The transgenic plantlets including the controls were
established in a nutrient solution for 2 months for adequate
root mass development (Fig. 1). At inoculation stage, pure
Fusarium oxysporum (V5W2-9 NH3) cultures (Paparu, 2008)
raised on half strength potato dextrose agar (Duchefa
Biochemicals, Netherlands) were used as inoculum. Spore
counts were standardised using a haemocytometer. The
banana plantlets were exposed to the fungal inoculum by
immersion in ritar jar flasks containing 1.5 x 106
spores/ml
for four hours. Inoculated plantlets were later transferred
to 10 L buckets having sterile soil which had been steam
sterilised at 100o
C using moist heat over a water bath in a
metallic cylindrical drum for a period of up to 3-4 days.