Local Banana Research Articles

Assessment of Genetic Diversity and Relatedness of Local Banana (Musa spp.) Cultivars in Malaysia Using Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) Markers

Banana (Musa spp.) is an economically important crop widely consumed all over the world. Understanding the genetic diversity and relatedness between various banana cultivars is important to continuously improve its fruit characteristics, nutritional value, and disease resistance. This study aimed to develop a DNA fingerprinting panel using polymorphic simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers for the genetic characterisation of 11 banana cultivars in Malaysia. A total of 10 polymorphic SSR markers were developed into a multiplex PCR reaction and capillary electrophoresis to uniquely profile our collection of banana cultivars. The developed fingerprinting panel successfully amplified a total of 95 alleles, with 6 to 13 alleles per SSR marker. The average SSR marker polymorphic information content (PIC) value is 0.812, indicating the informativeness of the panel. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) shows that 97% of the molecular variance from our banana collection is due to inter-variety genetic diversity, while the remaining 3% is due to intra-variety genetic diversity. A population structure analysis groups our collection of banana varieties according to the presence of at least one M. balbisiana (B) genome in their genetic makeup. The Cavendish variety, however, showed a distinct structure compared to the other cultivars. This SSR fingerprinting panel provides valuable insights into the genetic diversity and relatedness between banana cultivars in Malaysia. It has the potential to assist future banana breeding initiatives and serve as an effective quality control measure for verifying varieties in a tissue culture facility involved in banana planting materials production.

Karakteristik Fisik dan Kandungan Gizi Tepung Pisang Lokal Lampung dengan Metode Perebusan

Lampung Province is the third largest banana producer in Indonesia with various types of bananas. It affects the differences of physical characteristics and nutritional content. Besides the type of banana, the processing can also affect the differences in its characteristics. The objective of the research was to determine the physical characteristics and nutritional content of banana flour from 8 types of bananas grown in Lampung Province as a source of local flour with the boiling method. The study was designed in a completely randomized block design with 3 replications. The results showed that the type of banana affected the physical characteristics and nutritional content of banana flour. Nangka bananas had the highest yield (42.06%) and muli bananas had the lowest yield (24.45%). Ambon kuning and tanduk had the highest degree of whiteness (44.60 and 41.20) and this is influenced by the color of the black pith. Muli banana flour was the highest protein content (3.54%). Fat content in nangka banana flour is the highest (1.09%). Ash of muli banana and ambon banana flour were the highest content (2.99% and 2.68%). Crude fiber of muli banana flour and kepok manado banana flour were the highest content (3.17% and 3.21%). The starch, amylose, and ratio of amylose/amylopectin of kepok manado and tanduk banana flour were the same and the highest content (respectively ranging between 74.53–76.29%, 26.18–28.92%, and 0.35–0.41). Vitamin C and total acid in local banana flour ranged from 0.51–2.34 mg/100 g and 0.62–2.25 respectively, muli bananas had the highest content of vitamin C and total acid with values of 2.34 mg/100 g and 2.25%. The boiling process can be applied as one of pre-treatment before making local Lampung banana flour. Keywords: banana flour, boiling method, local banana, nutritional

Diversity and genome classification of Banana (Musa spp.) at Kuantan Singingi District - Riau Province, Indonesia

Abstract The objective of this research was to determine the genome group, and to observe the genetic relationship between banana cultivars in the Kuantan Singingi District, Riau Province. Twenty-five local banana cultivars were observed and characterized morphologically by following of IPGRI standard, genome classification was determined according to the Simmond and Shepherd method, and UPGMA clustering were conducted. Twenty-five banana cultivars observed is classified into two genome group, namely AA/AAA genomes, and AAB genome. The coefficient similarity value of twenty-five banana cultivars based on morphological markers ranged from 0.23 to 1.00. Several banana cultivars showed the coefficient similarity value of 1.00, indicating that they are similar morphologically but different in naming in the community. UPGMA dendrogram clustered twenty-five banana cultivars into three groups, The first cluster consists of Kepok, Batu, Tanduk, Nangka, Godang, Ambon, Kapas, and Kolek Siam banana. The second cluster included banana cultivars of Abu, Talun, Godok, Pinang, Kapal, Raja, Sawak, and Serai banana. The third cluster consisted of Lidi, Tunjuk, Rotan, 40Hari, Lomak Manih, Somanih, Emas, Ome, and Bantan banana. This study concluded that a minimum of eighteen banana cultivars should be collected for the conservation program, and hybridization can be performed among banana cultivars having low similarity coefficient values.

Optimization of pre-gelatinization conditions of unripe local banana starch (Musa balbisiana var. Abu) using response surface methodology

Optimization of pre-gelatinization conditions of unripe local banana starch (Musa balbisiana var. Abu) using response surface methodology

The Influence of Observability on The Adoption of Tissue Culture Banana Seedlings in Tanzania

In seedling technology, Banana seedlings are undergoing a profound transformation with the integration of advanced innovation, referred to as tissue culture banana seedling. The study delves into the science of seedling technology and innovation adoption within the banana farming sector. We explore the dynamic interactions between tissue culture innovation and farmer adoption. The study adopted a positivism philosophy, cross-sectional survey design, and purposive sampling techniques. A sample size of 350 banana farmers in Kilimanjaro was drawn from the population of the study using the Yamen formula for sample size determination. Since the outcome variable was dichotomous the binary logistic regression model was employed. The result indicates that the highest mean was for the statement banana tissue culture seedling grow faster compared to local sucker (M=3.75), indicating the speed of growth is seen as a clear observable benefit. Standard deviations were relatively low, ranging from 0.826 to 0.872, indicating less variation in responses. These results suggest smallholder farmers perceive tissue culture banana seedlings as having moderately high observability, especially related to the visible benefits of faster planting growth and income generation compared to using local banana seedlings. We shed light on the adoption of tissue culture banana seedlings. Adoption is reshaping traditional seedling suckers practices, enhancing productivity and business opportunity. Farmers' adoption will lead to economic development and job creation. Farmers markets provide opportunities for small farmers and businesses to sell their products, and support to meet the growing demand for locally produced food.

The Influence of Observability on The Adoption of Tissue Culture Banana Seedlings in Tanzania

In the seedling’s technology, Banana farming is undergoing a profound transformation with the integration of advanced technologies, referred to as tissue culture banana seedlings. The study delves into the empires of seedling technology and innovations adoption within the banana farming sector. We explore the dynamic interactions between Tissue culture innovation, and the farmer's adoption. The study adopted positivism philosophy, a cross-sectional survey design, and purposive sampling techniques. A sample size of 350 banana farmers in Kilimanjaro was drawn from the population of the study using Yamen formula for sample size determination. Since the outcome variable was dichotomous the binary logistic regression model was employed. The results indicate that, the highest mean was for the statement “Banana tissue culture seedlings grow faster compared to local suckers” (M=3.75), indicating the speed of growth is seen as a clear observable benefit. Standard deviations were relatively low, ranging from 0.826 to 0.872, indicating less variation in responses. These results suggest smallholder farmers perceive tissue culture banana seedlings as having moderately high observability, especially related to the visible benefits of faster planting growth and income generation compared to using local banana seedlings. We shed light on the adoption of tissue culture seedlings. Adoption is reshaping traditional suckers’ practices, enhancing productivity and business opportunity. Farmers adoption will leads to the economic development and job creation. Farmers markets provide opportunities for small farmers and businesses to sell their products, and support to meet the growing demand for locally produced food.

Ethnobotany of local banana (Musa spp.) variety Loka Pere in West Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract. Fettig JS, Prayogo C, Sirappa MP, Sukiman, Burhanuddin, Sultan, Kurniawan S. 2023. Ethnobotany of the local banana (Musa spp.) variety Loka Pere in West Sulawesi, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 6472-6483. Compared to modern crop varieties, many farmers’ varieties are nutrient dense, stress tolerant, disease resistant and suited to local conditions. It is thought that increased utilization of farmers’ varieties in agrifood systems can improve rural livelihoods. One underutilized farmers’ variety is Loka Pere, a local banana (Musa spp.) in Majene District, West Sulawesi. The purpose of this research was to study ethnobotany of Loka Pere to develop its knowledge base regarding cultural importance, management and local perception of its potential, spatial dynamics and production constraints. Ethnobotany data was collected in the villages Adolang, Adolang Dhua, and Betteng through participatory observation, open-ended conversations, semi-structured interviews, and surveys. Descriptive, qualitative data was recorded alongside total use value and relative frequency of citation for its characteristic traits, ideal growth conditions, and limitations to production. Surveys included ranking and scaled perception questions. Loka Pere is an endemic farmers’ variety originating from the study area and may be locally adapted. It has a strong link to the local community’s identity - often called Manurung Adolang, or the “icon of Adolang” - and is the preferred banana of locals. It has unique phenotypic characteristics and uses, including use as a traditional fertility medicine. After approaching disappearance, local conservation projects and growing desire to utilize the resource led to its reintroduction to production systems. Respondents agreed they would benefit from its increased utilization, including development of processed products. Farmers described ideal conditions and processes for Loka Pere cultivation. It is often grown intercropped or in agroforestry systems. Limitations to production include wild boar, climate, and value chain. Loka Pere appears to be a farmers’ variety with high potential for regional development. Strengthening traditional knowledge related to its cultivation and use can aid in its reintegration into agrifood systems.

First report of Fusarium wilt of Cavendish bananas caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Tropical Race 4 in the Grande Comoros Island.

Fusarium wilt of banana, caused by the soil-borne pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc), is a major constraint to banana production worldwide (Viljoen et al., 2020). Currently, Cavendish bananas are severely affected by Foc Tropical Race 4 (TR4) globally. In Africa, Foc TR4 was first detected in northern Mozambique in 2013 (Viljoen et al., 2020), and has since been found on the island of Mayotte in the Mozambique Channel off the coast of southeastern Africa (Aguayo et al., 2021). In early 2023, severe leaf-yellowing and wilting of Cavendish banana plants was observed on Cavendish banana plants at several small holder farmer properties in Grande Comoros (Ngazidja) including in Ntsinimoipanga (-11,790054 S, 43°25'47,04384 E), Batou (-11,499716 S, 43°21'51,71976''E), Madjeweni (-11,8217 S , 43°16'41''E) and Mdé (-11°41'54'' S, 43°15'20''E). When the pseudostems of these plants were split open, a reddish-brown internal discoloration of the vascular tissue became apparent. Discolored strands of diseased plants were collected, and the causal agent identified using DNA-based techniques, vegetative compatibility group (VCG) analysis and pathogenicity testing. The samples were plated onto potato dextrose agar and single-spored and isolated from individual diseased plants identified as F. oxysporum based on cultural and morphological characteristics. These include the production of white fungal colonies with a purple center, infrequent production of macroconidia, but an abundance of microconidia on short monophialides, and terminal or intercalary chlamydospores (Leslie and Summerell, 2006). Foc TR4 was identified from seven isolates by conventional (Dita et al., 2010) and quantitative-PCR (Matthews et al., 2020), and with loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) (Ordóñez et al., 2021). All seven isolates were confirmed as members of the VCG 01213/16 complex when nit-1 mutants of the unknown Foc isolates were compatible with Nit-M mutants of the Foc VCG 01213 and VCG 01216 tester strains. Two isolates were then selected for pathogenicity testing, and 2-month-old tissue culture-derived Cavendish plants (cv. Williams) inoculated by using the method described by Ndayihanzamaso et al. (2022). After 4 weeks, the Foc TR4-inoculated plants produced wilting symptoms and internal rhizome discoloration typical of Fusarium wilt. Foc TR4 was reisolated from the inoculated plants and identified by qPCR (Matthews et al. 2020), thereby fulfilling Koch's postulates. These results provide scientific proof of the presence of Foc TR4 in a second island in the Comoros archipelago. Comprehensive surveys will be conducted in all three of the Comoros Islands to assess the presence and impact of Foc TR4 to implement containment strategies. Collaborative initiatives and coordinated actions among growers and other stakeholders are needed to prevent the spread of Foc TR4 to more Southwest Indian Ocean islands and countries on the East African coasts. The importance of banana for food security and livelihoods, and the unique genetic diversity of bananas found on the Comoros islands, requires the eradication and isolation of diseased bananas on the short term, and the screening of local banana varieties for Foc TR4 resistance on the longer term.

Land optimization by using banana plants as shading on nutmeg plants in the farmer plantation area

Smallholder plantations are agricultural areas in North Sulawesi (about 50-60%) with an area of about 413,000 ha, of which more than 97% of the managers are farmers and generally located in one area. This paper aims to optimize land use for nutmeg by using banana plants as shade in the nutmeg growth phase as an acceleration of farming development in the farmers plantation area of North Sulawesi. The research was carried out in Kauditan District, North Minahasa Regency, North Sulawesi Province from March to December 2021. The area of the research object is 1 ha of nutmeg plants with 3 local banana varieties (Goroho, Cepatu, Ambon) planted as shade plants. Growth observations were made on nutmeg and banana plants. The results showed that the use of banana plants as shade plants gave a good response to the growth of nutmeg as the main crop. Farmers in plantation areas get significant added value from banana plants when nutmeg plants are in their infancy. The findings from this study are still very limited, so more in-depth further research is needed.

Role of benzyladenine in regeneration of mulu bebe banana planlets in vitro

Banana is a type of local fruit that has the potential to become a leading commodity. Mulu Bebe bananas are local bananas in Indonesia originating from North Maluku. The lack of readily available sources of seed sources restricts banana cultivation. Tissue culture techniques are expected to produce seeds en masse relatively quickly. The study aims to determine the effect of various concentration levels of appropriate BA growth regulators in regenerating mulu bebe banana plantlets in vitro. The research was conducted at the Laboratory of Bio-Science and Plant Reproductive Biotechnology, Teaching Industry, Faculty of Agriculture, Hasanuddin University, Makassar. The study was designed using a completely randomized design (CRD) which consisted of 3 treatment levels, namely BA (0 ppm, 3.5 ppm, and 7 ppm). Further tests were carried out with the Honest Significant Difference (HSD)/ Tuckey 0.05 test. The results showed that treatment with BA administration at various concentrations had a significant effect on the number of shoots and number of leaves but had no significant effect on root number.

Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Banana Starch and Its Alternative Returns

The current study’s goal is to isolate the starch from different varieties of banana i.e. Local Banana (LB) and BARI Banana2 (BB2)and characterize them in order to explore their physical and chemical compositions, amylose content, resistant starch content, functional properties, granule morphology and crystalline pattern. Different techniques were used for characterization viz. X-ray diffractometery (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Spectroscopy (SEM) etc. The starch extracted from banana showed significant difference in the amylose content and the value was found 28.26%and 25.93%respectively for local banana starch (LBS) and bari banana 2 starch (BB2S). This study also revealed that selected banana varieties can be a potential source for the production of resistant starch. The resistant starch (RS) content of the banana was found 46.93% and 45.78% respectively for LBS and BB2S. Using de-branching and autoclaving technique in the starch, there was a significant increase in RS content. Paste clarity was decreased gradually with time for all the starch samples. Water absorption capacity (WAC) and oil absorption capacity (OAC) of LBS and BB2Swere found in the ranged of 165.8-170.7% and 132.6-168.1% respectively. XRD showed both LB and BB2 starches had B-type crystal pattern. The d-spacing of banana starches were ranged from 3.86-5.88Á. SEM data revealed that banana starches possessed the regular elongated round ridges with smooth surface in the range of 4.3-12.4 µm. The information obtained from this research indicates that both banana starches can be used in different areas; especially in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries as an edible coating, thickening agent, fat replacer, etc. Also, banana starch containing functional food can be recommended for diabetic patients.

Deteksi Penyakit Layu Fusarium pada Pisang-Pisang Lokal di Pandeglang

Detection of Fusarium wilt on Local Bananas in Pandeglang
 Fusarium wilt of bananas or Panama disease, caused by Tropical Race4 (TR4), threatens the global banana industry. In Indonesia, the disease devastated Cavendish, an export variety, and many local bananas, such as Pisang Raja, Kepok, and Barangan. Nonetheless, TR4 incidence is unknown in many parts of Indonesia. This study aimed to detect TR4 in local bananas from Pandeglang, the most banana-produced area in Banten Province. A survey was conducted in nine Kecamatan i.e., Banjar, Cadasari, Jiput, Labuan, and Menes. In total, 13 banana accessions showed symptoms of fusarium wilt. Symptomatic pseudostem samples were plated on potato dextrose agar. The monosporic culture was derived from isolation and used for morphological identification and DNA extraction. Based on the morphological characteristics of Fusarium, 27 strains members of 3 species complexes were identified, i.e., F. cugenangense, F. foetens dan F. oxysporum (Fusarium oxysporum species complex; FOSC), F. equiseti dan F. incarnatum (Fusarium incarnatum-equiseti species complex) dan F. solani (Fusarium solani species complex, currently named as Neocosmospora). Molecular detection of TR4 was done using duplex PCR of translation elongation factor-1α (Tef-1α) and TR4 primer specific, giving positive results only on TR4 strains, members of FOSC. This study enhances our knowledge of the spreading of TR4 in an unidentified area in Indonesia. Many of the local bananas in Pandeglang is susceptible to TR4, thus threaten banana cultivation in this area. Further study on the molecular analysis using more genes will give insight into the expanding genetic diversity of Fusarium causing wilt in Banana in the Indonesian collection.

Quality attributes of the developed banana flour: Effects of drying methods

The study aims to investigate the effects of different drying methods on the changes in functional properties, physicochemical composition, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity, sensory attributes, and microstructural quality of the banana flours. Two local banana cultivars, Mehersagar and Sabri, were dried to produce flour using four distinct drying methods: freeze drying (FD), cabinet drying (CD), microwave oven drying (MOD), and forced air oven drying (FOD). The functional properties of the developed banana flours were observed where the findings were as water holding capacity (0.93 ± 0.06–2.74 ± 0.04 g water/g dry sample), oil absorption capacity (0.87 ± 0.06–2.22 ± 0.10 g oil/g dry sample), swelling capacity (4.62 ± 0.02–5.05 ± 0.03 g paste/g dry sample), bulk density (0.54 ± 0.04–0.81 ± 0.02 g/ml), tapped density (0.62 ± 0.04–0.93 ± 0.03 g/ml) and Carr's Index (9.38 ± 0.47–13.58 ± 0.43%). Freeze-dried Mehersagar cultivar's flour showed the leading functional properties with good flowability and cohesiveness. The physicochemical parameters of the flours also revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) in lightness (L*) (50.51 ± 1.49–72.21 ± 1.05), moisture content (3.96 ± 0.09–7.74 ± 0.13%), protein (2.72 ± 0.07–3.93 ± 0.06%), crude fat (0.11 ± 0.01–0.36 ± 0.04%), crude fiber (0.64 ± 0.03–1.22 ± 0.03%), carbohydrate (84.15 ± 0.24–88.26 ± 0.15%) and energy content (354.25 ± 0.57–370.02 ± 0.39 kcal/g). Total flavonoid content (21.44 ± 0.04–34.34 ± 0.03 mgQE/100g) and phenolic content (29.91 ± 0.01–71.46 ± 0.03 mgGAE/100g) was observed, while the highest retention of bioactive compounds was exhibited in Mehersagar cultivar's flour. In terms of appearance, fineness, taste, flavor, color, and overall acceptability, the dried banana flour of both the cultivars obtained from freeze-dried scored overall acceptability 8.04 ± 0.02 and 7.92 ± 0.17, respectively. The scanning electron microscopy analysis of the microstructure of flour granules from each sample revealed a diverse morphological configuration in particle size and shape. According to the findings of this study, the freeze-drying technology is superior to others, and the Mehersagar banana cultivar is more satisfactory in terms of quality characteristics. Moreover, the quality parameters of banana flour may facilitate the formulation of different flour-based gluten-free baked products and food supplements.

Pathogenesis study of blood disease bacterium in local bananas of Malaysia

Banana blood disease (BBD), a banana wilt disease caused by blood disease bacterium (BDB), Ralstonia syzygii subsp. celebesensis (RSC), was first reported in Malaysia in 2007. BDB results in wilting appearance and internal bleeding-like symptoms, which eventually leads to entire crop loss including ready-harvested fruit bunch. Understanding the pathogenesis of BDB in local common banana cultivars provides good foundation to tailor disease management plan to mitigate BBD. To address this need, our study was performed to characterize BDB isolated from locally grown banana plants and to compare the pathogenesis of the bacterium in four most common local banana cultivars. In this study, BDB isolated from Malaysia's plantation was identified and characterized via the molecular and phenotypic method. The pathogenicity of characterized virulent BDB isolate was determined in four local banana cultivars via disease rating that was newly developed specifically for BDB-infected bananas. The identity of the isolated strains was first confirmed as Blood Disease Bacterium using Sanger sequencing analysis of 16s rRNA gene. Standard biochemical tests and growth curve study showed that the BDB isolates were Gram-negative, non-motile rod-shaped, catalase-positive, oxidase-positive bacterium, and had an optimum growth rate at 35 °C. The pathogenicity of a selected virulent BDB isolate was then determined via Koch's Postulates in four local banana cultivars. Recognizing the lack of a specific disease rating scale to quantify the pathogenesis of BDB in bananas, we developed a disease rating scale specifically to BDB-infected bananas in this study. Based on the pathogenicity test, local banana cultivars (cv.) in Malaysia included cv. Berangan, cv. Nipah, cv. Awak and cv. Nangka demonstrated disease severity index (DSI) higher than 95%, indicating their susceptibility towards to BDB. In conclusion, our results showed that the four most common banana cultivars in Malaysia were highly susceptible to infection by virulent BDB.

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

Tapping into the wealth of local banana diversity for pest and disease resistance and consumer acceptability: a catalogue of the most popular cultivars in local markets across the world

Tapping into the wealth of local banana diversity for pest and disease resistance and consumer acceptability: a catalogue of the most popular cultivars in local markets across the world

Farmers' preferences for East African highland cooking banana 'Matooke' hybrids and local cultivars

BackgroundAn understanding of farmers' preferences of new banana cultivars and their characteristics is critical for developing and selecting cultivars that meet consumer needs. Therefore, phenotypic selection in a genetically variable population remains an important aspect of plant breeding.MethodsThe participatory varietal selection approach for preference ranking was used on 31 'Matooke' secondary and primary triploid hybrids and local banana cultivars evaluated between 2016 and 2019 in Uganda and Tanzania to investigate how farmers' preference attributes could help breeders identify superior cultivars. The quantitative data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The qualitative data from farmers' focus group discussions (FGDs) were described using content analysis. The Mann–Whitney U test and Wilcoxon's signed-rank test were used to confirm the difference in farmers' preferences between groups.ResultsFarmers' approaches for defining characteristics were multivariate, and their preferences varied by site and country. Large fruit, a large bunch, market acceptability of the banana bunch, a sturdy stem, and an attractive appearance of the banana plant were the characteristics most preferred by farmers in Tanzania and Uganda. Tanzanian farmers preferred large bunches over other characteristics like bunch marketability and robust stem. Large fruit, drought tolerance, a strong stem, and phenotypic similarity to local cultivars were prioritized by Ugandan farmers. Both men and women farmers were more concerned with production-related characteristics, but the former valued marketing-related characteristics more, while the latter preferred use-related characteristics. Their preferences did not differ statistically, but the relative importance assigned by each group to the selected attributes was different.ConclusionFarmers' varietal preferences are frequently based on some assumed requirements, resulting in cultivar rejection or non-adoption. Therefore, determining the value attributed to each characteristic by various farmer groups is crucial in developing 'Matooke' banana cultivars with desired attributes that will boost the rate of adoption on-farms. Breeding initiatives that establish a system of integrated approaches and rely on thorough diagnosis of both production and consumption characteristics will best serve farmers' diverse preferences. To accomplish this, planning for varietal improvement initiatives at various levels—including internationally, regionally, nationally, and locally—would require a strong participatory structure that is gender inclusive.

Diversity of &lt;i&gt;Fusarium&lt;/i&gt; Endophytes Isolated from Wild Bananas in Pandenglang, Indonesia

A group of Fusarium spp., in the Fusarium oxysporum species complex is known as pathogens on bananas, i.e., Fusarium wilt or Panama Disease. However, many Fusarium spp. are also known to be endophytes inside healthy banana plants and have been less explored and investigated. Fusarium endophytes have been demonstrated to be effective against the Fusarium pathogen that causes wilting in some crops such as tomatoes and watermelon. Thus, we explored endophytes Fusarium from local bananas in Pandenglang Banten for further use as biocontrol of Fusarium wilt. Four wild banana accessions were identified, from which 9 Fusarium isolates recovered from its pseudostems asymptomatic plants. All isolates were characterized based on their morphological characters and sequence of the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) gene. These isolates belong to four complexes of Fusarium i.e. Fusarium equiseti species complex, Fusarium oxysporum species complex, Fusarium sambucinum species complex, and Fusarium solani species complex (currently described as Neocosmospora). Further study on molecular characterization of these isolates using specific genes and their potential antagonists of pathogens still needs to be discovered for other use as a biocontrol against Fusarium wilt.

Inter Simple Sequence Repeat-Based Genetic Divergence and Varietal Identification of Banana in Pakistan

Banana is one of the major cash and fruit crops of Pakistan. The lack of information concerning genetic diversity and purity within locally cultivated banana varieties is a major bottleneck in improving its genetics. Due to the existence of a narrow genetic background, it’s quite important to find genomic variations in banana varieties. DNA marker-based techniques have been used to effectively characterize banana varieties. In the current study, Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers were used to characterize banana cultivars and to assess the genetic diversity of 14 local banana varieties grown in Pakistan. Out of the 45 primers used, 40 primers revealed reproducible results and produced 121 polymorphic bands, which contributed a ratio of 47.87 polymorphism. The ISSR UBC-835 and UBC-834 possessed the highest PIC ranged between (86–88%) in banana varieties, while the lowest PIC (46%) was detected in the case of UBC−857 marker with (100–1500 bp) PCR product size. Pairwise Jaccard’s similarity coefficient values were also calculated, and these were ranged from 0.56–0.88. Multivariate analysis divided 14 banana varieties into two distinct groups—A and B respectively—and furthermore into subgroups, clusters, and sub−clusters. Our results indicated that at the molecular level, the banana varieties in group—A were found to be 66% similar whereas in group B were 88% similar. Nei’s genetic diversity, PCA analysis, and a minimum spanning tree depicted Fenjiao, Dajiao, and NIGAB-2 as the most diverse members as compared to all other varieties of the three populations. Out of 14 varieties used, 11 varieties were uniquely identified by 54 polymorphic ISSR bands of different sizes. Some varieties like NIGAB-2 and NIGAB-3 were uniquely identified only with one band while others were tagged by multiple unique bands. In future, this study will be utilized to establish a molecular-based protocol for the identification of banana varieties.

Phenotypic Variation and RAPD Polymorphism of Pisang Kepok Local Cultivars (Musa acuminata x Musa balbisiana, ABB, Saba Subgroup)

Pisang Kepok is a major local banana cultivar in Indonesia with high economic, social and cultural value. Particularly on the island of Java, there are several variations of Pisang Kepok recognised with their own local names, which makes difficulties in taxonomic identification and grouping. Morphological features are used in conventional banana cultivar classification, but they are deemed less precise due to their subjectivity, thus, it is supposed to be complemented with a molecular approach. This study aims to identify the phenotypic variation of Pisang Kepok local cultivars also their genetic polymorphism using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA marker. Phenotypic variation was observed using 35 morphological characters. Six RAPD primers were used, i.e. OPA2, OPA3, OPA4, OPA11, OPA12, and OPA18. Clustering analysis, both phenotypic and genetic were performed using PAST v4.02. The morphological characterisation identified four variants of Pisang Kepok i.e. Kepok Abang, Kepok Putih, Kepok Manurun, and Kepok Australi; which all confirmed as ABB genome group. Phenotypic clustering showed that Pisang Kepok cultivars were separated into 3 clusters based on their local name, with a high similarity value of &gt;90%. PCA biplot showed that the fruit flesh colour was the most important character contributed to the cultivar variation. RAPD marker also showed that each specimen was grouped according to its local name and source, with a similarity value of &gt;80%. Both morphology and molecular (RAPD) markers resulted in the branching of Pisang Kepok which was closer to Pisang Klutuk than Pisang Barlin.