Salicylic acid (SA) induced changes in in vitro growth and biochemical characteristics were studied in banana micropropagules. Banana shoots were cultured on standard banana multiplication medium supplemented with different concentration of SA. Treatment of SA was given in two different ways; a) SA was incorporated in medium prior to autoclaving and, b) filter sterilized SA was added after autoclaving the medium (post autoclaving). No significant changes were noted in growth when mode of SA application was altered. SA at low concentration proved to put forth positive effect on shoot growth and biomass production while the higher concentration of SA confirmed retardation in growth. Similarly, total chlorophylls, proteins, carbohydrates and phenolics contents were also increased significantly, when micropropagules were grown on standard banana multiplication medium supplemented with low concentration of SA. The study draw to close that SA, at low concentration encourages in vitro growth and biochemical activities in banana micropropagules even so added prior to autoclaving.
