Evaluation of new banana (Musa spp.) genotypes under Odisha conditions

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to evaluate five cultivars of banana (Musa sp.) belonging to different genomic groups (AAB and ABB) for growth, yield and quality attributes. From the evaluation of the data for growth, yield and quality parameters, it was evident that among all the genotypes, the maximum pseudostem height (352.3 cm) was recorded in Budubale, whereas, NRCB Selection-10 recorded the highest pseudostem girth (69.4 cm), number of suckers (8.6), and number of functional leaves (14.6) at shooting stage. The earliest shooting and fruit maturity (216.1 and 297.4 days respectively) were observed in BRS Selection Popoulu, whereas, late shooting and fruit maturity (289.6 and 390.1days respectively) were recorded in Budubale. Regarding yield attributes, the maximum bunch weight (20.4 Kg), bunch length (66.6 cm), number of hands per bunch (12.1), number of fingers per bunch (171.2) and yield per hectare (51 tonnes) were recorded in genotype NRCB Selection-10. However, bunch girth (160.1 cm), finger girth (20.0 cm) and weight of finger (264.6 g) were highest in BRS Selection Popoulu. In the AAB genomic group, Popoulu and Manjeri Nendran registered 62.13% and 34.45% yield increase over the check Nendran respectively. In the ABB genomic group, NRCB Selection-10 recorded 40.68% yield increase over the check Budubale. With respect to the quality parameters like TSS, reducing sugar and total sugar content, the genotype, Manjeri Nendran was found to be superior among all the genotypes. On the basis of results obtained in the present investigation, NRCB Selection-10 recorded the highest yield which was at par with BRS Selection Popoulu. The maximum net return of Rs. 392000/ha and B:C ratio of 2.78 was recorded in NRCB Selection-10 against the B:C ratio of 1.89 in BRS Selection Popoulu.