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.
