JoeReal

The only problem I have with TC plants is that they are often mislabeled. You'd only know 3 to 5 years later. Even reputable nurseries with human employees do make mistakes, and it is so easy to make when plants are small and in tiny pots.

As far as diseases go, we are at the same risk if we get from the same source. I am confident that diseased plants here in California wouldn't last another season so they are eliminated right away after the winter, TC or pup. Most likely, if the sources are in Florida, Hawaii or out of the country and other tropical areas, I would be wary about diseases if I were to plant the bananas inside greenhouses where they wouldn't be subjected to selection pressure via the cold winters.

I have successfully separated and grown a pup that is only one inch tall and likewise have cared for and grown TC plants that are still inside a test tube growing in agar media.