A protocol for the in vitro conservation of diploid banana accessions based on lower temperature for culture environment was developed. Twenty four genotypes, four clones per genotype were studied. After disinfection, shoot tips (0.5 cm diameter x 0.5 cm height) were established in vitro and submitted to multiplication induced by benzylaminopurine. Twelve explants (0.6 cm diameter x 1.2 cm height) from each accession were transferred to the MS medium supplemented with 20 g L-1 sucrose and 2 g L-1 Phytagel, without growth regulators, under light intensity of 2000 lux, 16-hour photoperiod, at temperatures of: 17 ± 2ºC, 22 ± 2ºC and 26 ± 2ºC. The development of plantlets was evaluated during 450 days and the survived plantlets were acclimated under greenhouse conditions. There were no differences among genotypes concerning the behavior during in vitro conservation; all genotypes showed potential to be conserved for a long time. The interval for transference should be 180, 360 and 450 days under the mean temperatures of 26, 22 and 17ºC, respectively.
Musa spp.; germplasm; in vitro conservation
