Bananas and Food Security - Bioversity International

212 Les productions bananières / Bananas and food security – Session 1
Important varieties
India harbours a wide range of Musa cultivars with varying genomic status. Many
cultivars have poor yield potential but are grown for their quality and farmers are
compensated with higher price of the product. However, Dwarf Cavendish and Robusta
known by different names are basis of commercial cultivation owing to high yield, wide
market acceptability, short crop duration and high economic returns. Nevertheless,
these cultivars are not common in coastal region due to their high susceptibility to
Sigatoka leaf spot diseases. Poovan is another important cultivar grown commercially in
different regions for its wider adaptability, tolerance to drought, and disease. Nyali
Poovan, known as Elakkibale or Ney Poovan or Safed velchi is also grown commercially
in many parts of the country. Rasthali (Silk banana) commonly known as Malbhog,
Amritapani, Rasbale, Mortman in different regions, is significant in commercial
production and its success largely depends on higher price it fetches. Virupakshi (Hill
banana), Monthan, Karpuravalli, Chakia are also important in some regions. Nendran or
Rajeli is grown in Kerala and also in Tamil Nadu. All these varieties have given rise to
many mutants but only few mutants have found commercial significance. The important
varieties grown in different regions in different names are discussed regarding the yield
potential and quality of fruits.
Dwarf Cavendish (AAA)
It is a commercial cultivar of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Tamil Nadu,
Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka and called in different names such as Basrai, Bhusawal,
Jahaji, Kabuli, Pacha vazhai, Mauritius, Morris, Kuzhi vazhai, Sindhurni, Singapuri.
Increased productivity of these states is attributed to high yielding Dwarf Cavendish.
Several superior clones under this group have been identified and are under
advanced stage of evaluation. Gandevi selection known as “Hanuman” or “Padarse” is
gaining popularity despite its longer crop duration. The selection produces bunch
weighing 55-60 kg and performs better under light soil condition with higher inputs.
Though Dwarf Cavendish is a high yield variety, it is highly susceptible to leaf spot
diseases in humid tropics restricting its commercial cultivation.
Robusta (AAA)
This semi-tall variety is a commercial cultivar of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh
and parts of Maharashtra and called in different names such as Bombay Green, Pedda
Pacha Arati, Harichal, Borjahaji, Pacha Vazhai. Female phase puts forth of 10-12 hands
of fertile flowers developing into dark green, upcurved fruits. Each hand has about 16-24
fruits arranged in two rows. Bunch weighs about 25-30 kg. Dark green fruits turn bright
yellow upon ripening depending on ripening conditions. Fruit is very sweet with a good
aroma.
Propping requirement makes the crop investment intensive added with high
susceptibility to Sigatoka leaf spot in humid tropics. Fruit has a poor keeping quality
leading to breakdown of pulp after ripening, not suited for long distance transportation.