Abstract:
In vitro propagation is a controlled, sterile method for growing and multiplying plant cells, tissues
or organs using Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium, supplemented with growth regulators such
as auxins. Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), a synthetic auxin is widely used to promote in- vitro rooting
in various plant species, including sour banana (Musa acuminata). However, concerns regarding
the potential phytotoxicity and environmental impact of synthetic growth regulators have
increased interest in natural, plant-based alternatives. This study investigates the potential of
aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) gel as a natural substitute for commercial auxin in the in vitro
rooting of sour banana. Aloe vera gel (AvG), known for its richness in bioactive compounds,
including vitamins, enzymes, and phytohormones was incorporated into MS rooting medium at
varying concentrations (120, 160, 200, 240, 280, 360, 440 and 520 g/L AvG). The experiment
evaluated several parameters, including days to root initiation, number of roots, root length, plant
growth rate, plant height, root dry weight and plant dry weight, compared to standard treatments
with IAA. The study was conducted using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 9
treatments, each replicated 15 times. Results revealed that supplementing the medium with AvG
had a significant effect on growth parameters. The highest number of roots (7) and the shortest
time to root formation (4 days) were recorded with 440 g/L AvG in full-strength MS medium.
Increased AvG concentrations generally improved rooting ability. Notably, the 160 g/L AvG
treatment was most effective in promoting root length (56.9 mm) and plant growth rate (6.8).
The highest plant height (52.3) was observed with 280 g/L AvG in full- strength MS medium. Root
dry weight (0.05g) was recorded with 0.1 mg/L IAA in full-strength MS medium, while plant dry
weight (0.1g) was noted with 120 g/L AvG in full-strength MS medium. These findings suggest
that aloe vera gel can be used as a viable natural alternative to synthetic auxin for in vitro rooting
media used in growing sour bananas, improving multiple growth parameters.
