Cultivated Bananas Research Articles

Painting the diversity of a world's favorite fruit: A next generation catalog of cultivated bananas

Painting the diversity of a world's favorite fruit: A next generation catalog of cultivated bananas

Eco‐friendly flame‐retardant based on sap from banana plant pseudostems

AbstractSociety's need for safe flame‐retardant technologies in passive fire protection is undeniable. To address this concern, this paper presents an experimental investigation of the fire‐retardant properties of slash pine wood treated with banana plant pseudostem sap, obtained from a cultivated banana plant variety widely grown in Brazil. The natural sap extract was characterized through X‐Ray Fluorescence spectrometry and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy techniques, revealing the presence of key components, including water, potassium chloride, sodium chloride, sodium silicate, calcium phosphate, sodium phosphate, lignin and tannins. The authors explored different treatment parameters, including various sap impregnation times, number of impregnations and use of natural versus various levels of concentrated sap. First, a horizontal burning test, similar test to UL 94 HB, was used to obtain an initial assessment of the suitability of sap as a flame retardant for slash pine wood. Subsequently, the Mass Loss Calorimeter equipment with thermopile attachment described in ISO 13927:2015 was used to measure various heat release rate parameters. The findings suggest that reducing the water content in sap and increasing the number of repeat treatments results in a more effective treatment for slash pine wood. More specifically, the results indicate that the most efficient treatment involves three impregnations with high‐concentration (1/10 volume reduction) sap. Future work to improve the efficacy of the concentrated sap impregnation process could explore the use of pressure treatment instead of soaking.

Evaluation of banana peel extract (Musa sapientum L.) as a natural antimicrobial for livestock farming

AbstractIntroductionOne of the primary objectives of managing microbial content in livestock farming is to control diseases in the respective animals. Nevertheless, the pervasive development of drug‐resistant bacteria is a consequence of the high levels of antibiotic use that are necessary to achieve this objective. This situation exacerbates animal disease and poses a threat to human health. The purpose of this study was to investigate alternative microbial control methods in livestock farming using banana peel extract.Materials & MethodsThe antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of peel extracts from unripe and ripe cultivated bananas were examined and compared.ResultsThe results are notable because they show that the unripe banana peel extracts exhibited significantly better antioxidant activity than the ripe banana peel extracts in 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid (ABTS), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) tests. Furthermore, the unripe banana peels showed significant antimicrobial activity in vitro against four bacteria that are commonly found in swine and poultry houses, including Staphylococcus epidermidis, Exiguobacterium indicum, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus siamensis, Bacillus altitudinis, Pantoea ananatis, and Bacillus megaterium. This activity was probably due to their high levels of total phenolic content and total flavonoid content. Then, the spray formulation loaded with the concentrated unripe banana peel extract that was five times higher than the minimum bactericidal concentration was developed and tested. Ethanol, sodium benzoate, tween 80, and glycerine were applied as additives in the spray formulation to increase the extract's solubility and stability. It was found that the developed spray formulation effectively inhibited the growth of S. epidermidis.ConclusionThese research outcomes show that the possible application of banana peel extract is an excellent approach because it is an eco‐friendly alternative to control microorganisms undesired microbial growth in farm animals.

Comparative Evaluation of In-vitro Bioefficacy of Microbial Bioagents and Novel Chemical Compounds against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. Cubense

The Assam and North-eastern regions of India recognized as diverse repositories of wild and cultivated banana cultivars, confront a significant threat to banana varieties, Malbhog due to Fusarium wilt disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense (Foc). This study investigates the in-vitro bioefficacy of indigenous bioagents and new-generation chemical compounds against Foc to develop an integrated module subsequently, in line with the worldwide pursuit of environmentally conscientious and high-performance agricultural practices.In this study, four bioagents viz., Bacillus vallismortis, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Trichoderma harzianum, and Talaromyces pinophilus were screened in-vitro against Foc revealed the highest efficacy of B. vallismortis with 68.22 % mycelial growth inhibition of Foc followed by B. amyloliquifaciens with (60.05%) and the least inhibition was exhibited by T.pinophilus with (50.05%).To identify new generation chemical compounds, namely Propiconazole, Azoxystrobin, Tebuconazole + Trifloxystrobin were tested with a standard check Carbendazim wherein all the chemicals significantly inhibited the mycelial growth of the pathogen over control with Tebuconazole + Trifloxystrobin combination fungicide showing highest percent inhibition of 94% at 0.1% concentration followed by Carbendazim at 0.1%. Our study has identified potential microbial strains and chemical fungicides which can be further explored for the development and exploration of bio-fungicide and chemical fungicide-based biointensive integrated management of Fusarium wilt menace in malbhog banana in the region.

Genetic diversity analysis of banana using SSR markers

Banana, a crucial fruit crop thriving in tropical and sub-tropical regions, facing a notable challenge of elevated sterility across various cultivated banana genotypes. This sterility issue hampers the cultivation of diverse banana varieties. Therefore, a focused endeavour is crucial to thoroughly investigate the richness of diversity within both wild and cultivated banana genotypes, aiming to preserve it for future utilization. In the present study, 21 Musa genotypes were collected from different places of North-Eastern Region, and conserved in the field gene bank at Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Lembucherra, Tripura during 2015-2022. Molecular characterization and DNA fingerprinting of these banana accessions were performed by employing 16 banana SSR markers. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 15 to 24 with an average 20.375. The expected heterozygosity (He) ranged from 0.564-0.967 with a mean of 0.852, and the polymorphic information content (PIC) varies from 0.638–0.945 (mean = 0.859). Genetic diversity analysis showed dissimilar groups, indicating possibility of involvement of different accuminata and balbisiana types in evaluation of banana in NE region. The outcome of the current study will be useful for des igning banana crops against different stresses

Identifikasi Tingkat Ploidi Tanaman Pisang Menggunakan Flow Cytometer di Jawa Tengah

In Indonesia, banana plants are known to have high genetic diversity, both cultivated and wild bananas. Banana plants are naturally known to have several levels of ploidy, namely diploid, triploid, and tetraploid. This study aims to identify the level of ploidy in banana plants explored in Central Java. The research method used flow cytometer, which analyzes the size of the plant genome, thus providing an overview of the level of ploidy and genetic diversity in banana plant populations. The research samples were banana plant leaves from various exploration locations in Central Java. The identification results show that of the 30 banana plant leaf samples that were successfully analyzed, it is known that the largest number of samples from banana plants that have triploid ploidy level (2n = 3x), namely 15 numbers, diploid ploidy level (2n = 2x) as many as 14 numbers, and found 1 cultivated banana with tetraploid ploidy level (2n = 4x). The results of ploidy level identification can provide guidance for researchers and plant breeders in selecting the right genotype for the development of superior varieties.

Striking variation in chromosome structure within Musa acuminata subspecies, diploid cultivars, and F1 diploid hybrids.

The majority of cultivated bananas originated from inter- and intra(sub)specific crosses between two wild diploid species, Musa acuminata and Musa balbisiana. Hybridization and polyploidization events during the evolution of bananas led to the formation of clonally propagated cultivars characterized by a high level of genome heterozygosity and reduced fertility. The combination of low fertility in edible clones and differences in the chromosome structure among M. acuminata subspecies greatly hampers the breeding of improved banana cultivars. Using comparative oligo-painting, we investigated large chromosomal rearrangements in a set of wild M. acuminata subspecies and cultivars that originated from natural and human-made crosses. Additionally, we analyzed the chromosome structure of F1 progeny that resulted from crosses between Mchare bananas and the wild M. acuminata 'Calcutta 4' genotype. Analysis of chromosome structure within M. acuminata revealed the presence of a large number of chromosomal rearrangements showing a correlation with banana speciation. Chromosome painting of F1 hybrids was complemented by Illumina resequencing to identify the contribution of parental subgenomes to the diploid hybrid clones. The balanced presence of both parental genomes was revealed in all F1 hybrids, with the exception of one clone, which contained only Mchare-specific SNPs and thus most probably originated from an unreduced diploid gamete of Mchare.

A new genus of alphasatellites associated with banana bunchy top virus in Southeast Asia.

Autonomously replicating alphasatellites (family Alphasatellitidae) are frequently associated with plant single-stranded (ss)DNA viruses of the families Geminiviridae, Metaxyviridae, and Nanoviridae. Alphasatellites encode a single replication-initiator protein (Rep) similar to Rep proteins of helper viruses and depend on helper viruses for encapsidation, movement, and transmission. Costs versus benefits of alphasatellite-helper virus association are poorly understood. Our surveys in Southeast Asia (SEA) for wild and cultivated banana plants infected with banana bunchy top virus (BBTV, Nanoviridae) and Illumina sequencing reconstruction of their viromes revealed, in addition to a six-component BBTV genome, one to three distinct alphasatellites present in sixteen of twenty-four BBTV-infected plants. Comparative nucleotide and Rep protein sequence analyses classified these alphasatellites into four distinct species: two known species falling into the genus Muscarsatellite (subfamily Petromoalphasatellitinae) previously identified in SEA and two novel species falling into the tentative genus Banaphisatellite (subfamily Nanoalphasatellitinae) so far containing a single species recently identified in Africa. The banaphisatellites were found to be most related to members of the genus Fabenesatellite of subfamily Nanoalphasatellitinae and the genus Gosmusatellite of subfamily Geminialphasatellitinae, both infecting dicots. This suggests a dicot origin of banaphisatellites that got independently associated with distinct strains of monocot-infecting BBTV in Africa and SEA. Analysis of conserved sequence motifs in the common regions driving replication and gene expression of alphasatellites and BBTV strains revealed both differences and similarities, pointing at their ongoing co-evolution. An impact of alphasatellites on BBTV infection and evasion of RNA interference-based antiviral defences was evaluated by measuring relative abundance of BBTV genome components and alphasatellites and by profiling BBTV- and alphasatellite-derived small interfering RNAs. Taken together, our findings shed new light on the provenance of alphasatellites, their co-evolution with helper viruses, and potential mutual benefits of their association.

Origin and evolution of the triploid cultivated banana genome.

Most fresh bananas belong to the Cavendish and Gros Michel subgroups. Here, we report chromosome-scale genome assemblies of Cavendish (1.48 Gb) and Gros Michel (1.33 Gb), defining three subgenomes, Ban, Dh and Ze, with Musa acuminata ssp. banksii, malaccensis and zebrina as their major ancestral contributors, respectively. The insertion of repeat sequences in the Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc) tropical race 4 RGA2 (resistance gene analog 2) promoter was identified in most diploid and triploid bananas. We found that the receptor-like protein (RLP) locus, including Foc race 1-resistant genes, is absent in the Gros Michel Ze subgenome. We identified two NAP (NAC-like, activated by apetala3/pistillata) transcription factor homologs specifically and highly expressed in fruit that directly bind to the promoters of many fruit ripening genes and may be key regulators of fruit ripening. Our genome data should facilitate the breeding and super-domestication of bananas.

Visualizing and Inferring Chromosome Segregation in the Pedigree of an Improved Banana Cultivar (Gold Finger) with Genome Ancestry Mosaic Painting

Banana breeding faces numerous challenges, such as sterility and low seed viability. Enhancing our understanding of banana genetics, notably through next-generation sequencing, can help mitigate these challenges. The genotyping datasets currently available from genebanks were used to decipher cultivated bananas’ genetic makeup of natural cultivars using genome ancestry mosaic painting. This article presents the application of this method to breeding materials by analyzing the chromosome segregation at the origin of ‘Gold Finger’ (FHIA-01), a successful improved tetraploid variety that was developed in the 1980s. First, the method enabled us to clarify the variety’s intricate genetic composition from ancestral wild species. Second, it enabled us to infer the parental gametes responsible for the formation of this hybrid. It thus revealed 16 recombinations in the haploid male gamete and 10 in the unreduced triploid female gamete. Finally, we could deduce the meiotic mechanism lying behind the transmission of unreduced gametes (i.e., FDR). While we show that the method is a powerful tool for the visualization and inference of gametic contribution in hybrids, we also discuss its advantages and limitations to advance our comprehension of banana genetics in a breeding context.

Two haplotype-resolved genome assemblies for AAB allotriploid bananas provide insights into banana subgenome asymmetric evolution and Fusarium wilt control

Bananas (Musa spp.) are one of the world’s most important fruit crops and play a vital role in food security for many developing countries. Most banana cultivars are triploids derived from inter- and intraspecific hybridizations between the wild diploid ancestor species Musa acuminate (AA) and M. balbisiana (BB). We report two haplotype-resolved genome assemblies of the representative AAB-cultivated types, Plantain and Silk, and precisely characterize ancestral contributions by examining ancestry mosaics across the genome. Widespread asymmetric evolution is observed in their subgenomes, which can be linked to frequent homologous exchange events. We reveal the genetic makeup of triploid banana cultivars and verify that subgenome B is a rich source of disease resistance genes. Only 58.5% and 59.4% of Plantain and Silk genes, respectively, are present in all three haplotypes, with >50% of genes being differentially expressed alleles in different subgenomes. We observed that the number of upregulated genes in Plantain is significantly higher than that in Silk at one-week post-inoculation with Fusarium wilt tropical race 4 (Foc TR4), which confirms that Plantain can initiate defense responses faster than Silk. Additionally, we compared genomic and transcriptomic differences among the genes related to carotenoid synthesis and starch metabolism between Plantain and Silk. Our study provides resources for better understanding the genomic architecture of cultivated bananas and has important implications for Musa genetics and breeding.

Evidence for Dicot Plants as Alternative Hosts of Banana Bunchy Top Virus and Its Alphasatellites in South-East Asia.

Banana bunchy top virus is a multicomponent circular ssDNA virus (family Nanoviridae) that causes one of the most devastating diseases of cultivated bananas and plantains (family Musaceae). It is transmitted by the aphids Pentalonia nigronervosa and P. caladii among host plants of Musaceae and some other families of monocots. Our Illumina sequencing reconstruction of virome components of BBTV-infected banana plants and their neighbor non-banana plants sampled in Vietnam and Laos revealed the monocot Commelina sp. (Commelinaceae) and the dicots Bidens pilosa and Chromolaena odorata (both Asteraceae) as hosts of BBTV and circular ssDNA alphasatellites (family Alphasatellitidae). Counting the proportions and relative abundances of Illumina reads representing BBTV genome components and alphasatellites suggested that Chromolaena and Commelina are poor hosts for BBTV and one to three alphasatellite species, whereas Bidens is a permissive host for BBTV and four alphasatellite species representing two genera of Alphasatellitidae. Our findings provide evidence for the dicot plants of family Asteraceae as alternative hosts of BBTV and its alphasatellites, which warrants further investigation of these and other dicots as a potential refuge and source of BBTV and multiple alphasatellites that become associated with this virus and likely affect its replication, transmission, and host range.

Transcriptome analysis provides insight into the regulatory mechanisms underlying pollen germination recovery at normal high ambient temperature in wild banana (Musa itinerans).

Cultivated banana are polyploid, with low pollen fertility, and most cultivars are male sterile, which leads to difficulties in banana breeding research. The selection of male parent with excellent resistance and pollen fertility is therefore essential for banana breeding. Wild banana (Musa itinerans) have developed many good characteristics during natural selection and constitute an excellent gene pool for breeding. Therefore, research on wild banana breeding is very important for banana breeding. In the current analysis, we examined the changes in viability of wild banana pollens at different temperatures by in vitro germination, and found that the germination ability of wild banana pollens cultured at 28°C for 2 days was higher than that of pollens cultured at 23°C (pollens that could not germinate normally under low temperature stress), 24°C (cultured at a constant temperature for 2 days) and 32°C (cultured at a constant temperature for 2 days). To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the germination restoration process in wild banana pollens, we selected the wild banana pollens that had lost its germination ability under low temperature stress (23°C) as the control group (CK) and the wild banana pollens that had recovered its germination ability under constant temperature incubation of 28°C for 2 days as the treatment group (T) for transcriptome sequencing. A total of 921 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected in CK vs T, of which 265 were up-regulated and 656 were down-regulated. The combined analysis of Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) revealed that the activation, metabolism of various substances (lipids, sugars, amino acids) play a major role in restoring pollen germination capacity. TCA cycle and the sesquiterpenoid and triterpenoid biosynthetic pathways were also significantly enriched in the KEGG pathway. And we found that some DEGs may be associated with pollen wall formation, DNA methylation and DNA repair. The cysteine content, free fatty acid (FFA) content, H2O2 content, fructose content, and sucrose content of pollen were increased at treatment of 28°C, while D-Golactose content was decreased. Finally, the GO pathway was enriched for a total of 24 DEGs related to pollen germination, of which 16 DEGs received targeted regulation by 14 MYBs. Our study suggests that the balance between various metabolic processes, pollen wall remodelling, DNA methylation, DNA repairs and regulation of MYBs are essential for germination of wild banana pollens.

Nutritional Values and Antioxidant Activity of Wild and Cultivated Banana Pseudostems from Manipur, North Eastern India

Young and fresh banana pseudostems of (Musa sp.) locally known as “Laphu” (Manipuri) are sold in the local markets and consumed as a common vegetable in Manipur. Despite high economic value and consumption, the nutritional values of banana pseudostems have not been studied. The present study evaluated the nutritional values and antioxidant activity of four highly consumed banana pseudostems [MN13 (Meitei Hei), MN14 (Maring Hei), MN15 (Ningol Hei) and MN20 (Ching Laphu)] found in different parts of Manipur. Two of the cultivated banana pseudostems (MN13 and MN15) were identified as Musa acuminata, MN14 as Musa hybrid cultivar and MN20 as Musa balbisiana of the family Musaceae. The total sugar (0.99 %), reducing sugar (0.57 %), starch (39.22%) and amino acid (23.94 μg/mg) contents were recorded highest in MN14. Non-reducing sugar (0.57 %), crude protein (12.84 %), ash content (30.63%), total phenolic content (23.31 ug GAE/mg) and flavonoid (15μg RE/mg) were found highest in MN20. Among minerals, the highest values of N content was recorded in MN20 (2.05%), P in MN13 (400.78 mg/100g), K in MN14 (42.88 mg/100g) and Na (1.14 mg/100g) in MN15. The antioxidant properties of the pseudostems were found to be very low in all samples as compared to cow pea (31.56%), ascorbic acid (65.86%) and gallic acid (69.2%). The present study reveals that the two banana pseudostems, MN14 (Musa hybrid cultivar) and MN20 (Musa balbisiana) were found to possess the highest nutritional contents based on mineral and dietary values. Further, studies may lead to the development of a suitable management strategy for conservation and sustainable utilization of MN20 as an important vegetable in the future.

Phylogenetic analysis and molecular characterization of BBTV DNA-R of wild and cultivated banana isolates from East Java, Indonesia

Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV) molecular detection and understanding its origin are important issues for mitigating future spread. The aim of this study was to molecularly detect BBTV infection and analyze the characteristic also phylogenetic of banana isolates from East Java Indonesia. Two BBTV asymptomatic wild bananas and two BBTV symptomatic banana cultivars were examined. PCR amplifications were accomplished using BBTV DNA-R primers for master replication initiation protein. Sequences evaluations were conducted in SeqScanner. Sequences identification was performed in nucleotide BLAST. Translation of ORFs was determined using ORF Finder server tool. Protein identification was conducted in protein BLAST. Sequences polymorphisms were analyzed using DnaSP6. Phylogenetic analysis was employed using Neighbor-Joining algorithm with Kimura two-parameter (K2P) substitution model in MEGA7. Results showed that BBTV DNA-R components were detected in all isolates and confirmed as Rep protein. The sequences length were varied from 616 to 1,074 bp, low GC content (42.90%) and low conservation (56.47%). Asymptomatic wild bananas generated shorter length and more variable sequences, presumably related to the resistance mechanism. Phylogenetic analysis of BBTV DNA-R East Java with other 38 homolog sequences worldwide were found clustered in Asian Group, closely related to Vietnam, Thailand, and China. Hence, it presumably originated from China mainland via Malay Peninsula route.

Investigating the Role of the Cultivated Banana Value Chain as a Potential Source of Sustainable Income for Local Communities in Lao PDR

Cultivated bananas have gained attention due to the environmental and social impacts of Cavendish bananas in the northern part of Laos. This study investigated the value chain of cultivated bananas and its implications for sustainable income generation. Basic statistical analysis was used to assess the value added by cultivated bananas, while stakeholder analysis and value chain mapping were used to identify key actors and relationships. The determinant of commercialization is observed through the regression model and the impact of commercialization is investigated through the second stage regression. The study found that the banana value chain in Laos is driven by the export market. Farmers generate the highest profit, but they receive the lowest distribution of value-added. Banana commercialization can significantly increase the income of farmers, but the impact is not equal for all farmers. Bananas are a sustainable income source for households in Laos, and they have the potential to be promoted in high-value markets if the farmers create new products and improve skills of management, marketing, and finance with the support from government policies.

Advances in Somatic Embryogenesis of Banana

The cultivation of bananas and plantains (Musa spp.) holds significant global economic importance, but faces numerous challenges, which may include diverse abiotic and biotic factors such as drought and various diseases caused by fungi, viruses, and bacteria. The genetic and asexual nature of cultivated banana cultivars makes them unattractive for improvement via traditional breeding. To overcome these constraints, modern biotechnological approaches like genetic modification and genome editing have become essential for banana improvement. However, these techniques rely on somatic embryogenesis, which has only been successfully achieved in a limited number of banana cultivars. Therefore, developing new strategies for improving somatic embryogenesis in banana is crucial. This review article focuses on advancements in banana somatic embryogenesis, highlighting the progress, the various stages of regeneration, cryopreservation techniques, and the molecular mechanisms underlying the process. Furthermore, this article discusses the factors that could influence somatic embryogenesis and explores the prospects for improving the process, especially in recalcitrant banana cultivars. By addressing these challenges and exploring potential solutions, researchers aim to unlock the full potential of somatic embryogenesis as a tool for banana improvement, ultimately benefiting the global banana industry.

Keragaman Fenetik Pisang Lokal yang Dimanfaatkan oleh Masyarakat Sentani Kabupaten Jayapura, Papua

Banana plants are a food source that has good prospects. This is because bananas are very popular with all groups, and are easy to grow in tropical areas. There are many varieties of wild and cultivated bananas that grow in Indonesia, one of which grows around Lake Sentani, causing differences in morphological characters between types and between varieties of bananas. The purpose of this study was to determine the phenetic diversity of local Sentani bananas based on morphological characters. The research was conducted in June-October 2022 in five villages around Lake Sentani, namely Ayapo, Yahim, Kampung Harapan, Doyo and Netar using the exploration method and interviewing key informants. For morphological identification using banana descriptor guidelines from the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI). Morphological character data were analyzed in a quantitative descriptive manner using the NTSYs 2.01 application program. The results showed that there were 15 local banana cultivars based on the knowledge of the Sentani people. Based on the phenogram, the local Sentani bananas are grouped into two groups based on the character of the shape, size, color, taste, and color of the organs of the leaves, stems, flowers and fruit. The local banana cultivars have wide phenetic diversity with similarity coefficient values ranging from 20-73%. The closest similarity value is found in Hoyombi and Wabulu cultivars with a similarity value of 73%. The furthest similarity value was found in the Rawo and Anakhola cultivars in group A, and the Olukhu and Honggambu cultivars in group B with a value of 53%.  Key words: diversity; characters; morphology; bananas; Sentani.Â

Shared pedigree relationships and transmission of unreduced gametes in cultivated banana.

Cultivated bananas resulted from inter(sub)specific hybridizations involving Musa species and subspecies (M. acuminata subspecies, M. schizocarpa, M. balbisiana) and the subsequent selection, centuries ago, of hybrids with parthenocarpic, seedless fruits. Cultivars have low fertility and are vegetatively propagated, forming groups of somaclones. Relatively few of them, mainly triploids, are grown on a large scale and characterization of their parental relationships may be useful for breeding strategies. Here we investigate parental relationships and gamete-type contributions among diploid and polyploid banana cultivars. We used SNP genotyping data from whole-genome sequencing of 178 banana individuals, including 111 cultivars, 55 wild bananas and 12 synthetic F1 hybrids. We analysed the proportion of SNP sites in accordance with direct parentage with a global statistic and along chromosomes for selected individuals. We characterized parentage relationships for 7 diploid cultivars, 11 triploid cultivars and 1 tetraploid cultivar. Results showed that both diploid and triploid cultivars could have contributed gametes to other banana cultivars. Diploids may have contributed 1x or 2x gametes and triploids 1x to 3x gametes. The Mchare diploid cultivar group, nowadays only found in East Africa, was found as parent of two diploid and eight triploid cultivars. In five of its identified triploid offspring, corresponding to main export or locally popular dessert bananas, Mchare contributed a 2x gamete with full genome restitution without recombination. Analyses of remaining haplotypes in these Mchare offspring suggested ancestral pedigree relationships between different interspecific banana cultivars. The current cultivated banana resulted from different pathways of formation, with implication of recombined or un-recombined unreduced gametes produced by diploid or triploid cultivars. Identification of dessert banana's parents and the types of gametes they contributed should support the design of breeding strategies.

Banana Peel: A potential waste product with numerous pharmacological activities

Plants have been used as a traditional medicine for generations. Recently the pharmaceutical industries are showing a great interest in using plant extracts in pharmaceutical product development due to the uses of the plants in the treatment of various diseases. Banana is a world-wide edible fruit which comes from south-east Asia. It belongs to the genus Musa and is of two types, sweet banana, and plantain. It has many different species in the world, which are divided into 50 groups. The scientific names of cultivated bananas are Musa accuminata, Musa balbisiana and Musa paradisiaca belonging to the family Musaceae. The present review discusses the various pharmacological activities of the banana peel.