Introduction, Evaluation and Adoption of an Exotic Banana (MusaAAB cv ‘Popoulu’) (EC320555) to Kerala, India

Abstract

Introduction, characterization and evaluation of exotic Musa germplasm has been undertaken at the Banana Research Station (BRS), Kannara, Kerala since 1994, under the aegis of All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Tropical Fruits, with the view to widen genetic base of this important crop. An exotic cultivar 'Popoulu' belonging to the Maia Maoli/Popoulu group of the AAB genomic group was characterized and evaluated under Kerala growing conditions. Results revealed that 'Popoulu' is a potential dessert and cooking exotic banana cultivar, highly suited for preparation of chips with a recovery of 33%, similar to 'Nendran'. The higher bunch weight of 'Popoulu' contributes to higher yield of chips. 'Popoulu' has great potential for popularization amongst farmers of Kerela, as a profi table cultivar to complement 'Nendran' ecotypes.

Popoulu: A Promising Plantain Banana Could Strengthen the Banana Chips Industry in India

“…The low finger weights, finger length and girth are not economically suitable for processing due to the higher percentage of wastage during handling and peeling. The results obtained in the present study with respect to variation in yield, finger weight, finger length and finger girth are in similar lines with the findings of Rajmanickam and Rajmohan (2010), Menon et al (2014) and Ssali et al (2016) in other banana varieties.…”

“…The higher finger weight (417.00 g), finger girth (23.33 cm) resulted in higher pulp recovery and thus recorded the maximum chips recovery. Varietal variation in chips recovery was reported in the earlier studies by Dadzie and Orjeda (1998), Menon et al (2014) and Belayneh et al (2014).…”

“…Longer crop duration in a way poses increased risks in crop production and also requires more inputs such as water, fertilizers or crop protection measures leading to increased cost of cultivation. Variations in crop duration among banana genotypes during evaluation have been reported by many workers (Kunchala, 2012;Menon et al 2014).…”

“…Popoulu is an exotic introduction acquired by National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), New Delhi from Musa International Transit Centre (ITC), Leuven, Belgium, earlier known as International Network for Improvement of Banana and Plantain (INIBAP). The preliminary evaluation of Popoulu was done at Banana Research Station (BRS), Kannara, Kerala, indicated its potentiality in terms of yield, quality and processing attributes in India (Menon, 2000;Menon et al 2014). Yet it's potential for chips making and consumer acceptance in terms of sensory evaluation for its commercialization is needed.…”

Studies on vegetative characterization of some elite Banana Genotypes (Musa spp.)

“…Nendran. Menon et al (2014) [11] recorded pseudostem height of 295.6 cm in Popoulu and 301.0 cm in Nendran. They also observed pseudostem girth of 51.6 cm in Popoulu and 50.6 cm in Nendran.…”