Cross compatibility of banana clones

Abstract

Studies were conducted in the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, Kerala on the cross compatibility of banana clones using 20 female and six male parents. Out of the 27 cross combinations tried, only eight combinations, all between triploid female and diploid male parents, were compatible. The results pointed out that interclonal hybridization is possible in banana using compatible clones. Seed production was maximum in the cross Agniswar x Pisang Lilin followed by Palayankodan x Pisang Lilin (AA) and Palayankodan x Sikuzani. The fertility pattern with reference to hands in a bunch showed varietal variation. Seed fertility was observed for the first time in Nendran, the leading commercial cultivar of Kerala, thus pointing out the possibility of improvement of this clone through hybridization.