EVALUATION OF QUALITATIVE TRAITS IN BANANA (Musa spp.) GENOMES

The experiment was conducted to study different qualitative characters in banana from different genomic groups. Thirty banana genotypes from genomic groups AA, AAA, AAB, AB, ABB and BB were characterized. The different characteristics studied were bunch position, bunch shape, male flower behaviour, anther exsertion, fruit position, mature fruit peel colour, pulp colour at maturity, flesh texture and predominant taste. All the thirty varieties exhibited considerable variation; more in between groups than within a specific group. Among all, the varieties from group AAA as Dwarf Cavendish, Grand Naine were found with good quality fruits with sweet and soft pulp. ‘Nendran’ from AAB was preferable as a culinary variety with mild taste and more firm texture. Most of the varieties in AA and AAB group showed the characteristic sweet and acidic taste. The group ABB was found with somewhat diverse characteristics. The descriptors used for characterization were found efficient in differentiating banana genotypes in between groups as well as among individual genotypes