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  • Writer's pictureHariKishore Reddy

Banana Varieties| Which Banana Variety is Best For cultivation| BestPractiz-Agri

Updated: May 1, 2021

Varieties:


Bananas are basically classified into 2 species, Musa paradisiaca– those used as cooking bananas and M. sapientum– those used as dessert bananas. There are many varieties of bananas cultivated all around the world under each species. In that most popular M.sapientum varieties in India are,



1. Chinese banana and Canary banana (Dwarf Cavendish) :

  • Grown extensively for table and processing purpose in the states Maharashtra, Gujarat, Bihar and West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

  • The plant is Dwarf sized and so it is less damage to wind damage.

  • The average bunch weight with 6-7 hands and with about 13 fruits per hand is about 15-25 kg

  • Performs well under light soils with high inputs. In combination with high-density planting and drip irrigation, Dwarf Cavendish is becoming a highly successful cultivar with Average yield of 50-60 tons/ha.

  • Highly susceptible to Sigatoka leaf spot disease in humid tropics

2. Robusta (AAA) :

  • A semi-tall variety, grown mostly in Tamil Nadu and some parts of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra for table purpose.

  • Bunch weighs about 25-30 kg with sweet taste and aroma.

  • Average yield 50-60 tons/ha.

  • Fruit has a poor keeping quality leading to a quick breakdown of pulp after ripening, hence not suited for long distance transportation. Robusta is highly susceptible to Sigatoka leaf spot disease in humid tropics.

  • Overall, high yield plant suitable for local markets.

3. Rasthali (Silk AAB):

  • Medium tall, Long duration variety commercially grown in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka and Bihar for table purpose.

  • Unique fruit quality has made Rasthali popular and a highly prized cultivar for table purpose

  • Fruits are yellowish green throughout their development, but turn pale yellow to golden yellow after ripening with good aroma.

  • Average yield 40-50 tons/ha.

  • Severe susceptibility to Fusarium wilt, requirement of bunch cover to protect fruits from sun cracking and formation of hard lumps in fruits make crop production more expensive.

4. Poovan (Mysore AAB):

  • It is generally cultivated as a perennial crop grown all over the country and in the specific regions like Palayankodan in Kerala, Poovan in Tamil Nadu,Karpura Chakkarakeli in Andhra Pradesh and Alpan in North Eastern Region.

  • Fruit is slightly acidic, firm and has typical sour-sweet aroma and the demand for leafs of Poovan is always high in few south states.

  • Average yield is 40-50 tons/ha.

  • Highly susceptible to Banana Bract Mosaic Viral (BBMV) disease and Banana Streak Virus (BSV),which cause considerable reduction in yield.

5. Nendran (AAB) :

  • Popular variety in Kerala for processing process.

  • Bunch has 5-6 hands weighing about 12-15 kg.

  • Dark green colour of the fruit changes to buff yellow colour when ripe.

  • Highly susceptible to Banana Bract Mosaic Virus (BBMV), nematodes and borers.

6. Red Banana (AAA) :

  • Most relished and highly prized variety of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, popular in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and to some extent in Western and Central India.

  • The fruit bunches weigh 20-30 kg and the average yield of the crop is 45 tons/ha.

  • The fruits are orange yellow in colour with sweet taste.

  • The colour of the pseudostem, petiole, midrib and fruit rind is purplish red

  • Highly susceptible to bunchy top, fusarium wilt and nematodes.

7. Ney Poovan (AB) :

  • Cultivated in the regions of Kerala, Tamilnadu and Karnataka.

  • The fruit bunches weigh 15-30 kg after 12-14 months.

  • Dark green fruits turn golden yellow with a very good keeping quality and sweet taste and aroma.

  • Susceptible to Fusarium wilt and banana bract mosaic virus but tolerant to leaf spots.

8. Virupakashi (AAB):

  • Cultivated especially for table purpose in the regions of Tamilnadu

  • Hard and vigorous variety with nice aroma and taste

  • Suitable for higher altitudes

  • Susceptible for Banana Bunchy Top Virus

9. Pachanadan (AAB):

  • Cultivated in Tamilnadu regions for the cooling effect as an inter-crop with coconut

  • Fruit bunch weight ranges from 12-15 kg after 11-12 months

  • Tolerant to leaf spot and Banana Bunchy Top Virus (BBTV) diseases, but susceptible to wilt disease

10. Monthan (ABB):

  • Cultivated for processing purpose in the regions of Tamilnadu

  • Fruit bunches weigh 18-20 kg with the average yield of 30-40 tons/ha of the crop after 12 months.

  • Plants are tall, robust and resistance to diseases.

11. Karpuravalli (ABB):

  • Tall, robust plant cultivated in the regions of Tamilnadu and Kerala for table purpose

  • Fruits are sweet, golden colour with high keeping quality.

  • Tolerant to leaf spot disease and well suited for drought, salt affected areas and for low input conditions but highly susceptible to wilt disease.

12. Safed Velchi Musa (AB Group):

  • Grown in the regions of Maharashtra and Karanataka for table purpose

  • Plants are medium sized and yields large fruits.

  • The bunch of the fruits weigh 12 kg with the duration of 13 months for plant

  • The average yield of the crop is 45 tons/ha

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