An improved field method for the rapid multiplication of plantain
 

Hi,

In the macropropagation methods, there is "An improved field method for the rapid multiplication of plantain"

Make a "window" that keep leaves but destroy apical meristem.


->Click on the picture to get the doc<-

This doc seems old but maybe could help.

Re: An improved field method for the rapid multiplication of plantain
 

Why bother? This seems the same as cutting the P-stem to the ground and damaging the meristem. The corm would naturally start to push more suckers as the apical meristem would have been damaged and could not produce anymore new growth. The only difference I can see using this method is that you would still have a tree standing, although no more leaves or any flower or fruit would be produced, so it seems that only a temporary aesthetic appeal would be gained.

Re: An improved field method for the rapid multiplication of plantain
 

I could see maybe the existing leaves might help push the growth of the new pups. When I overwinter Musas in the ground I always get lots of pups when the original pseudostem fails to overwinter.

Re: An improved field method for the rapid multiplication of plantain
 

Thanks for the link Jc; it certainly looks interesting. It reminds me a bit of another propagation technique where the main pseudostem is slowly choked as it grows by a ring of tight fitting cord or wire, which apparently makes it pup :)