Cross-compatibility and seed set in banana cultivars

Abstract

In the studies undertaken to test the compatibility and seed set in banana cultivars, out of the 18 cross combinations only 3 combinations were found successful. The successful combinations were Palayankodan x Pisang Lilin; Rasthali x Pisang Lilin and Nendran x Pisane Lilin. Seed production was maximum in Palayankodan (102.96 seeds per bunch) followed by Nendran (13.65 seeds per bunch). Rasthali produced the least number of seeds per bunch (10.98). The fertility pattern with respect to position of hands in a bunch showed variation. In Palayankodan, fertility was maximum in the third hand (27.33); while in Nendran second hand was more fertile (7.00). Rasthali produced maximum number of seeds in second and third hands (2.66).