Acclimatization of micropropagated seedlings of banana cv. ‘Prata Catarina’ under different environmental conditions

Micropropagated seedlings need to be morphologically, anatomically and physiologically prepared for planting in the field, and the environmental conditions adopted during this acclimatization process are determinant for the successful establishment of seedlings. Height, pseudostem diameter, number of leaves, length of the largest root, fresh and dry matter weights, and accumulation of nutrients in micropropagated seedlings of banana cv. ‘Prata Catarina’ were evaluated in cultivation under greenhouse, air-conditioned room and shade net tunnel conditions. Micropropagated seedlings subjected to 14 days in a tunnel and 49 days in a greenhouse showed a trend of increase in height, pseudostem diameter, number of leaves and length of the largest root, although no significant differences were observed. On the other hand, for the fresh and dry matter weights and accumulation of nutrients, significant differences were observed between this treatment and the others. It is concluded that, for the acclimatization of micropropagated seedlings of banana cv. ‘Prata Catarina’, the most suitable condition is the combination of tunnel (with one layer of 50% shade net) for 14 days, followed by 49 days in a greenhouse. These conditions can be adopted by producers when acclimatizing micropropagated banana seedlings.