Effect of biofertilizers on macro-propagation of banana

Banana has strong apical dominance (harmone-mediated); when suppressed it gives rise to many side suckers. This principle was used in macro-propagation in stimulation of lateral buds development. Plantlet production is generally accomplished through decapitation methods in banana. In the present study attempts were made to enhance the efficacy of decortication in cvs Grand Naine and Shrimanti by using biofertilizers and plant hormones. The study was carried out with suckers weighing 1.0-1.5 kg and composted sawdust was used as initiation medium (substrate). The treatment comprising sawdust + VAM (30 g) + BAP 40 ppm (4 ml) + Bacillus substillis (30 g) produced the maximum number of primary buds (2.99) followed by sawdust + BAP 40 ppm (4 ml) + B substillis (30 g) with primary buds 2.59. In case of tertiary bud production, treatment comprising sawdust + BAP 40 ppm (4 ml) + B substillis (30 g) resulted in the highest number of buds (6.71) followed by sawdust + IBA (dipping in 0.25% solution) + Azospirillum (30 g) (6.12) and sawdust + VAM (30 g) + BAP 40 ppm (4 ml) + B substillis (30 g) (6.06). Highest total number of plantlets was recorded in the treatment comprising sawdust + BAP 40 ppm (4 ml) + B substillis (30 g) (26.30) followed by sawdust + IBA (dipping in 0.25% solution) + Azospirillum (30 g) (23.07) and sawdust + VAM (30 g) + BAP 40 ppm (4 ml) + B substillis (30 g) (16.73) suggesting that treatment combinations of VAM, B subtilis + BAPand IBAwere effective for macro-propagation of cv Grand Naine and Shrimanti.