Field performance of two IITA plantain hybrids (‘PITA-1’, ‘PITA-4’) were assessed at two locations in Ghana alongside two local landraces (False Horn ‘Brodeyuo’, Intermediate French ‘Oniaba’) and a hybrid cultivar ‘Apem Hemaa’ (‘FHIA-21’). The objective of the study was to identify high yielding and disease resistant hybrids for growers in Ghana. The hybrids were evaluated for their agronomic performance and yield, tolerance to Black Sigatoka disease, number of functional leaves at flowering and at harvest, crop cycle, plant height and pseudostem girth. The results showed that the hybrids were tolerant/resistant to the Black Sigatoka (Mycosphaerella fi jiensis) disease with high number of functional leaves at flowering and at harvest. This characteristic of the hybrids was an important feature that could fit well into the smallholder cropping system. The crop cycles were comparable to that of ‘False Horn’ plantains. The yield performance of the hybrids was better compared to the landraces. The number of hands per bunch produced by the hybrids was also higher than those of the landraces except the intermediate French plantain (‘Oniaba’). The finger lengths of the IITA hybrids were however shorter compared to the landraces and this could hinder their acceptance by consumers.

Musa hybrids; landraces; agronomy; yield; Black Sigatoka

Published by University of Zagreb, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagreb, CROATIA
Sponsored by Ministry Science and Education of the Republic of Croatia