Tissue culture offers a rapid method of multiplication of quality, uniform, pest and disease- free production
of planting materials in large quantities in banana.
The productivity of banana can be increased by cultivation of tissue culture plants of selected elite ecotypes
of different varieties.
A characteristic of tissue culture banana is that all the plants can be harvested at the same time.
Spacing
Give spacing of 2 m x 2 m (2500 plants/ ha). Tissue culture plants can also be used for high
density planting in Nendran banana to achieve higher returns.The spacing recommended for
high density planting is as follows: (a) 2 m x 3 m with two plants / pit (3332 plants in 1666
pits per ha) (b) 1.75 m x 1.75 m with one plant per pit (3265 plants / ha).
Pit size
50 cm x 50 cm x 50 cm
Method of planting
Prepare pits 15 days in advance of planting.
Fill the pits with topsoil and FYM 15- 20 kg per plant per pit.
Plant the tissue culture plants on the top of the pit at ground level.
Remove the polythene cover completely before planting without damaging the roots.
Planting may be done preferably during evening hours.
Provide partial shade to plants to protect against sun scorching for about two weeks.
Irrigate the crop daily during initial days of establishment.
Plant protection
Adopt integrated plant protection measures to control major pests and diseases.
Manures and Fertilizers
Apply FYM @ 15-20 kg per plant and lime 1 kg per plant at the time of land preparation.
Apply N:P2 O5 :K2 O @ 300:115:450 g per plant in six split doses as shown below.
