Introduction of Taiwan banana variety Taisao 2, banana growth habits and resistance to yellow leaf disease

The existing banana varieties in the province are mainly Cavendish and Xianren bananas, which are of medium-high type and are not easy to be managed and harvested. At the same time, it is often damaged by the wind. The dwarf banana plant of Babedo is short and strong, which can reduce the loss of wind damage, reduce labor and improve the management efficiency of banana orchard.

Variety source: this variety was introduced by Mr. Chen Yutang, former director of the institute, from a black farm run by Babedo in 1988. its original name is unknown, so it is known as Babedo dwarf banana.

After 75 years of breeding, 5 dwarf varieties were selected from 21 dwarf varieties collected by our institute for detailed comparative experiment. after 4 years of experiment, it was further determined that the dwarf banana introduced from Babedo and the Philippines were suitable for planting in this province. A two-year regional adaptability test was carried out in 7 experimental areas in the central and southern part of the province in 79-80. Farmers' trial cultivation was carried out in various banana areas of the province in 77 and 80 in 81. Babedo dwarf banana showed the characteristics of sturdiness, wind resistance, high yield and stability in all experiments.

Variety characteristics

The main results are as follows: (1) Plant type: Babedo dwarf banana is of medium dwarf type. the plant height of the second generation of new plant is about 230 to 260 cm, which is 20 to 30 cm shorter than that of Beijiao. The plant height of the persistent root is about 255 to 280 cm, which is about 50 to 60 cm shorter than that of the northern banana. The pseudostem of Babedo dwarf banana is stout, the average leaf length is about 190 to 210 cm, which is slightly shorter than that of Beijiao, the leaf shape ratio is about 2.17 to 2.29, and the leaf shape is broad and dense. Another characteristic of Babedo dwarf banana is that after flowering, if the male flower is not removed, the male flower bracts remain on the flower axis, while the northern banana has only a little residue.

(2) growth habits: the growth cycle of Babedo dwarf banana is similar to that of Beijiao, which is about 11-12 months. Under good management, it takes 220 to 250 days from planting to heading and 340 to 370 days to harvest. In order to match the export season, it is suitable to be planted in March to May.

(2) Resistance to yellow leaf disease: Babedo dwarf banana was not resistant to yellow leaf disease (Fusarium wilt, race 4), which was the same as that of northern banana. (3) yield: the yield per plant of Babedo dwarf banana was not significantly different from that of Beijiao. At the time of harvest, the average number of fruit handles reached 7 to 8, and the average fruit weight per plant was 22 to 24 kilograms, which could reach 27 kilograms under good conditions. The qualified rate of export is based on the type and size of fruit handle, which is about 80-85 in high-yield banana orchards and 88-95% in general banana countries.

(4) the characteristics of post-ripening: the yellowing days and shelf life after ripening by ethylene at 20 °C were about 4 days respectively, which was the same as that of Beijiao. The same is true of sugar content, which is generally between 21 and 22 degrees. From the tasting experience, there is no significant difference in flavor, aroma and Q degree between Beijiao and Beijiao. (5) adaptation area: Babedo dwarf banana was planted in the central, southern and eastern flat banana orchards, and the performance was good. The soil should be medium or above sandy loam, loam and clay loam. The banana garden with deep soil and good drainage is better.