A major constraint in physiological studies of the Musaceae is the large size of plants and their component parts. Basic growth measurements of field plants are often difficult and become even more so under growth control environments. Physiological measurements such as leaf photosynthesis (Pn), stomatal conductance (Cs), leaf transpiration (Tr) and leaf water potential (LWP) can also be problematic particularly when measurements require whole leaf or other plant partsJ. The present studies were part of a Caribbean Basin Agric. (CBAG)- USDA project to investigate the influence of container temperature on growth and physiology of selected fruit and ornamental species. Banana was one of the fruit test species and tissue cultured plantlets were utilized as a convenient form for studying root-zone temperature (RZT) and irrigation volume (IRV) effects on growth and physiology. Because of the convenient size of plantlets, a whole range of studies were done and described to include growth, carbohydrate (CHO) analysis, root electrolyte studies, Pn, Cs, Tr and leaf chlorophyll analysis. All physiological measurements were done simultaneously using a portable gas exchange system. A brief review of the methods and resulting data are described.