Abstract:
Sour banana (Musa acuminata) is an essential crop in the Musaceae family, valued for their flavour,
nutrition, and year-round availability in tropical regions. However, the economic burden
associated with agar, a key gelling agent in plant tissue culture, has prompted the investigation of
cost-effective substitutes.The objective of the study was to observe the potential of corn flour and
sago starch as replacements for agar in in-vitro propagation. Sago, derived from the tropical palm
Metroxylon sagu, is a carbohydrate-rich staple thriving in swampy environments. Despite its low
protein and fat content, sago is energy-dense due to amylose and amylopectin. Corn flour, a glutenfree
alternative from maize (Zea mays), enhances the nutritional profile of sago, providing
versatility and essential nutrients. The experiment employed a Completely Randomized Design
with three treatments: T1 (Sago), T2 (Corn flour), and T3 (Agar-control). Results revealed that
Corn flour consistently exhibited the highest mean plant height figure 1, compare to Sago and
Corn flour, it was no significant difference from Agar. It was no significant differences in sprouting
initially in both gelling agents, Corn flour showcased the highest mean in total root number and
average total wet weight of roots, indicating its positive impact on plant development.Although
the two gelling agents did not cause any statistically significant difference in sprouting of bananas,
corn flour showed the highest average total number of roots figure 3 and average total wet weight
of roots figure here 5, indicating that it has a positive influence on plant growth.Cost calculations
unveiled that Agar was the most expensive option. Sago and corn flour emerged as economically
viable alternatives, demonstrating efficacy while aligning with sustainability principles. This
research pioneers accessible and environmentally sustainable tissue culture practices, offering
economically viable options for researchers. However, further studies on compatibility with
different plant species, tissue types, and long-term effects on plant health and genetic stability are
warranted. The adoption of sago and corn flour in tissue culture mediums underscores the
significance of embracing sustainable practices in advancing scientific knowledge and discovery.
