Evaluation of Banana germplasm for the leaf industry and for suitability to different growing environments in India.

Abstract

Bananas and plantains have been exploited as food crops, for fibre and for shelter since time immemorial. With the concept of organic recycling, use of banana leaves as commercial dining plates is in vogue in traditional India. An attempt was made to screen the germplasm and identify suitable cultivars for commercial leaf production. Preliminary screening led to the identification of eight promising clones, of various genomes, groups and sub-groups, with added traits. Observations were made on the number of leaves, usable leaf area, midrib thickness, stomatal density, shelf life of leaves, sucker proliferation and susceptibility to leaf spot diseases along with their yield potentials. The eight accessions selected were found to be best suited for leaf industry in monoculture, marginal conditions, multi-storeyed cropping systems, backyard conditions, saline-sodic soil situations, high altitude and wind prone areas.