Germplasm evaluation in banana (Musa spp.) for bunch yield and quality attributes

Introduction

Banana (Musa spp.) is one of the most important fruit crop of world as well as India. It is an economically profitable fruit crop with large domestic consumption with a considerable export potential. India has been considered as one of the important centre of biodiversity for banana, having about eight species and 120 distinct clones. Banana is well adapted to diverse regions varying from humid tropics to humid sub tropics and semi arid sub tropics upto an elevation of 2000 m above mean sea level. The wide range of adoption of banana is due to its appreciable genetic diversity and suitability to varying agro climatic conditions. The diverse agro climatic conditions have encouraged the development and sustenance of a large number of varieties catering to local needs (Rajamanickam et al., 2006) [8] . A large number of local varieties are under cultivation in Karnataka along with commercial cultivars. However, information on the performance of these cultivars for growth, yield and quality characters in agro climatic condition of north Karantaka-(Zone 3) is lacking. Field evaluation of germplasm for yield with quality characters, disease and pest resistance and their suitability for fresh fruit or processing is a key factor for selection and further multiplication of promising cultivar and their by improve the crop productivity. Kulapati et al. (2000) [4] evaluated seven banana cultivars (Dwarf Cavendish, Karibale, Poovan, Elakkibale, Rasbale, Robusta and Vaatbale) in Karnataka for morphological and bunch characters and reported that Robusta was found to be the best cultivar as far as its yield performance is concerned ensuring the highest return to the farming community and was recommended for cultivation in the region-IV of Karnataka.

Materials and Methods

The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with 30 treatments (Accessions/Genotypes) and 2 replications which include plants with a spacing of 2mx2m. To find the suitable genotype for Ghataprabha command area, thirty cultivars of banana were

Results and Discussion

In the present investigation, the variety Hanuman recorded maximum bunch length (90.0 cm), number of hands per bunch (16.0) and total fingers per bunch (178.0) besides recording moderate values for bunch width and number of fingers in third hand. While the maximum number of fingers in third hand (22.0) was recorded in the variety Udayam, which also had moderate values for the characters like bunch length, bunch width, number of hands per bunch and total number of fingers per bunch. The varieties Pisang Awak and Hoovubale recorded moderate values for bunch characters. The bunch width was found maximum in the variety Karibale. The maximum values for bunch characters recorded by the varieties Hanuman, Robusta, Pisang Awak, Hoovubale and Udayam may be attributed to vigorous growth of these varieties as noted by their maximum values for stem girth, number of leaves and leaf area. These vegetative characters might have helped in enhanced photosynthesis and accumulation of food in sink and their by improved values for bunch characters. This finding is supported by views of Sagar et al. (2014) [9] . Similar observations were reported by Deshmukh et al. (2004) [2,3] who recorded maximum number of hands and number of fingers per bunch in variety Padalse (Hanuman). Where as Uma et al. (2005) [10] observed NRCB Sel. 001 (Udayam) had maximum values for bunch characters which matched with present results. The higher values for bunch yield recorded by the varieties Hanuman (AAA), Udayam (ABB) and Yangambi Selection (AAA) may be attributed to varietal character and vigorous growth of these varieties as noted by maximum values for stem girth, number of leaves and highest leaf area. These vegetative characters helped in enhanced photosynthesis and accumulation of food and their by improved bunch yield. The enhanced yield attributes like maximum number of hands per bunch, maximum total fingers per bunch, finger length, finger girth and fruit weight of these cultivars also contributed to maximizing the bunch yield. The results of present investigation corroborates with the findings of Sagar et al. (2014) [9] who observed maximum yield in Hanuman (43.07 t/ha). Kulapati et al. (2000) [4] recorded maximum yield in Robusta (AAA) followed by Dwarf Cavendish. Deshmukh et al. (2004) [2,3] The varietal genetic characters may be attributed to variation in quality parameters among the varieties. The location and environmental conditions may also have strong influence on fruit quality variation in banana varieties. The present results are in agreement with the findings of Rajamanickam and Rajmohan (2005) [7] who reported, the variety Njalipoovan (Syn. Ney Poovan) was the sweetest variety due to its improved TSS, Reducing sugars and total sugars. Uma et al. (2005) [10] reported that, NRCB Sel. 001 (Udayam) and Kanthali had the best blend of high TSS and medium acidity making them highly suitable for dessert purpose and preparation of value added products. The present results are in accordance with the findings of Uma et al. (2005) [10] . The variation in fruit quality parameters of different varieties was also observed by Kumar (1999) [5] , Medhi (1994) [6] , Rajamanickam et al. (2006) [8] and Devi et al. (2012) [1] .

Conclusion

The plants of variety Hanuman showed maximum bunch yield per plant (32.10 kg), bunch yield per plot (160.21 kg) and bunch yield per hectare (80.0 t) which was supported by better values for bunch length (90 cm), number of hands per bunch (16.0) and total fingers per bunch (178.0) respectively. The varieties such as Udayam, Robusta, Poovan and Yangambi also recorded better performance for yield characters. The quality of Sakkare bale and Ney Poovan were found better by recording higher values for TSS, total sugars and reducing sugars. However the fruit quality traits in Hanuman and Udayam were equally good.

References

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