DISEASE RESISTANT BANANA AND COOKING BANANA HYBRIDS
DEVELOPED BY FHIA
The 5 hybrids illustrated in this booklet have all been
successfully cultivated in at least one country. Most of them have been
evaluated in several countries, and the reports about their performance
and acceptance by farmers and consumers have been positive.
All of these hybrids have disease resistances not found in
similar-type natural varieties. And, all have proven to be more robust and
productive than the different natural varieties which most closely
resemble the individual hybrids.
FHIA will make an earnest effort to supply small
quantities of rooted tissue-cultured plants to those who request them.
Packages are sent by the DHL international courier and the shipping cost
is about $80.00 from Honduras to most countries. It would be helpful if
FHIA could be reimbursed for this expense, but this is not a requirement
for receiving plants. Instructions and photos describing how the plants
should be handled will be sent with each shipment. When the plants produce
fruit, any information which could be provided about the opinions of the
different hybrids by
farmers and consumers would be greatly appreciated. It is anticipated that
there will be a demand for additional planting material after the
preliminary evaluations of the plant and fruit characteristics of these
hybrids. An illustrated description of a practical method for rapid field
multiplication of plants is available from FHIA, and a free copy will be
mailed to interested persons upon request.
Please address correspondence to: Dr. Phil Rowe, FHIA,
P.O. Box 2067, San
Pedro Sula, Honduras; Email:dinvest@simon.intertel.hn; Phone: (504)
668-2078; Fax: (504) 668-2313.
FHIA-01 - - hardy, semi-dwarf, apple-flavored dessert
banana which is resistant to Panama disease, tolerant to Sigatoka leaf
spots, and resistant to nematodes. Is being grown commercially in
Australia. Adapted to a wide range of climates, including subtropical
conditions and high altitudes. Also has a good flavor and texture as a
boiled or fried
(sliced) green cooking banana. The strong plant supports bunch weights of
100 lbs. without a need for propping.
FHIA-03 - - hardy, semi-dwarf, cooking banana which is
resistant to black Sigatoka, Panama disease, and Moko disease, and is
tolerant to nematodes. Is being grown commercially in Cuba (where it is
eaten primarily as a ripe dessert banana) and Grenada. Adapted to a wide
range of climates, including subtropical conditions and high altitudes.
The strong plant supports bunch weights of more than 100 lbs. without a
need for propping.
FHIA-03 - - showing the recommended way for harvesting
fruit a hand at a time in home gardens. This partial harvesting of fruit
from bunches which remain on the plants prolongs the green life of the
remnant fruit. By using this technique, green fruit for cooking is
available from the same bunch over a 2-month period.
FHIA-17 - - hardy, semi-dwarf dessert banana with a flavor
like that of the export bananas in U.S. and European supermarkets.
Resistant to Panama disease and the banana root borer insect, and tolerant
to black Sigatoka. Has performed well in subtropical conditions and higher
altitudes where Sigatoka leaf spot infection is suppressed by the climatic
conditions. Fruit ripens naturally to a golden yellow without the gassing
which is necessary for ripening the Cavendish export banana. A strong
plant, but propping may be necessary to support heavy bunches of more than
100 lbs.
FHIA-18 - - hardy, semi-dwarf, apple-flavored dessert
banana which is resistant to Panama disease and nematodes, and is tolerant
to black Sigatoka. Is being grown commercially in Cuba. As is the case
with all the apple-flavored bananas, it must be allowed to ripen fully
(with no green tips on the fruit) before eating. Ripens naturally to a
golden yellow color. The strong plants support large bunches without a
need for propping.
FHIA-25 -hardy, semi-dwarf cooking banana which is highly
resistant to black Sigatoka. Like the East African cooking
bananas, it is for cooking green only. The consumers in Honduras rate the
boiled and fried (as thin slices) green fruit of this hybrid as equal to
or better than plantains. It is anticipated that this hybrid will become
very popular in all areas where green cooked bananas and plantains are
appreciated. The strong plants support bunches of more than 100 lbs.
without a need for propping.
FHIA-25 - - showing the recommended way for harvesting
fruit a hand at a time in home gardens. This partial harvesting of fruit
from bunches which remain on the plants prolongs the green life of the
remnant fruit. By using this technique, green fruit for cooking is
available from the same bunch over a 2-month period. Whole bunches can be
harvested for selling in markets. The fruit of harvested bunches has a
green life of about 10 days, so it is anticipated that this will be a
successful crop for both family food plots and farmers.
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