Growth Response of Raja Bulu Banana (Musa × paradisiaca L.) Plantlets Induced by Atonik Solution Under In Vitro Drought Stress

Raja Bulu banana (Musa × paradisiaca L.) is one of the popular table bananas that can be consumed fresh or processed into various food products. However, its production often declines under dry land conditions. This study aimed to determine the interaction between Atonik solution and PEG 6000 on the in vitro growth of Raja Bulu banana plantlets. The experiment was conducted using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with two factors: (A) Atonik concentration at three levels (0 mL L⁻¹, 3 mL L⁻¹, and 6 mL L⁻¹) and (B) PEG 6000 concentration at three levels (0%, 10%, and 20%). Each treatment was replicated three times, with one plantlet per culture bottle. Parameters observed included plantlet survival, growth visualization, stomatal density, and carbohydrate content. Quantitative data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by the Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) test at the 5% significance level. The results showed that the optimal concentration of Atonik solution for selecting drought-tolerant Raja Bulu banana plantlets was 3 mL L⁻¹, while the tolerant concentration of PEG 6000 was 20%. A significant interaction between 3 mL L⁻¹ Atonik and 20% PEG 6000 was observed in enhancing plantlet growth and stomatal density, but no significant effect was found on total solute content.