Genetic Improvement in Banana: A Breeding Approach

Author: Divya Hari, Simi S. and Manju P.R.

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Abstract

Banana is a major fruit crop grown in the tropical and sub-tropical regions. The sustainable banana production is threatened by an ever increasing range of pests and diseases and adverse environmental conditions like drought and salinity. Enhancing the genetic makeup of bananas is essential for creating novel varieties that are both high-yielding and well-suited to various environmental circumstances. The combination of traditional breeding methods with advanced biotechnology, such as genomic research and transformation techniques, holds significant promise in driving the attainment of a sustainable banana production system. The breeding programs include introduction, selection, mutation breeding, hybridization and biotechnological approach to expedite the development of improved banana varieties with desired traits, including disease resistance, climate resilience, and nutritional value. Thus, developing banana varieties/ hybrids suitable for sustainable production under changing climatic conditions is the need of the hour.

Keywords

Conventional, biotechnological, introduction, selection, mutation, hybridization

Conclusion

Integration of high-throughput technologies from various scientific fields further accelerates the breeding process. Molecular biology techniques such as Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS) and Genomic Selection (GS) enable breeders to rapidly identify and select plants with the desired traits based on their genetic makeup. Tissue culture methods, including the embryo culture, multiple shoot induction etc. aid in the production of huge numbers of plants with favorable traits, allowing for faster evaluation and selection. Furthermore, information technology plays a crucial role in streamlining breeding programs. Tools like the banana tracker, which likely refers to software or systems designed for tracking and managing breeding data, facilitate data organization, analysis, and decision-making. These technological advancements collectively contribute to the acceleration of breeding programs and enable the development of desirable banana hybrids in a shorter time frame. In summary, the combination of genetic modification, genome editing, and advanced scientific technologies in banana breeding programs offers immense potential for creating varieties with desirable traits. The existing natural variation in bananas, coupled with high-throughput molecular biology, tissue culture, and information technology, paves the way for rapid and efficient crop improvement in the years to come.

References

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How to cite this article

Divya Hari, Simi S. and Manju P.R. (2023). Genetic Improvement in Banana: A Breeding Approach. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(9): 444-447.