J) Hardened plants successfully established in soil.

This protocol (or parts of it) has been used and validated in the following research article(s):

• Harirah and Khalid [10]. Direct regeneration and RAPD assessment of male inflorescence derived plants of Musa acuminata cv. Berangan. Asia Pacific Journal of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology.

• Wirakarnain, et al. [11]. Plantlet production through development of competent multiple meristem cultures from male inflorescence of banana, Musa acuminata cv. ‘Pisang Mas’ (AA). American Journal of Biochemistry and Biotechnology.

• Nair et al. [12]. Direct shoot regeneration from male immature flowerbuds of Musa paradisiaca Linn. cv. Poovan (AAB). Plant Science Today 2018; 5(4): 142–148.

General notes and troubleshooting

General notes

1. Select the right developmental stage of explant: Use immature male flowers where the floral "hands" are just emerging but not fully developed. Overly mature or too small bells often give inconsistent or poor responses.

2. Dissect carefully to maintain tissue integrity: When preparing longitudinal sections, ensure clean and even cuts. Avoid crushing or damaging tissues, as this reduces viability and increases browning.

3. Keep explants hydrated at all times: From field collection to culture initiation, maintain hydration to reduce stress and improve survival. Always keep bells or segments in sterile water when not in use.

4. Use fresh media and precise hormone concentrations: Media should be freshly prepared and pH adjusted accurately. Even small variations in BAP or NAA concentrations can impact the type and extent of tissue response.

5. Observe explants regularly for contamination or browning: Check cultures weekly. Early signs of contamination should be addressed immediately by removing affected plates. Browning tissues should be subcultured earlier than scheduled.

6. Optimize light and temperature conditions: Maintain cultures at 25 °C with a 16/8 h light/dark cycle using fluorescent or LED light sources (30–40 μmol/m²/s). Avoid direct exposure to high-intensity light, which may stress the explants.

7. Remove outer bracts during the proliferation stage: Curved bracts can be trimmed off during subculture to allow better nutrient access and space for developing meristematic tissue.

8. Do not rush the shoot transfer to rooting medium: Wait until a good number of well-developed shoot clusters appear before transferring to rooting medium. Premature transfer may delay or reduce rooting efficiency.

9. Track performance by bell: Since results may vary depending on the source bell, label and monitor performance individually to identify high-responding material for future propagation.

10. Document morphological stages visually: Capturing images at each developmental stage (e.g., greening, callus formation, globular structure, shoot emergence) can help in protocol optimization and troubleshooting.

Troubleshooting

Problem 1: Bracts or flower tissues turn brown or necrotic within the first week.

Possible cause: Excessive tissue damage or phenolic oxidation during dissection or sterilization.

Solution: Use freshly harvested immature male flowers. Reduce the time in ethanol if tissues are sensitive. Include antioxidants, such as ascorbic acid (100 mg/L) or activated charcoal, in the medium. Subculture more frequently (every 2–3 weeks).

Problem 2: Explants do not survive or turn mushy after culture initiation.

Possible cause: Overhydration during sterilization or contamination.

Solution: Ensure proper draining after sterilization. Minimize water retention on explants before placing on medium. Maintain strict sterile techniques.

Problem 3: Medium does not solidify properly.

Possible cause: Incorrect phytagel concentration or pH.

Solution: Ensure pH is adjusted to 5.7 before autoclaving. Use 2.5–3 g/L phytagel if medium is too soft.

Problem 4: Bracts remain pale or do not curve outward.

Possible cause: Ineffective cytokinin concentration or poor light quality.

Solution: Confirm correct BAP concentration (5 or 7 mg/L). Check light intensity (30–40 μmol/m²/s) and photoperiod (16/8 h). Ensure explants are placed with the cut surface in contact with the medium.

Problem 5: No callus formation on cut edges.

Possible cause: Low explant responsiveness or incorrect BAP level.

Solution: Try using both BAP concentrations (5 and 7 mg/L) to determine the optimal response for the cultivar used. Test younger bells if the response is poor.

Problem 6: No globular structure formation or proliferation.

Possible cause: Subculture interval too long or auxin/cytokinin imbalance.

Solution: Subculture every 3–4 weeks to prevent tissue browning. Ensure correct NAA (1 mg/L) is included. Test a lower BAP:NAA ratio if over proliferation occurs.

Problem 7: Browning of tissues during the proliferation stage.

Possible cause: Accumulation of phenolics in the medium.

Solution: Include antioxidants. Subculture more frequently (every 2–3 weeks). Minimize tissue damage during transfers.

Problem 8: No shoot formation or very few shoots.

Possible cause: Prolonged use of high BAP concentration.

Solution: Reduce BAP to 2 mg/L for the differentiation stage. Confirm that tissues were fully proliferated before transfer.

Problem 9: Shoots form but do not root.

Possible cause: Inadequate auxin in the rooting medium.

Solution: Ensure the correct IAA concentration (0.2 mg/L) is used. Alternatively, test IBA (0.5–1 mg/L) for improved rooting. Consider a slight decrease in sucrose (to 20 g/L) for the rooting stage.

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and conducted at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT). The protocol was developed, and the manuscript was written solely by the author. Special thanks to Dr. Douglas Becker for his support and encouragement, and to Prof. James Dale for granting permission to carry out this work. This protocol was used in [10–12].

Competing interests

The author declares no conflicts of interest.

Ethical considerations

This protocol involves the use of banana inflorescence (“bells”) and does not involve human participants or animal subjects. Therefore, no ethical approval or informed consent was required.

References

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