The occurrence of somaclonal variation for plants in developed from tissue culture is well documented in the literature. The present study evaluated the influence of numbers subculture in the induction of variants in Pacovan banana tree (Musa spp., AAB group). Apex stems were introduced and multiplied in vitro using culture media MS, with addition of 2.5 mg.L-1 of BAP. In subsequent subcultures, MS with 4.0 mg.L-1 of BAP was used to induce side buds. Results showed that plants were regenerated with different numbers of subculture (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9). These data were compared with seedlings from developed rhizomes. All the plants, were observed at field conditions in Vale do Açu, Rio Grande do Norte State. The percentage of somaclonal variants, some was estimated using morphological characteristics, such as plant size, color and shape of leaves and bunch shape. Only plants in which buds showed the same type of variation were considered as variables. Somaclonal variation occurred from the fifth subculture, and on the 9th subculture a 5.8% variation was observed. The increase of percentage of somaclonal variation, due to a higher number of subcultures, indicates the necessity of protocols for micropropagation specific for each variety to be commercialized.
seedling production; banana; in vitro; somaclonal variation
