Abstract

The roles of the growth substances auxins, cytokinins, gibberellins and abscisic acid in the development of Musa balbisiana (BB) embryos were investigated. Callus was initiated from immature zygotic embryos, using MS medium supplemented with a strong auxin, picloram (acid 4-amino 3,5,6-trichloropicolinic) at 2mg/l. Origin of embryogenic cells, and the early stages of the callus development are described. The main physiological characteristics (respiration, plant hormone activity) of the explants containing immature zygotic embryos are discussed and related to the callus formation.