Research Seeks to Identify More Productive Banana
February 8, 2008| |
Researchers from the Brazilian Agriculture Research Corporation (EMBRAPA) are developing high yielding banana varieties suited for the Brazilian savannas (Cerrado). Cerrado covers more than 20 percent of Brazil’s surface. It is characterized by poor chemically-deficient soil and hot semi-humid climate.
The team has evaluated 23 pathogen-free banana varieties in terms of fruit quality, resistance to diseases and pests and length of growth cycles. The varieties were obtained by tissue culture or micropropagation, since most species are difficult to breed because of their parthenocarpic (fruit production without fertilization) nature. Head researcher Tadeu Guimarães pointed out the importance of identifying banana varieties that can not only survive in the Brazilian savannah but can also resist pathogens, like the black and yellow sigatoka fungi, that have recently emerged in the region. These varieties will help meet local demand for the crop.
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