Potential of Indian shot (Canna edulis) and Arrowroot (Maranta arundinacae) as solidifying agent in tissue culture media of Banana (Musa sp.)

Abstract

Banana is one of the most important food crops, grown in Sri Lanka for local market. One of the majors constrains in expanding the banana cultivation is limited supply of quality planting materials. Micropropagation techniques can be successfully applied for mass propagation of banana by the micropropagation is expensive thus increases the cost of production. This study was conducted to investigate Arrowroot (Maranta arundinacae L.) and Indian shot (Canna edulis) as cost-effective gelling alternatives for agar. The study evaluated the different arrowroot and Indian shot flour preparation methods and optimal conditions for solubility and concentration. Flour preparation methods were the sun drying method, oven-dry method, and the conventional method (normal method). When using oven drying and sun- drying methods powder color and odor was changed. Among these three methods, the conventional method is the best method for both Arrowroot and Indian shot flour preparation. The solubility properties of arrowroot powder and Indian shot powder in distilled water were investigated under room temperature, 60°C, 70°C and 80°C. It was observed that gelatinization temperature for both arrowroot and Indian shot was 70°C. The solidify ability of arrowroot and Indian shot powder in distilled water were investigated under 60g/L, 80g/L, 100g/L and 120g/L. The solidify ability of arrowroot powder and Indian shot powder in Murashige Skoog (MS) medium solution were investigated under 100g/L. The experiment was identified 100g/L as the ideal amount for solidification in MS medium solution at 70°C. The cost benefit ratio of various gelling agent was also calculated by comparing their price with that standard price of agar. Arrowroot flour has shown a greater potential as a cheaper alternative gelling agent for medium according to the cost analysis. The local availability and low cost of arrowroot and Indian shot make them attractive alternatives to agar in plant tissue culture.