Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Fig. 8.4.
Growth of
fi
nger, pulp and skin fresh mass of 'Gros Michel' in the
Caribbean (Simmonds, 1982).
CULTIVAR DEVELOPMENT
Genetics and cytogenics
The haploid number is n = 11, with 22, 33 and 44 chromosomes being found
in the diploids, triploids and tetraploids. There are 200-300 clones, of which
more than half are triploids. Triploids are more vigorous, easier to grow and
higher yielding than diploids (Gowen, 1995). Some tetraploids have been
developed that have desirable characteristics such as Sigatoka tolerance and
high yields.
Problems in breeding
The majority of breeding ef orts have been directed at the AAA group, because
the group has the highest export potential. However, female sterility and the
low numbers of viable pollen make conventional breeding very dii cult. Some
inferior cultivars can, under controlled conditions, produce seeds; however,
it takes 3 years from seed to seed. In the Honduran breeding programme of
the Honduran Agricultural Research Foundation (Fundación Hondureña de
Investigación Agricola, FHIA), the AAA 'Gros Michel' dessert banana is used
in many instances as the female parent for crosses, as some fruits have seeds.
