Conventional banana improvement programs are hindered
by high levels of male and female gamete sterility,
polyploidy, long generation times, and genetic incompatibility.
Genetic transformation is a viable alternative for the
introduction of characteristics that are absent in the gene
pool (Tripathi 2003). Successful generation of transgenic
plants requires an efficient regeneration system and transformation
protocol. In banana, in vitro plant regeneration is
possible from meristematic tissues by organogenesis, and
from cultures of embryogenic cell suspensions by somatic
embryogenesis. Organogenesis from a pre-existing meristems
cannot be used for transformation since it can lead to
the formation of chimeras. Therefore somatic embryogenesis
or regeneration of plants directly from tissue becomes the
most important prerequisite for genetic engineering of
banana