Chemical and mineral composition of four cultivars of banana (Musa sp.) belonging to different genomic groups grown in India.

Abstract

Banana is an important food crop after rice, wheat and maize in several tropical and subtropical regions of the world. During the course of natural evolution, two seeded diploid species of banana (Musa acuminate - AA and Musa balbisiana – BB) hybridized naturally and developed into several genomic groups of seedless diploids and triploids (AA, AB, AAA, AAB, ABB) that are commercially cultivated. A study was conducted to investigate the chemical and mineral composition of cultivars belonging to four different genomic groups. Results revealed that B genome rich cultivar, Karpuravalli (ABB), had higher dry matter and starch, less moisture, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, total and reducing sugars, when compared with A genome rich cultivar, Robusta (AAA) and Poovan (AAB). Similarly cultivars with B genome had higher nitrogen, lesser calcium, potassium, zinc and iron, while mixed influence was noticed with regard to minerals like phosphorus and magnesium. From nutritional point of view, cultivars B genome cultivars (like Karpuravalli) can be considered as good source of carbohydrates and proteins, while A genome rich cultivar (like Robusta) are good source of important minerals, like potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc and iron. Results of the present study could help food technologists in selecting trait specific cultivars of banana while designing functional foods for specific target groups.