Esterase as a Marker to Study the Genetic Fidelity of Micropropagated Banana

Isozymic profiles of different micropropagated banana (Musa spp.) cultivars (Giant Governor, Dwarf Cavendish, Robusta, Champa, Kachakel and Chatim) of West Bengal, India were assessed at different subcultural passages. Variation with respect to the banding pattern was noticed only in esterase but not in peroxidase and acid phosphatase. Of the six cultivars, four showed variation both at isozymic and yield level. Two cultivars (Kachakel and Chatim) maintained their esterase profile and genetic stability even after twenty subcultural passages. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.