Abstract
This study evaluated the suitability of cassava and sago starch as alternative gelling agents to agar in the in vitro propagation of Musa textilis (cv. Agbayanon). Culture media were prepared using cassava starch, sago starch, their combination, and standard agar, and their effects on media properties, explant survivability, morphogenesis, and cost efficiency were assessed. Explants cultured on starch-based media exhibited significantly higher survival rates, with sago starch yielding the highest (87.5%) compared to agar (65.6%). Callus formation occurred in all treatments (100%). The earliest callus initiation was observed in the cassava starch treatment (55.25 days), while the slowest was recorded in the cassava + sago starch combination (58.25 days). Shoot emergence was fastest in agar (32.50 days), while shoot count was highest in cassava starch and agar (2.00 per explant). Leaf number and shoot height did not significantly differ across treatments, and no hyperhydricity was observed. The media pH remained stable after autoclaving in all treatments, indicating chemical compatibility. Starch-based gels appeared less transparent but sufficiently firm to support plant growth. Cost analysis revealed cassava starch as the most economical gelling agent (₱397.41 per liter), offering potential cost savings for large-scale propagation. Overall, cassava starch demonstrated performance comparable to agar, highlighting its promise as a sustainable, low-cost alternative in abaca micro propagation. Further optimization of starch blends may enhance their applicability in commercial tissue culture systems.
Keywords: Cassava Starch, Micropropagation, Musa Textilis, Plant Tissue Culture, Sago Starch, Starch-Based Medium.